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beillumined's review against another edition
4.0
I admit, I went into this book with a little bit of trepidation. With the exception of "A Christmas Carol," I am not a fan of Charles Dickens at all. But bot even a chapter in I was pleasantly surprised by how well written this novel was.
This is not an biography of Dickens' marriage or a portrait of his life. But this is a beautifully written, albeit sad reimagining of it from the wife's point of view. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, even though I hated some of the characters. Just as I imagine I would hate Dickens himself!
This is not an biography of Dickens' marriage or a portrait of his life. But this is a beautifully written, albeit sad reimagining of it from the wife's point of view. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, even though I hated some of the characters. Just as I imagine I would hate Dickens himself!
justlily's review against another edition
3.0
I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed this book. Historical fiction is pretty much the last genre I'll pick up willingly so to find one that I was actually interested in was surprising. I wouldn't call this a quick read although it's fairly straightforward. It is fairly dense and tends to ramble in places, especially near the end.
But man, does it make up for it with emotional impact! I wanted to throttle the already-dead Alfred for being the biggest possible...I can't think of a word severe enough. And poor Dorothea. I think it's been quite a while since I've come to genuinely care for a character as much as I did her. Such a sweet woman who deserved so much more than that scumbag that's for sure.
It's definitely not an uplifting story either so I'll ditto some of the other reviewers who have said to steer clear if you're already feeling down. But if you like historical type things and you hate men, this is probably right up your alley.
But man, does it make up for it with emotional impact! I wanted to throttle the already-dead Alfred for being the biggest possible...I can't think of a word severe enough. And poor Dorothea. I think it's been quite a while since I've come to genuinely care for a character as much as I did her. Such a sweet woman who deserved so much more than that scumbag that's for sure.
It's definitely not an uplifting story either so I'll ditto some of the other reviewers who have said to steer clear if you're already feeling down. But if you like historical type things and you hate men, this is probably right up your alley.
kristenremenar's review
Can't rate this one, because I couldn't finish it. The writing is excellent, but I couldn't keep reading about the emotional abuse this woman endured and her insistence that she somehow deserved it or that her husband was so wonderful. Yikes.
sydbelle02's review
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ncostell's review against another edition
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lindzieh's review
5.0
This book ended up being better than I expected. However, I was bothered at how much the main character abused the woman in his life. And the woman were ok with it. I guess I like to see a strong woman character. Really liked the book though.
findthosedreams's review against another edition
2.0
I stalled on this one. The premise was interesting, but just felt to dramatic overall, and I got bored with it.
tiffyboomboom's review against another edition
5.0
I loved everything about this book. I love the style and how it effortlessly sailed in and out of the flash backs. I loved how every piece you wanted to fall into place did. I can foresee myself re-reading this book in the future (perhaps more than once)
wyemu's review
4.0
Arnold has written a fascinating fictionalised account of the wife of what is clearly meant to be Charles Dickens, although in the novel he's called Alfred Gibson. Narrated by Dorothea shortly after Alfred's death, we are taken back to their courtship when Alfred was an unknown name in the literary landscape. As his reputation grows and he finds fame as a published author we see his growing impatience with a wife who can't quite manage to keep up with the glittering and intellectual conversation of her husband's friends. Arnold has managed to make this story moving without making Dorothea a pitiful character. Gibson at times comes across as callous in his treatment of Dorothea, particularly in the way he turns their children against her by omitting certain details and re-telling their history in a way that justifies his actions. It is at times disturbing the ways in which this family can pull each other apart by love, but the same can be said of real life.