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sunsoar25's review against another edition
4.0
Cat Winters is one of my favorite historical fiction writers who adds a dash of fantasy to her stories. The Steep & Thorny Way is no exception. I particularly love that her stories feel so real. It's clear that she does a lot of research to bring her characters and their world to life. I always enjoy reading her historical notes and looking at the photos she incorporates into the story. I'd say that Hanalee is her best character so far. She's brave and won't give up until she learns the truth. Plus, she's quite open-minded and always willing to listen to all sides and learn all she can before she makes decisions. This powerful story deals with tough topics and Winters handles them well and thoughtfully. Overall, I highly recommend The Steep & Thorny Way to those interested in this author's style, historical fiction, paranormal, and even Shakespeare's Hamlet. Next up, I'll need to pick up Odd & True and then her contribution to Slasher Girls & Monster Boys before I'll be all caught up on her work.
nexttotheblues's review against another edition
4.0
Sure, a retelling of Hamlet, but most importantly it's a perspective of race and sexuality that we haven't seen much of.
ohwhatagloomyshow's review against another edition
4.0
This was a lot different than "Blackbirds" or "Dreaming" and for that I'm very grateful. I enjoy both books, they're very fun, but they're also...they try too hard to create atmosphere and authenticity.
"Steep and Thorny Way," however, feels very authentic, and it's never corny or dramatic the way those other two books are (I know she has a fourth book, I just haven't gotten to it yet). The relationship between Hanalee and Joe is...complicated, but other than that, I had no problems with this book and enjoyed it thoroughly, I highly recommend it.
"Steep and Thorny Way," however, feels very authentic, and it's never corny or dramatic the way those other two books are (I know she has a fourth book, I just haven't gotten to it yet). The relationship between Hanalee and Joe is...complicated, but other than that, I had no problems with this book and enjoyed it thoroughly, I highly recommend it.
deannar's review against another edition
4.0
Hamlet as an inspiration: a biracial girl as protagonist, set in 1920s Oregon... secrets spilled, love gained and lost, shadows of the Klan... I liked this book more than I expected, at least in part because it is, ultimately, a more hopeful story than Hamlet.
I approached this with some trepidation, knowing that the author is white. Turns out the author did as well; this was a case of a story that wouldn't let go. That shows in the urgency of the telling of it, especially towards the end. (It wasn't slow in the first half, but there was a lot to set up.)
I approached this with some trepidation, knowing that the author is white. Turns out the author did as well; this was a case of a story that wouldn't let go. That shows in the urgency of the telling of it, especially towards the end. (It wasn't slow in the first half, but there was a lot to set up.)
megan7b386's review against another edition
5.0
I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley
Hanalee Denney is the daughter of an African American man and a white woman, which is why 1920s Oregon is an unwelcoming and dangerous place for her. The KKK have been gaining more power and more influence. Hatred and fear spread by the KKK are poisoning some of her oldest relationships. Hanalee’s father was killed a year ago by a drunk driver, but when he is released from jail and is back in town, he claims he didn’t kill her father. So now Hanalee, who is now desperate for answers, turns to her fathers accused murderer and her father’s ghost.
I have always been a huge fan of Cat Winters. Her books are very atmospheric with brilliantly written historical settings, made even better alongside many old black and white photos from the time period. I believe The Steep and Thorny Way is Cat Winters best book to date.
Firstly, I was in love with many of the main characters. Hanalee for one, is easy to love. She’s smart, brave, and she tackles her problems head on. There were some great f/f friendships as well. But the friendship I loved most was between Hanalee and Joe. It was fantastic! So well written and complex. A accused murderer and the daughter of the man he had supposedly murdered. Both suffered because they were not deemed to be truly American - Hanalee wasn’t white and Joe wasn’t straight. There were race laws and eugenic laws – compulsory and forced sterilisation on anyone deemed ‘undesirable’. The KKK was gaining more power and more hatred in the area. Lifelong friends were turned into enemies and Oregon was a dangerous place for Hanalee and Joe. A fantastic read with fantastic characters.
I loved the paranormal aspect because it was very subtle and not too ‘in your face’ which sort of added a hint of realism to it. The plot was fast paced and held my attention very well. The Steep and Thorny Way is a book about hope, loyalty, and friendship, but also about hatred, persecution and fear.
Another fantastic novel from Cat Winters! Would definitely recommend to Historical Fiction lovers.
Hanalee Denney is the daughter of an African American man and a white woman, which is why 1920s Oregon is an unwelcoming and dangerous place for her. The KKK have been gaining more power and more influence. Hatred and fear spread by the KKK are poisoning some of her oldest relationships. Hanalee’s father was killed a year ago by a drunk driver, but when he is released from jail and is back in town, he claims he didn’t kill her father. So now Hanalee, who is now desperate for answers, turns to her fathers accused murderer and her father’s ghost.
I have always been a huge fan of Cat Winters. Her books are very atmospheric with brilliantly written historical settings, made even better alongside many old black and white photos from the time period. I believe The Steep and Thorny Way is Cat Winters best book to date.
Firstly, I was in love with many of the main characters. Hanalee for one, is easy to love. She’s smart, brave, and she tackles her problems head on. There were some great f/f friendships as well. But the friendship I loved most was between Hanalee and Joe. It was fantastic! So well written and complex. A accused murderer and the daughter of the man he had supposedly murdered. Both suffered because they were not deemed to be truly American - Hanalee wasn’t white and Joe wasn’t straight. There were race laws and eugenic laws – compulsory and forced sterilisation on anyone deemed ‘undesirable’. The KKK was gaining more power and more hatred in the area. Lifelong friends were turned into enemies and Oregon was a dangerous place for Hanalee and Joe. A fantastic read with fantastic characters.
I loved the paranormal aspect because it was very subtle and not too ‘in your face’ which sort of added a hint of realism to it. The plot was fast paced and held my attention very well. The Steep and Thorny Way is a book about hope, loyalty, and friendship, but also about hatred, persecution and fear.
Another fantastic novel from Cat Winters! Would definitely recommend to Historical Fiction lovers.
falconerreader's review against another edition
3.0
I found this one uneven. Really liked some elements, but struggled to stay invested through the middle section. Still, knowing what I do about Oregon's racist history and how it affects our state today, I am glad I read it.
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