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erincdalt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
It's okay. I found it enjoyable enough to finish. I wish there was some more depth and development in Alessandra's relationships.
There are four parts to the novel and I wish it had been broken up and developed separately. There are interesting plot points that feel rushed over to get to the end.
Some recommend skipping the forward but I liked trying to figure out how Alessandra will end up where she does. Although the intrigue of the forward doesn't match the satisfaction of the end.
There were some parts that are icky by today's standards so check content warnings.
If you're interested in historical fiction I highly recommend The Book of Longings, Song of Achilles, or Circe.
This book feels like The Book of Longings meets the Bridgerton series. Do with that information what you will.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Slavery, Adult/minor relationship, Suicide, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Death, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child death
espbear's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Colonisation, Pregnancy, Homophobia, Sexual violence, Torture, Religious bigotry, Slavery, Medical trauma, Blood, Death, Infidelity, Excrement, Self harm, War, Body horror, and Suicide
orshi999's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's a wonderfully written book with rich language. I don't have much knowlage of the Renaissance but it makes to want to read more into it. The story also doesn't exist in a vaccume depending on the characters, the characters are effected by history and the world around them. They change in accordance to that.
one thing that is uncomfortable is the portrayal of homosexual relationships. Since this of course is a historical novel it's not the most inclusive. There is a large agegap both between the main character and her husband and the husband and her brother. Also talks of SA in uncomfortable ways. It fits into the work well but it's not for everyone
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, and Homophobia
Moderate: Infidelity, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, and Suicide
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