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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Surprisingly, I actually very much enjoyed this book! I wasn't sure if I would at first but I ended up adoring most of the characters - especially Moth, Dr. Sadie and even the girls from Miss Everett's. The Virgin Cure is a haunting tale written with a good amount of historical accuracy, which made it very interesting. I especially enjoyed the small blurbs on the sides of the pages that helped explain certain activities and cultural aspects of New York in the late 1800s. I also found Dr. Sadie's notes to be helpful in offering insights otherwise not recognized. I understand some people were unhappy with this formatting, however, her point of view was actually an essential part of the story even if it didn't seem it at the time.
Overall, I REALLY liked this story! I would recommend it to any young woman, especially those struggling with finding their place in the world.
Note: The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because it was a heavy read at times, and in turn took me longer than expected to finish.
Overall, I REALLY liked this story! I would recommend it to any young woman, especially those struggling with finding their place in the world.
Note: The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because it was a heavy read at times, and in turn took me longer than expected to finish.
Nice vignettes of 1870s New York, strong female characters, a very quick read...
I read "The Birth House" by McKay a few years ago, and loved it. That experience, and the high recommendation given by a friend, made me pick up Virgin Cure. "Virgin Cure" is in a similar style and voice as "Birth House" and the historical fiction is engaging, interesting and entertaining if the topic is a little unsettling. Generally, McKay does a good job of describing social reality of the past while protecting the reader's tender sensibilities. The happy ending of both Birth House and Virgin Cure is a little unrealistic, even if it makes it a feel-good-ish read.
3.5
This was a deeply flawed book but I loved it nonetheless. I will continue to read McKay's work but wouldn't recommend this one in particular.
Please be aware that their are instances of paedophilia and detailed rape scenes.
This was a deeply flawed book but I loved it nonetheless. I will continue to read McKay's work but wouldn't recommend this one in particular.
Please be aware that their are instances of paedophilia and detailed rape scenes.
Finished the book over a weekend. I found it well written and throughly researched. It was an interesting Insight into New York in the 1800s
An enjoyable, easy read! Though there is little character development, I still grew to like certain characters over others. I was captivated by the quick pace of Moth's thirteenth year, and by the introduction of a variety of characters from all walks of life.
The ending wrapped up the story nicely, leaving me feeling like everything was complete. This is a great read if you are not looking to get too invested in an emotional story.
The ending wrapped up the story nicely, leaving me feeling like everything was complete. This is a great read if you are not looking to get too invested in an emotional story.
I was greatly disappointed with this book. I loved The Birth House so had somewhat high expectations. I was excited to read it as it takes place in 1870 ish in NYC, a favourite time period of mine. unfortunately this book was incredibly depressing. The subject matter very disturbing. it doesn't help that I've been watching the TV show Copper so had some very graphic images in my mind as to what this world looks like. Yet, unlike Copper, which I like despite its grittiness, there are no likeable characters. As I read I just kept cringing waiting for things to get worse - and they did. I would be very hesitant to recommend this book to anyone.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
This is a book about poverty of pocket and spirit, abuse and prostitution. While the story flowed along and I felt compassion for Moth, it was very dark and disturbing in content.