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marieburton2004's review
5.0
I loved it! Review is up on http://www.burtonbookreview.com/2011/04/book-review-finding-emilie-by-laurel.html
lolabeans's review
4.0
If you're looking for a book that gives an in depth look at pre-Revolution France, this is not it. If you're searching for a book that wraps a glimpse into that time period around a lovely story about an unconventional girl, you've found it.
I think when I started reading I was expecting the former, which lead to my being disappointed upon reading the first few pages. Only after letting go of my preconceptions did I start to enjoy the book for what it was.
I'm not going to go into specifics, as I always give too much a way (and really, you can check the the summary for that), but I will tell you what I liked.
The books put a lot of emphasis on French customs, manner and etiquette among the aristocracy. But unlike many things I've read or movies I've watched that take place in the 18th and 19th centuries, it focuses on the differences between what happens behind closed doors and what happens in public. I've never believed that people can be so proper all of the time and this book explores that in really nice way.
There's a bit of romance. I'm kind of a sucker for romance, so let the cheesy grins ensue.
It reignited my interest in philosophy. I've had a list of works that I've meant to read for ages, but that I forgot about long ago. These books have now moved up in my list and I can think this novel for that.
When it comes down to it this book is a starter book. A nice, light read that will get a reader interested in the specifics in this time period. It's very much a coming of age story, suited for a young adult reader. I love the relationship between the two young women as it's something that many people can relate to. That childhood best friend that you grew up with, the one you love even though you're complete opposites. I can see that friend in my head now.
As to the ending. Yes, it is wrapped up in a bow, but I appreciate that. There is no certainty in the future of these characters, so I will gladly soak in their happiness now, because the rest of their lives may not be so bright.
Overall I recommend this book because as long as you go in with the right expectations I see no reason why you shouldn't enjoy it. I do plan on looking up other books from this author and hopefully if I review those the reviews will be more coherent than this one. ;)
I think when I started reading I was expecting the former, which lead to my being disappointed upon reading the first few pages. Only after letting go of my preconceptions did I start to enjoy the book for what it was.
I'm not going to go into specifics, as I always give too much a way (and really, you can check the the summary for that), but I will tell you what I liked.
The books put a lot of emphasis on French customs, manner and etiquette among the aristocracy. But unlike many things I've read or movies I've watched that take place in the 18th and 19th centuries, it focuses on the differences between what happens behind closed doors and what happens in public. I've never believed that people can be so proper all of the time and this book explores that in really nice way.
There's a bit of romance. I'm kind of a sucker for romance, so let the cheesy grins ensue.
It reignited my interest in philosophy. I've had a list of works that I've meant to read for ages, but that I forgot about long ago. These books have now moved up in my list and I can think this novel for that.
When it comes down to it this book is a starter book. A nice, light read that will get a reader interested in the specifics in this time period. It's very much a coming of age story, suited for a young adult reader. I love the relationship between the two young women as it's something that many people can relate to. That childhood best friend that you grew up with, the one you love even though you're complete opposites. I can see that friend in my head now.
As to the ending. Yes, it is wrapped up in a bow, but I appreciate that. There is no certainty in the future of these characters, so I will gladly soak in their happiness now, because the rest of their lives may not be so bright.
Overall I recommend this book because as long as you go in with the right expectations I see no reason why you shouldn't enjoy it. I do plan on looking up other books from this author and hopefully if I review those the reviews will be more coherent than this one. ;)
cooknbibi's review
4.0
Enjoyable read that kept me interested in the lives of Lily & Delphine. Also, just saw the art installment at the Metropolitan Museum of Art of Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun, contemporary of Emilie du Chatelet. 4 stars maybe too many possibly 3.5 stars but still an enjoyable story.
airotcivzz's review
5.0
So far absolutely in love with this story! A historical fiction based on the brilliant woman in France and her brilliant daughter defying societal constraints and pursuing their individual, personal wants. Beautiful beautiful. Interested to see how it turns out and what Lili learns of her mum, loving personality Corona gives 18th century France. The tensions between nobles and peasantry in the pre-Revolution era is well articulated, though I am a bit confused about Rousseau because I don't recall him ever thinking much of women. While there was Emile, which is mentioned as forbidden, there was also Sophie I believe, or his book on how to raise girls. That was the only part I found a bit hard to buy into, but otherwise the blending of fiction with history is very smoothly written and entertaining to read.
ladyhighwayman's review
4.0
Finding Emilie is the story of Lili, daughter to the brilliant Émilie du Châtelet.
The real story goes: Émilie du Châtelet gives birth, at age 42, to a daughter. Six days later she dies unexpectedly. Records show that her daughter didn't live to see her second birthday.
However, Laurel Corona writes the story of Émilie's daughter as though she did live beyond the age of two. It's the story of a little girl who has no mother and has a father that never wants to see her. Lili lives with her mother's friend Julie de Bercy and her daughter Delphine, who is the same age as Lili.
Unbeknownst to her, Lili is a lot like the mother she never knew. As she grows up, Lili becomes more resistant to the expectations of a young woman of the time. While young women were groomed for marriage, Lili preferred to learn and discover new things. And as for marriage: Lili prefers to wait for love.
Through her childhood and into adulthood, Lili expresses her thoughts and worries through writing a story starring a charcter called Meadowlark. Through Finding Emilie we see bits of the fascinating fantasy story Lili is writing. By reading the characters that Lili creates, we see how Lili truly views the world, frustrations and all.
In Finding Emilie there are also small chapters dedicated to Émilie herself. We see into her brilliant mind and discover the true connection between mother and daughter.
I really loved Finding Emilie. 18th century France came beautifully alive. Lili was a fascinating character. I loved how she thought for herself and took control of her own life. And when she truly 'meets' her mother, by looking through the rooms she once occupied, Lili realizes that something has come over her. It is as though her mother is helping her decide what she needs to do to live life for herself and to be happy.
And something neat: at the end of Finding Emilie are the complete Meadowlark stories that we see bits of throughout the book.
The real story goes: Émilie du Châtelet gives birth, at age 42, to a daughter. Six days later she dies unexpectedly. Records show that her daughter didn't live to see her second birthday.
However, Laurel Corona writes the story of Émilie's daughter as though she did live beyond the age of two. It's the story of a little girl who has no mother and has a father that never wants to see her. Lili lives with her mother's friend Julie de Bercy and her daughter Delphine, who is the same age as Lili.
Unbeknownst to her, Lili is a lot like the mother she never knew. As she grows up, Lili becomes more resistant to the expectations of a young woman of the time. While young women were groomed for marriage, Lili preferred to learn and discover new things. And as for marriage: Lili prefers to wait for love.
Through her childhood and into adulthood, Lili expresses her thoughts and worries through writing a story starring a charcter called Meadowlark. Through Finding Emilie we see bits of the fascinating fantasy story Lili is writing. By reading the characters that Lili creates, we see how Lili truly views the world, frustrations and all.
In Finding Emilie there are also small chapters dedicated to Émilie herself. We see into her brilliant mind and discover the true connection between mother and daughter.
I really loved Finding Emilie. 18th century France came beautifully alive. Lili was a fascinating character. I loved how she thought for herself and took control of her own life. And when she truly 'meets' her mother, by looking through the rooms she once occupied, Lili realizes that something has come over her. It is as though her mother is helping her decide what she needs to do to live life for herself and to be happy.
And something neat: at the end of Finding Emilie are the complete Meadowlark stories that we see bits of throughout the book.
hellohihunter's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
“Maybe we never really know other people. We only know what we expect of them, and sometimes only notice them at all when they do something else instead.”
i was very gently reminded how much i love historical fiction with this book. very good, new comfort read.
i was very gently reminded how much i love historical fiction with this book. very good, new comfort read.
emmyrandomreport's review
3.0
This book was alright. Some of the scenes dragged on a bit with too many details about dresses and enviroments. This is a book about a girl coming to age and making sure she can make choices in a sciotey that frowns on choices for women; yet, the book is very full of frills and lace. After reading what everyone in the room is wearing(or skipping over that), the drama seems rushed at times.
ladyhighwayman's review against another edition
4.0
Finding Emilie is the story of Lili, daughter to the brilliant Émilie du Châtelet.
The real story goes: Émilie du Châtelet gives birth, at age 42, to a daughter. Six days later she dies unexpectedly. Records show that her daughter didn't live to see her second birthday.
However, Laurel Corona writes the story of Émilie's daughter as though she did live beyond the age of two. It's the story of a little girl who has no mother and has a father that never wants to see her. Lili lives with her mother's friend Julie de Bercy and her daughter Delphine, who is the same age as Lili.
Unbeknownst to her, Lili is a lot like the mother she never knew. As she grows up, Lili becomes more resistant to the expectations of a young woman of the time. While young women were groomed for marriage, Lili preferred to learn and discover new things. And as for marriage: Lili prefers to wait for love.
Through her childhood and into adulthood, Lili expresses her thoughts and worries through writing a story starring a charcter called Meadowlark. Through Finding Emilie we see bits of the fascinating fantasy story Lili is writing. By reading the characters that Lili creates, we see how Lili truly views the world, frustrations and all.
In Finding Emilie there are also small chapters dedicated to Émilie herself. We see into her brilliant mind and discover the true connection between mother and daughter.
I really loved Finding Emilie. 18th century France came beautifully alive. Lili was a fascinating character. I loved how she thought for herself and took control of her own life. And when she truly 'meets' her mother, by looking through the rooms she once occupied, Lili realizes that something has come over her. It is as though her mother is helping her decide what she needs to do to live life for herself and to be happy.
And something neat: at the end of Finding Emilie are the complete Meadowlark stories that we see bits of throughout the book.
The real story goes: Émilie du Châtelet gives birth, at age 42, to a daughter. Six days later she dies unexpectedly. Records show that her daughter didn't live to see her second birthday.
However, Laurel Corona writes the story of Émilie's daughter as though she did live beyond the age of two. It's the story of a little girl who has no mother and has a father that never wants to see her. Lili lives with her mother's friend Julie de Bercy and her daughter Delphine, who is the same age as Lili.
Unbeknownst to her, Lili is a lot like the mother she never knew. As she grows up, Lili becomes more resistant to the expectations of a young woman of the time. While young women were groomed for marriage, Lili preferred to learn and discover new things. And as for marriage: Lili prefers to wait for love.
Through her childhood and into adulthood, Lili expresses her thoughts and worries through writing a story starring a charcter called Meadowlark. Through Finding Emilie we see bits of the fascinating fantasy story Lili is writing. By reading the characters that Lili creates, we see how Lili truly views the world, frustrations and all.
In Finding Emilie there are also small chapters dedicated to Émilie herself. We see into her brilliant mind and discover the true connection between mother and daughter.
I really loved Finding Emilie. 18th century France came beautifully alive. Lili was a fascinating character. I loved how she thought for herself and took control of her own life. And when she truly 'meets' her mother, by looking through the rooms she once occupied, Lili realizes that something has come over her. It is as though her mother is helping her decide what she needs to do to live life for herself and to be happy.
And something neat: at the end of Finding Emilie are the complete Meadowlark stories that we see bits of throughout the book.