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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Not quite four stars. The Roman setting was brutal and on par for the era, and I am a sucker for women supporting women, so the friendship between all the women of the brothel was the best part of the book to me, even through the complications and ups & downs. Whatever else, this book felt like it was set in the ancient world and it did not shy away from that, and I always appreciate when authors don't try to make it palpable to modern audiences by twisting social norms and mores.
But there was just something I can't quite pinpoint that left me feeling a little lacking. Given this is set in Pompeii and Pliny the Elder is a significant presence, there's a certain foreboding sense of how the series might end, combined with the relentless sense of tragedy of the first book even when Amara wins for herself at the end - so while I'm curious to see where everyone ends up and goes, I'm not particularly hurried to grab the next one, even though I will finish it up eventually! Curiosity over investment. And yes I do recognize that the harshness and tragedy is also an element of existing in the Roman Empire as a woman, but maybe it was some of the emotional beats that could have been given more time.
But there was just something I can't quite pinpoint that left me feeling a little lacking. Given this is set in Pompeii and Pliny the Elder is a significant presence, there's a certain foreboding sense of how the series might end, combined with the relentless sense of tragedy of the first book even when Amara wins for herself at the end - so while I'm curious to see where everyone ends up and goes, I'm not particularly hurried to grab the next one, even though I will finish it up eventually! Curiosity over investment. And yes I do recognize that the harshness and tragedy is also an element of existing in the Roman Empire as a woman, but maybe it was some of the emotional beats that could have been given more time.
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
one of my favourite reads from this year.
i love how even in difficult situations, there still are moments of sisterhood between the girls that are still common to women today. when she secretly admitted to pouring over messages sent between her and her *kinda* lover with her friends. carefully dissecting his words and wondering what to reply with. its heartwarming to see something that is still done in the modern age.
i love how even in difficult situations, there still are moments of sisterhood between the girls that are still common to women today. when she secretly admitted to pouring over messages sent between her and her *kinda* lover with her friends. carefully dissecting his words and wondering what to reply with. its heartwarming to see something that is still done in the modern age.
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
"Why should she be easy? Is her life easy?"
This was a book club pick based on a place you have travelled to and I have been to Pompeii and checked out the brother, so this has been on my tbr since I heard about it.
Overall, I enjoyed this - it hooked me. It's a pretty raw account of what it could have been like to have been a slave in Pompeii time (year 74), specifically working in a brothel. It covered all the ways someone could end up there, what it was like on a daily basis while someone is trying to earn their freedom and change their circumstances. It covers relationships, friendships and rivalries. It is the start of a series and I will jump in the book two soon!
This was a book club pick based on a place you have travelled to and I have been to Pompeii and checked out the brother, so this has been on my tbr since I heard about it.
Overall, I enjoyed this - it hooked me. It's a pretty raw account of what it could have been like to have been a slave in Pompeii time (year 74), specifically working in a brothel. It covered all the ways someone could end up there, what it was like on a daily basis while someone is trying to earn their freedom and change their circumstances. It covers relationships, friendships and rivalries. It is the start of a series and I will jump in the book two soon!
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is a gripping historical novel set in AD 74 Pompeii, and it follows Amara, a former doctor’s daughter sold into a brothel, as she fights for survival, sisterhood, and freedom amid oppression.
"You wouldn't understand. You're just a woman."
It was a great read, that blended the stark reality of brothels and there darkness, with the beauty that comes from friendships and hope of something more.
The book has a really good pace to it, I felt the storyline had great depth. There is no doubt it was a sad story with flickers of light, but this was, and is still reality for many women today. The main character Amara, was brilliant, showing strength, fight and determination in refusing to accept the cards she has been dealt in life.
“Every fear can be overcome if she only tries hard enough”
Another great gritty historical fiction read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"You wouldn't understand. You're just a woman."
It was a great read, that blended the stark reality of brothels and there darkness, with the beauty that comes from friendships and hope of something more.
The book has a really good pace to it, I felt the storyline had great depth. There is no doubt it was a sad story with flickers of light, but this was, and is still reality for many women today. The main character Amara, was brilliant, showing strength, fight and determination in refusing to accept the cards she has been dealt in life.
“Every fear can be overcome if she only tries hard enough”
Another great gritty historical fiction read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated