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A review by thewordwitch
The Poppy and the Rose by Ashlee Cowles
3.0
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of well done historical fiction, and the sections of this book that took place on the Titanic really hit the spot. Her descriptive language is gorgeous, and I felt like I was there. The scenes where the Titanic was sinking were incredibly poignant, and I immediately wanted to rewatch that particular scene from the movie in the 90s. Ava's storyline was incredibly interesting.
I felt like having dual narratives caused the overall story to suffer. Taylor's storyline just seemed like a vehicle to tell Ava's story and to connect it so something modern. I'm not sure if this is because the author felt that readers needed someone from our time period to connect with, but I felt that Taylor's storyline was weak as a result. Also, the entire ending felt shoe-horned in with It was rushed in comparison to all the build-up with Ava's storyline, and I honestly found that ending confusing.
Ava's storyline is lovely, and I wish that it had been the only one in the book. For that story alone it is definitely worth the read.
I am a huge fan of well done historical fiction, and the sections of this book that took place on the Titanic really hit the spot. Her descriptive language is gorgeous, and I felt like I was there. The scenes where the Titanic was sinking were incredibly poignant, and I immediately wanted to rewatch that particular scene from the movie in the 90s. Ava's storyline was incredibly interesting.
Spoiler
I did wish that she had suffered the loss of either her father or Caleb on the Titanic. It seemed too fortunate that they both survived. I knew the father was going to survive due to hints earlier in the story, so I was expecting that one.I felt like having dual narratives caused the overall story to suffer. Taylor's storyline just seemed like a vehicle to tell Ava's story and to connect it so something modern. I'm not sure if this is because the author felt that readers needed someone from our time period to connect with, but I felt that Taylor's storyline was weak as a result. Also, the entire ending felt shoe-horned in with
Spoiler
the woman from the photo being a distanced relative who was also the murderess.Ava's storyline is lovely, and I wish that it had been the only one in the book. For that story alone it is definitely worth the read.