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A review by violentdelights
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
5.0
I’ve never seen Bridgerton, but I must imagine that the delight I felt at a grand gala, a masked ball, a fancy ballroom and a kiss to the hand must be the same feeling that Bridgerton watchers have. The extravagance in this book was palpable, and created a lush environment that transported me back in time.
That’s how I begin this review, but of course, the best part of The Davenports are the titular Davenports. The individual characters and their complex relationships to each other as well as their parents were rich and layered, and created a complicated web of familial pressure and drama amidst the equally complicated web of love and heartbreak.The scene in the final chapter where they all commiserate over their individual heartaches together spoke to a family who, despite not being the closest, have a strong love and bond that connects them.
Of course, that’s not to say I didn’t love the non-Davenport point-of-view characters. Ruby’s character development and Amy-Rose’s arc were beautifully told, and they were loveable and interesting characters in their own right. While the four points of view occasionally felt cluttered, I found the author knew when to cut away and trust the reader to fill in the gaps between the last chapter and the next one, letting scenes and characters unfold in the negative space. In this sense, the four overlapping stories kept from being told in a repetitive nature and were instead kept fresh by the next chapter presenting a different-if-connected conflict.
I loved this book, and while the critical part of me wonders if I could rate it lower than five stars, as I finish reading I can think of no complaints I have with the book. It was a quick, addicting read with charming characters each dealing with racism, legacy and love in their own unique ways. Would recommend to anyone who loves a star-crossed love story, a motivated heroine, and vivid period pieces.
That’s how I begin this review, but of course, the best part of The Davenports are the titular Davenports. The individual characters and their complex relationships to each other as well as their parents were rich and layered, and created a complicated web of familial pressure and drama amidst the equally complicated web of love and heartbreak.
Of course, that’s not to say I didn’t love the non-Davenport point-of-view characters. Ruby’s character development and Amy-Rose’s arc were beautifully told, and they were loveable and interesting characters in their own right. While the four points of view occasionally felt cluttered, I found the author knew when to cut away and trust the reader to fill in the gaps between the last chapter and the next one, letting scenes and characters unfold in the negative space. In this sense, the four overlapping stories kept from being told in a repetitive nature and were instead kept fresh by the next chapter presenting a different-if-connected conflict.
I loved this book, and while the critical part of me wonders if I could rate it lower than five stars, as I finish reading I can think of no complaints I have with the book. It was a quick, addicting read with charming characters each dealing with racism, legacy and love in their own unique ways. Would recommend to anyone who loves a star-crossed love story, a motivated heroine, and vivid period pieces.