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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Maybe it’s just my mood, but I found this hard to follow and not much happening. When I saw it was over 400 pages I just couldn’t go any further. There’s potential, but the writing style just isn’t for me.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
There were parts of this book (the last 1/2-1/3) that I really liked, but unfortunately I had to plod through the first part to get there. Ultimately I’m glad I did, though who knows how much of it I missed in the process when I dozed off.
Here it is, reading friends— that very rare thing—an author's second novel that surpasses her first. There is a richness, a depth, and a poignancy to this story that amplifies what all of us who loved Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali felt while reading Simonson's debut work. A comedy of manners in true Jane Austen style, but with very pointed and respectful allusions to Rupert Brooke, and Wifred Owen, The Summer Before the War is a keeper, and, I imagine, fair game for any sharp-eyed BBC producer. As in Masterpiece Theater.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5 stars. This book was a little tough to get through. The beginning, I felt, was a bit slow. And the end worked out predictably. But it was interesting (and infuriating) to see how women, immigrants, gays and victims of violence were treated in a small town in 1914. I could not get over some of the things I read. But still an enjoyable book overall.
The first half was so slow that I almost gave up... but the second half things picked up, and I found myself eager to see how things would end. Also, I loved the historical details, the author did a great job of bringing me to that time. And I enjoyed her writing style. Would recommend for historical fiction fans who have a bit of patience.
This was 3.5. Very entertaining, just a bit long.
I enjoyed this one. Its plot and characters are predictable and a bit, hmm, bland isn't quite the word? There was nothing that surprised or intrigued me about any of them, and they all acted quite obediently to type.
But surprise and innovation isn't always necessary for a pleasant afternoon of reading, and Simonson's book provides that. She writes deft prose and I was happy to submerge myself for a few hours in her world. I do like a bit less POV head-hopping, but ah well.
But surprise and innovation isn't always necessary for a pleasant afternoon of reading, and Simonson's book provides that. She writes deft prose and I was happy to submerge myself for a few hours in her world. I do like a bit less POV head-hopping, but ah well.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No