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A review by lezreadalot
A Transcontinental Affair by Jodi Daynard
3.0
“Only to know that it is your pain. You may give it to someone else, but you can’t give it away.”
2.5 stars. I feel like I have almost nothing to say about this book. It was... kinda dull!! An absolute nothing of fiction!! In my defence, I really did think I would enjoy learning about trains, and this being the first transcontinental train journey in the US but girl... I didn't. I entertained thoughts of DNFing early on, but I kept on going because I really liked Hattie! There's something about a headstrong, slightly obnoxious heroine that is very endearing to me, especially in historical fiction when women are expected to be anything but. Sometimes she was a bit too annoying, but the important thing is that she wasn't immune to growth. The romance between her and Louisa isn't front and centre, but I really enjoyed it, and the slow way they realised their feelings. That's pretty much what kept me going. I really did like their friendship and relationship. But the actual plot? I did not care. Why did we keep getting Leland's POV? Useless. And all the stuff about the mechanics of the train and then the cover-up... boring. Alas, I am not a train girlie. Also, I'm not sure I loved how the one and only significant Native character was used.
Listened to the audiobook as read by Emily Sutton-Smith, which blessedly sped things along. Good accents as well. I'm not mad I read this book, because I am coming away from it with genuine affection for Hattie and Louisa. But also, I'm glad it's over.
Content warnings: