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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
I rate simply: 5 = liked it, 3 = meh, and 1 = didn't like it.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
⭐️⭐️½
I think I was conflicted about this book the entire time reading it. On one hand, I enjoyed the plot and the author's attention to detail. On the other hand, I disliked that same attention to detail because it came with TOO MANY details at times. (I.e. Why do I need to know the back story of a character's wristwatch when the character is only mentioned once, in passing, in the entire story?) It felt... distracting. I'll admit this may be because I love reads that are evenly plot/character driven. This is definitely character-focused, with little plot development.
The basis of the plot did originally catch my attention, but I had trouble connecting to the characters as the story moved forward. By the end of the story, I was even annoyed with the ladies. I also kept forgetting this was historical fiction, other than a few relevant name drops and location mentions.
I'd be interested in trying another title by the same author, but this one is a major meh for me.
I think I was conflicted about this book the entire time reading it. On one hand, I enjoyed the plot and the author's attention to detail. On the other hand, I disliked that same attention to detail because it came with TOO MANY details at times. (I.e. Why do I need to know the back story of a character's wristwatch when the character is only mentioned once, in passing, in the entire story?) It felt... distracting. I'll admit this may be because I love reads that are evenly plot/character driven. This is definitely character-focused, with little plot development.
The basis of the plot did originally catch my attention, but I had trouble connecting to the characters as the story moved forward. By the end of the story, I was even annoyed with the ladies. I also kept forgetting this was historical fiction, other than a few relevant name drops and location mentions.
I'd be interested in trying another title by the same author, but this one is a major meh for me.
I loved Jenner’s prior novel the Jane Austen Society and thanks to bookstafriend @ddermo5217, I was finally able to read Bloomsbury Girls last month. It did not disappoint. I love books about books and bookstores and I was happy to see Evie Stone back in this follow up story. She’s graduated from Cambridge but thanks to a scheming grad student, her long dreamed of position as a research assistant is snatched from her grasp and she’s left jobless – and homeless – in post WW 2 England.
Enter Bloomsbury Books where Evie’s Sotheby’s connection helps her land a job in the rare books department at Bloomsbury. At Bloomsbury, Evie meets the quick witted and fashionable Vivien Lowery and unhappily married Grace Perkins. Together, these three strong women bond through a shared desired to shape their destinies in a work environment – and world – dominated by men.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as the three women navigate their personal and professional lives and I loved all the bookish references. The plot also introduces us to a number of female authors as well as women in the publishing industry including Sonia Blair (widow of George Orwell), Peggy Guggenheim, Ellen Doubleday, and the indomitable Daphne Du Maurier, who is a hoot.
This is definitely a character driven story, which I gravitate towards, but may start a bit slow if you’re looking for a fast-paced story. The characters, including both the likable and unlikable male characters, really bring the book to life under Jenner’s deft touch. The ending, while somewhat predictable, was perfect. I would definitely recommend this to book lovers, fans of women’s or historical fiction, and anyone looking for heartwarming story. And while I don’t know that you “have” to read the Jane Austen Society before reading Bloomsbury Girls, it definitely helped me better understand Evie and her motivations and the backstory of her love for rare books.
Enter Bloomsbury Books where Evie’s Sotheby’s connection helps her land a job in the rare books department at Bloomsbury. At Bloomsbury, Evie meets the quick witted and fashionable Vivien Lowery and unhappily married Grace Perkins. Together, these three strong women bond through a shared desired to shape their destinies in a work environment – and world – dominated by men.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story as the three women navigate their personal and professional lives and I loved all the bookish references. The plot also introduces us to a number of female authors as well as women in the publishing industry including Sonia Blair (widow of George Orwell), Peggy Guggenheim, Ellen Doubleday, and the indomitable Daphne Du Maurier, who is a hoot.
This is definitely a character driven story, which I gravitate towards, but may start a bit slow if you’re looking for a fast-paced story. The characters, including both the likable and unlikable male characters, really bring the book to life under Jenner’s deft touch. The ending, while somewhat predictable, was perfect. I would definitely recommend this to book lovers, fans of women’s or historical fiction, and anyone looking for heartwarming story. And while I don’t know that you “have” to read the Jane Austen Society before reading Bloomsbury Girls, it definitely helped me better understand Evie and her motivations and the backstory of her love for rare books.
If you’re looking for a book about women taking control of their lives, with a few mishaps along the way - not to mention a host of literary royalty - then you need to read the Bloomsbury Girls.
In 1950s London, Britain is still struggling to recover from the aftermath of the War. People changed, loved ones were lost and women took over the jobs left behind by men away fighting.
Bloomsbury Girls introduces us to Grace, Evie and Vivien; on paper they are very different, but their shared ambition brings them together. How can they succeed in a world where men are against them?
It’s a lovely story, with plenty of strong characters (male and female), as well as cameos from Sonia Orwell, Samuel Beckett and others. This gives the book credibility and I was swept up in the idea of a time where I too could’ve worked in a bookshop and rubbed shoulders with Daphne DuMaurier whilst surrounded by books!
Although some characters can be found in Jenner’s previous book, it works well as a stand-alone. I would have liked some characters’ back stories elaborated on slightly, but overall it’s a great book about courage, determination and the need to bend the rules from time to time!
In 1950s London, Britain is still struggling to recover from the aftermath of the War. People changed, loved ones were lost and women took over the jobs left behind by men away fighting.
Bloomsbury Girls introduces us to Grace, Evie and Vivien; on paper they are very different, but their shared ambition brings them together. How can they succeed in a world where men are against them?
It’s a lovely story, with plenty of strong characters (male and female), as well as cameos from Sonia Orwell, Samuel Beckett and others. This gives the book credibility and I was swept up in the idea of a time where I too could’ve worked in a bookshop and rubbed shoulders with Daphne DuMaurier whilst surrounded by books!
Although some characters can be found in Jenner’s previous book, it works well as a stand-alone. I would have liked some characters’ back stories elaborated on slightly, but overall it’s a great book about courage, determination and the need to bend the rules from time to time!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really loved this new release by the same author of The Jane Austen Society (which I also just thoroughly loved). This author knows how to write a cozy, friendship-centered book. I loved the different female friendships in this book particularly, and the interracial romance that was also highlighted. For fans of books about books/bookshops, definitely check this out!
hopeful
fast-paced
What a charming story -- very quiet historical set in Britain in 1950 that addresses sexism, racism, class snobbery and homosexuality in a story that is really just about a bookshop.