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A review by nipomuki
The Ladies of Ivy Cottage by Julie Klassen
4.0
I got this audio book on a sale and did not know much about it when I started. Halfway through I realised that is is part two in a trilogy, and had my suspicion confirmed that it is classified as „inspirational“.
It was no problem that I had not started with the first book, as the story stands on its own. But I got to like Jane and Thora very much, which makes me want to go back and read „their“ book.
The „inspirational“ part felt very natural to me, as I imagine people at the time were much more devout, religion a normal part of everyday life. I did not feel preached at, and people were shown in all their imperfect humanness.
The story felt very realistic to me, slow moving, giving me time to really know the characters. The narration was excellent and helped with knowing who was who. Female and male voices were convincingly portrayed, and all distinctive from each other. Which is impressive, as the whole village seems to take part in the story ;-)
I usually enjoy the slow and ritualised way romances develop in old fashioned historical romances like this one, but even I got a bit impatient with the communication issues between everybody. And there is always someone barging in just when things get interesting ;-)
The story is very female centered, and relationships between women get more space than do the actual romances. I loved how the women gathered round when it was needed, pooled their resources and supported each other.
The book shines a light on the way women were dependent on (male) relations, and how difficult life becomes for them when they have to manage on their own. It is heartbreaking to see the harsh realities some of the main characters are confronted with, and it is beautiful to see them rally with the help of the „sisterhood“.
I enjoyed watching Rachel grow from a pretty but insipid girl into a women with opinions and the courage to stand up for what she believes in, even daring to push back against her former admirer and his mama. I started out not liking her very much, but she certainly grew on me. And it is great how it all comes to pass because of her trying to run a circulating library. Books as a way to more independence!
Quite to my surprise my favorite character is Mercy. How I hated her mother! Several of the mother figures in the book are being quite horrible, and she is the worst. The author does give some insights into the motivations of some of the less sympathetic female characters, but she will have a hard time convincing me of being understanding in this case.
Mercy and Jane do not get their HEA in this book. Also: the school!?!?! So I will have to read the next on.
It was no problem that I had not started with the first book, as the story stands on its own. But I got to like Jane and Thora very much, which makes me want to go back and read „their“ book.
The „inspirational“ part felt very natural to me, as I imagine people at the time were much more devout, religion a normal part of everyday life. I did not feel preached at, and people were shown in all their imperfect humanness.
The story felt very realistic to me, slow moving, giving me time to really know the characters. The narration was excellent and helped with knowing who was who. Female and male voices were convincingly portrayed, and all distinctive from each other. Which is impressive, as the whole village seems to take part in the story ;-)
I usually enjoy the slow and ritualised way romances develop in old fashioned historical romances like this one, but even I got a bit impatient with the communication issues between everybody. And there is always someone barging in just when things get interesting ;-)
The story is very female centered, and relationships between women get more space than do the actual romances. I loved how the women gathered round when it was needed, pooled their resources and supported each other.
The book shines a light on the way women were dependent on (male) relations, and how difficult life becomes for them when they have to manage on their own. It is heartbreaking to see the harsh realities some of the main characters are confronted with, and it is beautiful to see them rally with the help of the „sisterhood“.
I enjoyed watching Rachel grow from a pretty but insipid girl into a women with opinions and the courage to stand up for what she believes in, even daring to push back against her former admirer and his mama. I started out not liking her very much, but she certainly grew on me. And it is great how it all comes to pass because of her trying to run a circulating library. Books as a way to more independence!
Quite to my surprise my favorite character is Mercy. How I hated her mother! Several of the mother figures in the book are being quite horrible, and she is the worst. The author does give some insights into the motivations of some of the less sympathetic female characters, but she will have a hard time convincing me of being understanding in this case.
Mercy and Jane do not get their HEA in this book. Also: the school!?!?! So I will have to read the next on.