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A review by kimberly_b
Tatiana and Alexander by Paullina Simons
4.0
I have to start off by saying that this is one of the most inconsistent books I've ever read. Tatiana & Alexander is divided into three sections: it starts off on shaky ground (Part 1), gets better (Part 2), and the best is saved for last (Part 3).
For Part 1, there is a complete re-hashing of TBH (The Bronze Horseman) up until about page 150, much of which basically reads like TBH from Alexander's perspective. It seemed as though Simons was at a loss as to what to write so she included snippets of TBH to fill pages. As the reader, you already know what's happened so these passages serve little to no purpose. I mean, does Alexander's relationship with Dasha really matter at this point? After about another 100 pages (page 250) there are a few flashback scenes which actually are insightful. You get to learn a little bit more about Alexander's past and how he became Belov rather than Barrington. Did it have bearing on the story? Not much. Was it interesting? Sure.
During Part 2, Simons ups the ante and the story starts rolling along more smoothly. There are still some eye-rolling moments when she goes into yet another flashback of Tatia and Alexander frolicking around on their honeymoon, but overall Part 2 was very likable. You get some more depth into Tatia and Alexander's current psyches and lives.
Simons really saved the best for last, because Part 3 is awesome. I don't want to give any spoilers, but suffice it to say the writing is thoughtful, dramatic, and Simons actually shows off her writing talents there.
I said it for TBH, and I'll say it again for Tatiana and Alexander...Where was the editor?!
After having said all that, now that I know what to expect and which parts to skim I wouldn't rule out a re-read. Weird, I know.
I am at a bit of a loss as to what to rate this book. I would give it 2 stars for Part 1, 3 for Part 2, and 5 for Part 3. Shake 'em all together and I'm giving it a 3.5 rounded to a 4 (I always round up).
For Part 1, there is a complete re-hashing of TBH (The Bronze Horseman) up until about page 150, much of which basically reads like TBH from Alexander's perspective. It seemed as though Simons was at a loss as to what to write so she included snippets of TBH to fill pages. As the reader, you already know what's happened so these passages serve little to no purpose. I mean, does Alexander's relationship with Dasha really matter at this point? After about another 100 pages (page 250) there are a few flashback scenes which actually are insightful. You get to learn a little bit more about Alexander's past and how he became Belov rather than Barrington. Did it have bearing on the story? Not much. Was it interesting? Sure.
During Part 2, Simons ups the ante and the story starts rolling along more smoothly. There are still some eye-rolling moments when she goes into yet another flashback of Tatia and Alexander frolicking around on their honeymoon, but overall Part 2 was very likable. You get some more depth into Tatia and Alexander's current psyches and lives.
Simons really saved the best for last, because Part 3 is awesome. I don't want to give any spoilers, but suffice it to say the writing is thoughtful, dramatic, and Simons actually shows off her writing talents there.
I said it for TBH, and I'll say it again for Tatiana and Alexander...Where was the editor?!
After having said all that, now that I know what to expect and which parts to skim I wouldn't rule out a re-read. Weird, I know.
I am at a bit of a loss as to what to rate this book. I would give it 2 stars for Part 1, 3 for Part 2, and 5 for Part 3. Shake 'em all together and I'm giving it a 3.5 rounded to a 4 (I always round up).