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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I don't think this is a perfect book for a lot of people but it was a perfect book for me specifically. A few years ago I read and was disappointed by Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet, and one of my chief complaints was the way it was overwritten with just so many unnecessary flourishes in the prose. It was difficult to totally nail down why it didn't work for me, because I knew in theory, having a book be filled with lush language that enhances a vibe but doesn't push the story forward, could be exactly my thing.
This is the book where it's exactly my thing. There was a real magic to the rhythm of this text, I thought the use of metaphor and the abundance of unfamiliar words and names made it seem more... authentic? Immediate? I really felt like I was inside of this world with these characters. And I came to care for them so much, and fear for them along with Hild, as various political machinations would pull the possible safety and future of these characters in different directions.
I was NOT expecting that ending with Cian, and it cemented my decision to read Menewood sooner rather than later. I'll probably wait a bit just because I don't want to breeze through the sequel too quickly, I want to have something to look forward to!
I think I'm struggling to talk about what makes this a five-star read because I don't really know if it's the most brilliant work in its own right on the level of plot or theme, there's definitely some repetition and the way time slows down and stretches throughout the book can make the pacing a little strange... but reading experience-wise, this was entirely my shit and I deeply loved it!
This is the book where it's exactly my thing. There was a real magic to the rhythm of this text, I thought the use of metaphor and the abundance of unfamiliar words and names made it seem more... authentic? Immediate? I really felt like I was inside of this world with these characters. And I came to care for them so much, and fear for them along with Hild, as various political machinations would pull the possible safety and future of these characters in different directions.
I was NOT expecting that ending with Cian, and it cemented my decision to read Menewood sooner rather than later. I'll probably wait a bit just because I don't want to breeze through the sequel too quickly, I want to have something to look forward to!
I think I'm struggling to talk about what makes this a five-star read because I don't really know if it's the most brilliant work in its own right on the level of plot or theme, there's definitely some repetition and the way time slows down and stretches throughout the book can make the pacing a little strange... but reading experience-wise, this was entirely my shit and I deeply loved it!
adventurous
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A compelling historical novel based on what little we know about Hilda of Whitby, who helped convert England to Christianity in the Middle Ages. The author has clearly done a great deal of research, constructing a world that feels vibrant and real and yet very different from our own, thanks to passage of time. She also creates great character and conflict, showing Hild and the others not just as historical figures, but as fully fleshed-out people with desires and personal challenges. Highly recommended.
I think there was a good story in here somewhere, but it was buried in too much detail. A lot of the plot happened offscreen, with confusing time jumps. The concept of gemaecce was really interesting so it was a bit disappointing to find it was just made up based on very little.
Also I was just very uncomfortable with the sex scenes between Hild and Gwladus. It seemed like we were supposed to give Hild credit for not sexually exploiting her slave as much as she could have? Which, no. And the depiction of Gwladus was creepy and objectifying in other scenes too. The other reviewer who said the sex scenes sounded like something from George RR Martin was spot on, unfortunately.
Also I was just very uncomfortable with the sex scenes between Hild and Gwladus. It seemed like we were supposed to give Hild credit for not sexually exploiting her slave as much as she could have? Which, no. And the depiction of Gwladus was creepy and objectifying in other scenes too. The other reviewer who said the sex scenes sounded like something from George RR Martin was spot on, unfortunately.
Not here to read a slightly embellished and poetic history book for 24 hours. Needs to be read physically to keep up with all the names and definitions of non-english words
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I kept not understanding what was happening and it got a bit dense and confusing. Bummer because I was really hyped about this one. Will hopefully try again some day.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated