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kristianthamum 's review for:
Bloomsbury Girls
by Natalie Jenner
Having read the first book by this author, I was extremely excited to see that there would be a sequel. And when I learned that the focus of that sequel would be on the character of Evie, I was downright thrilled. This story actually stands on its own as a fantastic read and it is not necessary at all to have read the first one (although you should, it's AMAZING).
I am in love with writing by Natalie Jenner and especially in the way she writes historical women's fiction. She gets it all right! Character development is spot on, and we both know and root for each of the 3 Bloomsbury girls. It is no small feat to have three strong women characters and develop them so well that we understand them and their actions (and sometimes their inactions) so well. The setting is described in such great detail, but not in a way that makes you want to skip ahead to get to the story. You are placed in that little bookshop and the area of London (and the time, don't forget it's the 50's) with such skill that you feel like you could look up from the book and see the shoppers entering the store. The thing I think Ms. Jenner does best is weaving a story that pulls all the disparate characters and storylines together into a rewarding read. The pacing and tension were masterfully spread out to keep you turning pages and the writing was so good.
If I had one thing at all to say that tripped me up a bit, it was the language used in the voice of Evie. It might very well have been on purpose, as someone who comes from a lower class could very well have improved her language and then at times when flustered fallen back into her lower-class speaking. However, it was the one thing that wasn't as seamless as everything else in the book, so it took me out of the reading just a bit. It's such a minor thing, I hesitate to add it, but I do try to give honest feedback, and it was something that struck my attention.
I am delighted to have read this book (and its predecessor) and recommend you read it too. You won't be sorry!!
[I was given an ARC version of the book for my honest and unbiased review]
I am in love with writing by Natalie Jenner and especially in the way she writes historical women's fiction. She gets it all right! Character development is spot on, and we both know and root for each of the 3 Bloomsbury girls. It is no small feat to have three strong women characters and develop them so well that we understand them and their actions (and sometimes their inactions) so well. The setting is described in such great detail, but not in a way that makes you want to skip ahead to get to the story. You are placed in that little bookshop and the area of London (and the time, don't forget it's the 50's) with such skill that you feel like you could look up from the book and see the shoppers entering the store. The thing I think Ms. Jenner does best is weaving a story that pulls all the disparate characters and storylines together into a rewarding read. The pacing and tension were masterfully spread out to keep you turning pages and the writing was so good.
If I had one thing at all to say that tripped me up a bit, it was the language used in the voice of Evie. It might very well have been on purpose, as someone who comes from a lower class could very well have improved her language and then at times when flustered fallen back into her lower-class speaking. However, it was the one thing that wasn't as seamless as everything else in the book, so it took me out of the reading just a bit. It's such a minor thing, I hesitate to add it, but I do try to give honest feedback, and it was something that struck my attention.
I am delighted to have read this book (and its predecessor) and recommend you read it too. You won't be sorry!!
[I was given an ARC version of the book for my honest and unbiased review]