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2.96 AVERAGE
2.96 AVERAGE
I think that my first comments about this book should be a warning – do not read this book thinking it will be like [b:Sarah's Key|556602|Sarah's Key|Tatiana de Rosnay|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1317064109s/556602.jpg|2523229]. The two books are written in an entirely different manner from each other and just because you liked one doesn’t mean you will like the other – sort of my situation. The only similarity is their ability to draw the emotions of the reader.
This book is essentially written as a very long letter from the main character, Rose, to her deceased husband in the lead up to their home ultimately being on the destruction list during France’s eminent domain struggle. I would say that this is more of a character study of Rose in particular and is full of emotions and self-revelations. There is not a lot of action occurring in the novel, even when she flashes back to earlier events – the emphasis is put on Rose and her emotions. With that being said, I couldn’t stand Rose. The choices that she makes throughout her life would not be those I would make and it made it very hard for me to respect her. Her whiney-ness grated at my nerves.
The overarching historical thread in this narrative is the fight over eminent domain in the 1860’s. Some of the characters support the revitalization effort of Paris and then there are those that done, such as Rose. It was an interesting aspect of French history that I was not aware of previously.
Overall, this story was just alright for me. The descriptions of the people and settings were vivid and the writing style was beautiful. I think my issue was with the characters – that I couldn’t identify with them that turned me off a little bit.
The audio presentation was well done. I appreciated the narrator’s French accent and pronunciation of all of the places within Paris. She also had a great pace to her speaking.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
This book is essentially written as a very long letter from the main character, Rose, to her deceased husband in the lead up to their home ultimately being on the destruction list during France’s eminent domain struggle. I would say that this is more of a character study of Rose in particular and is full of emotions and self-revelations. There is not a lot of action occurring in the novel, even when she flashes back to earlier events – the emphasis is put on Rose and her emotions. With that being said, I couldn’t stand Rose. The choices that she makes throughout her life would not be those I would make and it made it very hard for me to respect her. Her whiney-ness grated at my nerves.
The overarching historical thread in this narrative is the fight over eminent domain in the 1860’s. Some of the characters support the revitalization effort of Paris and then there are those that done, such as Rose. It was an interesting aspect of French history that I was not aware of previously.
Overall, this story was just alright for me. The descriptions of the people and settings were vivid and the writing style was beautiful. I think my issue was with the characters – that I couldn’t identify with them that turned me off a little bit.
The audio presentation was well done. I appreciated the narrator’s French accent and pronunciation of all of the places within Paris. She also had a great pace to her speaking.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
Very disappointing to say the least especially given how wonderful her other books were. My advice, if you insist on reading this book, is to skip the first 100 pages because it doesn't start to get interesting until then.
The authors choice to write the book in letters, while a sweet gesture, suffers from an un-compelling and saccharin protagonist. The interesting part of the book remained in the 'present' day destruction of streets in Paris and its impact on the lives of the people who lived there. Yet a minimal amount of the book actually covered this aspect of Parisian history.
The last straw in my dislike came with the tacked on "shocking secret". Unfortunately, it was entirely predictable and inelegantly tacked at the end of the book.
The authors choice to write the book in letters, while a sweet gesture, suffers from an un-compelling and saccharin protagonist. The interesting part of the book remained in the 'present' day destruction of streets in Paris and its impact on the lives of the people who lived there. Yet a minimal amount of the book actually covered this aspect of Parisian history.
The last straw in my dislike came with the tacked on "shocking secret". Unfortunately, it was entirely predictable and inelegantly tacked at the end of the book.
I was very disappointed in this book. After Sarah's Key I didn't think she could write anything bad, but I was sorely mistaken. While her writing style truly portrayed the time that this book was written about, the book didn't go anywhere. I felt that it was very repetitive and really pointless. And we read 200 pages to get to 20 pages of interest. I hope Sarah's Key wasn't a one hit wonder for her and her next one will help her redeem herself.
I loved reading this book. I felt immersed in a small neighborhood in a Paris that no longer exists. what a treat!
My guess is that Tatiana de Rosnay rushed to release a new novel in order to hop on the coatails of her successful novel, "Sarah's Key". I liked the idea of "The House I Loved", but there wasn't enough to it. The characters were underdeveloped, and I wanted a better connection to the setting and historical significance. I didn't get an emotional connection. I love short chapters and don't mind a short book as long as the story is complete. But the dozens of blank pages after the chapters and at the end of the book make me think the publisher tried to compensate for the length.
It's not all bad though! The story skipped along nicely, and I did learn about and somewhat connect to a time in Paris's history.
One more thing...the word "thunderstruck" should never be used more than once in a book. Unless, of course, the book is about AC/DC and their song by that name. Na-Na-Na-Naaaa Na-Na Naaa Na! Thunder!
It's not all bad though! The story skipped along nicely, and I did learn about and somewhat connect to a time in Paris's history.
One more thing...the word "thunderstruck" should never be used more than once in a book. Unless, of course, the book is about AC/DC and their song by that name. Na-Na-Na-Naaaa Na-Na Naaa Na! Thunder!
I picked this up because I really liked Sarah's Key but this book did not impress me. The setting was interesting and well described but the story itself and the characters were flat to me.
I always thoroughly enjoy her books. she creates characters that you really care about.
This is the third book I've read by Tatiana de Rosnay. Sarah's Key was amazing. A Secret Kept was pretty good as well. This one is my least favourite, had to force myself to read until the end to find out her "big secret."
Light read, not very intense.
Light read, not very intense.