Reviews with content warning for Forced institutionalization - The Address

A page turner, but not my favorite from Davis. I felt less connected with the characters and the outcome of the story set in the 1980s and it thus didn't balance the sadness of the earlier timeline for me.

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nerdglasses08's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.5

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angelaf's review against another edition

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emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

The Address traces two mirrored, intertwining timelines of families living in The Dakota. While the architectural history satisfies, the plot makes several far-fetched leaps. I think the book would have been stronger if it focused on actual inhabitants of the building, instead of purely fictional characters. I do prefer more history than fiction in my historical fiction.

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bookishandlegal's review

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emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I enjoyed this one! Fiona Davis' books have a really great way of bringing NYC buildings to life and the descriptions of the buildings are great. I loved the time period this one was set in (1880's) and it's not one I see represented a lot in books. The descriptions of NYC from the 1880's were amazing and it was wild to be picturing 72nd street and central park west being undeveloped and basically farm land. This book alternates between the events of 1884/85 and 1985 and the stories are connected and intertwined throughout. I liked the story line set in 1885 better than the 1985 one and found the older story line more engaging. The way the two timelines ended up connecting was good and I guessed some of it, but definitely not all of it. Overall, this was an enjoyable book while reading but was not an overall memorable story and I don't think it'll stay with me for a long time.

CW: alcoholism, drug addiction, rehab, forced institutionalization

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birdbrainbooks's review against another edition

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lighthearted sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I’ve long eyed Fiona Davis books and wondered if I would like them. This one was very enjoyable! It helped that the setting is particularly relevant for me—I live down the block from The Dakota, the legendary NYC apartment building in which the book takes place.
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There are two storylines, alternating between 1885 and 1985. At first it took a while for me to get into the rhythm but I did enjoy how they both eventually came together and shed light on each other.
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I absolutely loved the main character of the earlier timeline, Sara. The character of Theo felt a bit one-dimensional for me for a while and although that slightly improves, it isn’t done quite to the extent I wanted. I liked the female friendships and relationships throughout, especially the unexpected ones. Sometimes the plot was a bit of a stretch or melodramatic, but overall it was a fun read.

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