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patmcmanamon's review against another edition
2.0
Small taste of Dublin
The book was recommended because I read and loved Strumpet City. But while this story was a good and heartwarming one, the tale in no way has the gravitas or interest of Strumpet City. This book does give an interesting look at the struggles of the poor in Dublin, but even with its occasionally lively conversations and tales, it does not have great impact. It’s a decent read. An easy read. Just not a great read.
The book was recommended because I read and loved Strumpet City. But while this story was a good and heartwarming one, the tale in no way has the gravitas or interest of Strumpet City. This book does give an interesting look at the struggles of the poor in Dublin, but even with its occasionally lively conversations and tales, it does not have great impact. It’s a decent read. An easy read. Just not a great read.
cemoses's review against another edition
3.0
At first I thought it was the beginning of a mystery series which it is not.
It is readable; a sort of Upstairs/Downstairs. However, I did not find the rich people convincing. Also I thought the novel lacked a sense of direction.
It is readable; a sort of Upstairs/Downstairs. However, I did not find the rich people convincing. Also I thought the novel lacked a sense of direction.
bekahmurphy's review
3.0
A series of Improbable Events
This is supposed to be a story of a woman pulling herself out of poverty, but her rise would not be possible without some truly outlandish things happening. The book has to really twist events to make them seems OK for the "heroes" to be doing, but how Emmy is brought into their lives is just not OK. There are real dangers in Ivy's life, but she seems idiotically unconcerned with them. And then the book just sort of ends.
Also, there is quite a bit of slang used without explanation and then the author makes a point to define "none of your beeswax" - a very common term, at least where I am from in Massachusetts.
This is supposed to be a story of a woman pulling herself out of poverty, but her rise would not be possible without some truly outlandish things happening. The book has to really twist events to make them seems OK for the "heroes" to be doing, but how Emmy is brought into their lives is just not OK.
Spoiler
The description describes Ivy and Jem as helping a homeless girl, but in reality they kidnap her and "borrow" the money she was found with rather than trying to find her actual family.Also, there is quite a bit of slang used without explanation and then the author makes a point to define "none of your beeswax" - a very common term, at least where I am from in Massachusetts.
jkkb332's review
3.0
Good story, good setting, good characters, but needs a LOT of editing. The writing isn't bad, but the grammar is atrocious.
kcherry's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
smj8806's review
1.0
The hatefulness with which Christianity and the Catholic faith are portrayed is absolutely vile.
kpeerman1's review
4.0
Really great if you're into historical fiction. The main character is smart and funny. Things go a little too right in the end. I feel like there should have been a touch of bitterness, but it ended with a toothache. Overall, though, a good story.
reddaeg's review against another edition
An enjoyable read - definitely some unresolved plot points designed to encourage me to pick up the next one, but still fun and absorbing.