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3.27 AVERAGE
3.27 AVERAGE
I was very excited to begin this book after reading the description. The premise sounds amazing and the setting and cast of characters sounded promising.
On a German island, a giant wave takes out three young children belonging to the Jansen family. Mothers from the Ludwig Zirkus, from St. Margaret's Home for Pregnant Girls, and from the island town come together to aid each other through grief and other life experiences.
I found the writing extremely difficult to follow. The point of view jumped all over the place without a smooth transition. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and reviewed the book in December. This leaves several months for editing and I would be interested in trying this book again if there were any changes made. It was much too difficult to enjoy the story line the way it's currently written.
The women from various backgrounds that were able to assist each other through their difficult life experiences was very touching. I also enjoyed learning more about the obstacles faced during life in the 1800's.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
On a German island, a giant wave takes out three young children belonging to the Jansen family. Mothers from the Ludwig Zirkus, from St. Margaret's Home for Pregnant Girls, and from the island town come together to aid each other through grief and other life experiences.
I found the writing extremely difficult to follow. The point of view jumped all over the place without a smooth transition. I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and reviewed the book in December. This leaves several months for editing and I would be interested in trying this book again if there were any changes made. It was much too difficult to enjoy the story line the way it's currently written.
The women from various backgrounds that were able to assist each other through their difficult life experiences was very touching. I also enjoyed learning more about the obstacles faced during life in the 1800's.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
A wildly inconsistent narrative style dooms the story's potential into mediocrity. Also: I am DONE with the trope of twincest. DONE, I tell you!!!!
The writing style seems light and airy but the actual story is very dark. This one ramps up slowly but eventually all the threads come together (mostly).
Probably more like 3.5 stars? I really don't have much to say about this one, honestly.
3 stars.*
I download this one based on an online recommendation of upcoming feminist literature.
I wasn't a huge fan. It was an interesting story-although I struggled to make sense of the characters and the time frame. It takes place in a small German village in 1878, and all of the lead up conjured up the impression that I'd be back in Water for Elephants. The only real similarity was the circus. I struggled to relate to any of the characters and the imagery and allegory was just lost on me. It is the story of Lotte and her husband Kalle who suffer following the tragic drowning of three of their four children. They village where they live is home to a former monastery that has been converted into a home for pregnant girls run by nuns. It is also the story of 11-year old Tilli, a pregnant girl who comes to care for Lotte's surviving son after her baby is taken from her and Lotte cannot function after the loss of her other children.
I really enjoyed the writing style and the imagery. I just didn't connect with the story.
*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.
I download this one based on an online recommendation of upcoming feminist literature.
I wasn't a huge fan. It was an interesting story-although I struggled to make sense of the characters and the time frame. It takes place in a small German village in 1878, and all of the lead up conjured up the impression that I'd be back in Water for Elephants. The only real similarity was the circus. I struggled to relate to any of the characters and the imagery and allegory was just lost on me. It is the story of Lotte and her husband Kalle who suffer following the tragic drowning of three of their four children. They village where they live is home to a former monastery that has been converted into a home for pregnant girls run by nuns. It is also the story of 11-year old Tilli, a pregnant girl who comes to care for Lotte's surviving son after her baby is taken from her and Lotte cannot function after the loss of her other children.
I really enjoyed the writing style and the imagery. I just didn't connect with the story.
*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.
A plot like the sea, rising and falling and pulling you back
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
Felt interested afternoon had touched it out for a while. The initial trauma takes place right away and I felt adrift until the three main characters were connected. Once it picked up it was easy to be involved in the story of these three intersecting women, but it took a while to get there and the ending felt abrupt. At least the time period felt interesting and engaging.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hegi left so much unresolved in this book. It was a bit of a slog. She introduces characters then abandons them, leaving me wanting more and not in a good way. Her writing was beautiful as usual. I listened to the audio book, so perhaps it's better to actually read.
2.5 took me forever to finish, just was not invested in any of the characters. Premise was interesting but comparison to Water for Elephants was confusing. Just because it had some characters in a circus.