Reviews

Absolutely worth checking out, but it is a very difficult book to review.
On one hand the themes, the historical accuracy and the dialogues make it an excellent book, but on the other hand the execution and the writing bring it down significantly.
In particular, I didn't like the alternaiting povs all that much, especially because almost every chapter begins with half a page of very scholastic description of the scene.
Moreover I had a very hard time moving past the fact that the narrative opened with a character dreaming.
That said, it is an exceptionally important book and it explores the dynamics between the characters perfectly so much so that some of the scenes packed such a punch that i had to close the book and stare at the wall for a while.
It gives the reader the chance to think about these issues through the lens of people of the 19th century.
In my opinion, the manuscript needed a bit more work in the editing stages and it suffered from the inexperience of the author who tends to be more of an historian than a writer.
In conclusion I would say that it is the kind of book that makes you happy to have read it but that isn't necessarily overly enjoyable to read. The ideas it exposes however totally make up for what it lacks in execution.

stevmwhite's review

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challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

bibliobethreads's review

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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