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A review by pattydsf
The Shuttle by Frances Hodgson Burnett
4.0
At the beginning of this year, I saw this title on a "best of" list put out by Fiction_L. Fiction_L is a listserve of wonderful librarians who help each other out with Readers' Advisory questions. At the end of each year they ask for folks to respond with their best reads of that year. The Shuttle was mentioned.
I had no idea that Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote any books aimed at adults. That was one of the reasons I was intrigued. The other reason was that my hobby (besides reading) is handweaving. I figured the book has to be on my "to read" list. Fortunately it was available for my Kindle for free. I just didn't know it would take me all year to read it.
The early twentieth century was a different time and books written then require some patience from twenty-first century readers. There is much more description - the paragraphs and the chapters are longer. In this novel the action took longer to happen than I am used to. I had to have some time available to sit and read - I couldn't pick this up and just read for a few minutes.
This novel was well worth the attention it took. The story of the Vanderpoels, Nigel Anstruthers and Mount Durstan was, for me a fascinating look at a world that I would never have been a part of. I have no interest in being part of this world, but like many others I am curious about those who have money.
The world has changed since 1907, but human nature has not. Burnett's take on the world of the super rich was an interesting character study into various kinds of people. Betty Vanderpoel was a woman I would have liked to meet. Her worldview was different that I would have expected from a woman of that era. I am curious if Burnett's own life influenced this character.
I am very glad I got to read this. It reminded me that some books are worth the time they take - reading fluff all the time is like eating dessert for every meal.
It is wonderful that folks are making this type of book available for electronic readers. Not all books can stay in print, but we should be able to read them if we desire.
I would recommend this to those who love Burnett's children's stories, also to romance readers looking for a bit more to think about and to those who have not read a book published more than 100 years ago. It is good to see what books used to be like.
I had no idea that Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote any books aimed at adults. That was one of the reasons I was intrigued. The other reason was that my hobby (besides reading) is handweaving. I figured the book has to be on my "to read" list. Fortunately it was available for my Kindle for free. I just didn't know it would take me all year to read it.
The early twentieth century was a different time and books written then require some patience from twenty-first century readers. There is much more description - the paragraphs and the chapters are longer. In this novel the action took longer to happen than I am used to. I had to have some time available to sit and read - I couldn't pick this up and just read for a few minutes.
This novel was well worth the attention it took. The story of the Vanderpoels, Nigel Anstruthers and Mount Durstan was, for me a fascinating look at a world that I would never have been a part of. I have no interest in being part of this world, but like many others I am curious about those who have money.
The world has changed since 1907, but human nature has not. Burnett's take on the world of the super rich was an interesting character study into various kinds of people. Betty Vanderpoel was a woman I would have liked to meet. Her worldview was different that I would have expected from a woman of that era. I am curious if Burnett's own life influenced this character.
I am very glad I got to read this. It reminded me that some books are worth the time they take - reading fluff all the time is like eating dessert for every meal.
It is wonderful that folks are making this type of book available for electronic readers. Not all books can stay in print, but we should be able to read them if we desire.
I would recommend this to those who love Burnett's children's stories, also to romance readers looking for a bit more to think about and to those who have not read a book published more than 100 years ago. It is good to see what books used to be like.