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rtansey's review against another edition
4.5
This was fully a 5 star novel for me until the last section. It didn’t really wrap up in a way that was satisfying or added anything to the story.
This book was extraordinary. I was sucked in from the first page, and every time I picked up the book I struggled to put it down. The character work is absolutely immaculate. This was one of the most atmospheric books I’ve read. There is so much FORCE behind this whole book. Very disturbing, gothic, absolutely jaw droppingly bonkers at times. There is just so much there. Her prose is some of my all time favourite. But I could tell this was over bloated and the author didn’t really know how to bring it all together. This being her first novel however… I give some leeway. I can’t wait to read more from her.
This book was extraordinary. I was sucked in from the first page, and every time I picked up the book I struggled to put it down. The character work is absolutely immaculate. This was one of the most atmospheric books I’ve read. There is so much FORCE behind this whole book. Very disturbing, gothic, absolutely jaw droppingly bonkers at times. There is just so much there. Her prose is some of my all time favourite. But I could tell this was over bloated and the author didn’t really know how to bring it all together. This being her first novel however… I give some leeway. I can’t wait to read more from her.
hoserlauren's review against another edition
3.0
The Piper family on Cape Breton starts when James meets 13 year old Materia. The two fall in love, despite Materia's family who wants her to marry a good man from Lebanon rather than a local English boy. The family disowns Materia and she's left on her own with James to start their family. She gives birth to a beautiful baby named Kathleen. James and Kathleen instantly connect but Materia can't find love for this child. As father and daughter grow closer, Materia realizes that James' love for his daughter may not be natural fatherly love. Materia takes it upon herself to keep Kathleen safe from her father.
Two more girls are eventually birthed; Mercedes and Frances. Lily also is born, but does not survive. As Kathleen grows older, she shows talent for music and is a beautiful singer. James sends Kathleen to New York for voice lessons but gets an anonymous note stating the child is in danger. James immediately brings home Kathleen, who is pregnant, and eventually gives birth to Lily and Ambrose. Ambrose dies but Lily thrives despite having Polio as a child.
Lily is raised as a sister to Mercedes and Frances. At times, it's as if they have no father. Mercedes being the mom to the other two, Frances being the rebel, and Lily being innocent.
The books starts off very interesting, with a lot of drama. The first half of the book plays out with a common problem and tension on whether James will keep his hands of Kathleen. However once Kathleen is out of the picture, the book starts to fall apart for me. It becomes chaotic with too much going on, many things that I don't understand why they are happening. I had to google a synopsis of the book once I finished to understand why Frances was acting out. Once getting the answer to that, I still didn't understand why. The book ended in a confusing, muddled mess for me, which is too bad since the first part was quite engaging.
Two more girls are eventually birthed; Mercedes and Frances. Lily also is born, but does not survive. As Kathleen grows older, she shows talent for music and is a beautiful singer. James sends Kathleen to New York for voice lessons but gets an anonymous note stating the child is in danger. James immediately brings home Kathleen, who is pregnant, and eventually gives birth to Lily and Ambrose. Ambrose dies but Lily thrives despite having Polio as a child.
Lily is raised as a sister to Mercedes and Frances. At times, it's as if they have no father. Mercedes being the mom to the other two, Frances being the rebel, and Lily being innocent.
The books starts off very interesting, with a lot of drama. The first half of the book plays out with a common problem and tension on whether James will keep his hands of Kathleen. However once Kathleen is out of the picture, the book starts to fall apart for me. It becomes chaotic with too much going on, many things that I don't understand why they are happening. I had to google a synopsis of the book once I finished to understand why Frances was acting out. Once getting the answer to that, I still didn't understand why. The book ended in a confusing, muddled mess for me, which is too bad since the first part was quite engaging.
sausome's review against another edition
3.0
As another reader said in her review, I was surprised how much I ended up liking this book. At first it was a bit tedious with family histories and whatnot, and not the typical book for me, but as things revealed themselves from generation to generation, I was sucked into their lives and just kept reading. I wouldn't say it was the best book I've ever read, but I can appreciate it for its craftsmanship and its beauty. I had to stop and write down several quotes throughout the book that I thought were so well put and lovely. And I have to say, I did NOT see the ending coming at all. I was pleasantly surprised with it, actually. My only problem with the book on the whole is that I don't feel that I truly liked any of the characters. Maybe it's because I didn't feel like the author stayed long enough with a character for me to develop an attachment that would see beyond the faults and bad behaviors. But on the periphery, it was all very interesting and an experience I'm glad I took part in.
heartofoak1's review against another edition
didn't finish this one. the writing was beautiful but the subjects of depression, madness and incest made me put it down.
bvdelft's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
karingoodell's review against another edition
3.0
I ended up not being able to put this book down, but it took a long time to get there.
lindseysparks's review against another edition
5.0
What did I even just read??? That was like if one of the Brontes had a baby with VC Andrews or like a really Gothic religiousish I Capture the Castle. It was realistic but utterly bizarre, like literally jaw dropping but not in a roll your eyes ridiculous way. The characters were so well done. I was invested in them, even the ones I thought were stupid or insane. Maybe especially the ones who were stupid or insane. It's so Canadian but so crazy at the same time. It's a Gothic penny dreadful but literary and well written. And it was her first novel!!!!! How is that even possible??? This has been on my shelf for probably 15 years. I can't believe I waited this long to read It, although I think I probably appreciated more now than I would have that long ago.
ohheyitsmollyk's review against another edition
1.0
Painfully depressing with no attachment to character. After reading 150 pages and still feeling like I was doing the book a favor by forcing myself to read it, I shut it & sold it back to Powells.
sheread41's review against another edition
I just couldn't get into it. Following a story that gave little detail but made you think you need to have all the information at once.