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A review by kanissa
Clara by Kurt Palka
3.0
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book through the First Reads program.
I'm not really sure how to describe my reaction. Certainly it wasn't a bad book; there was nothing wrong with it. But it just didn't resonate with me. I do like books written in first person, as often they give you an excellent insight into the protagonist's emotions and thinking. But aside from Clara's inner self, the writing felt quite sparse. I realize that is probably a stylistic thing, but it's not a style that generally speaks to me.
I enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of the novel significantly more than the parts set in the modern day.
The blurb for this novel mentions: "Clara must make choices and take risks that are as heroic and life-altering as any that men make in battle." While there certainly events in her life that are harrowing and difficult (especially difficult!), this seemed completely overstated to me. Sure, technically it's not wrong, but it led me to expect a lot more drama than there really was. This may be in part due to the straightforward writing, but it did not strike me as particularly dramatic or tense.
All in all, it was an ok story, but not one I'd be eager to re-read.
I'm not really sure how to describe my reaction. Certainly it wasn't a bad book; there was nothing wrong with it. But it just didn't resonate with me. I do like books written in first person, as often they give you an excellent insight into the protagonist's emotions and thinking. But aside from Clara's inner self, the writing felt quite sparse. I realize that is probably a stylistic thing, but it's not a style that generally speaks to me.
I enjoyed the historical fiction aspects of the novel significantly more than the parts set in the modern day.
The blurb for this novel mentions: "Clara must make choices and take risks that are as heroic and life-altering as any that men make in battle." While there certainly events in her life that are harrowing and difficult (especially difficult!), this seemed completely overstated to me. Sure, technically it's not wrong, but it led me to expect a lot more drama than there really was. This may be in part due to the straightforward writing, but it did not strike me as particularly dramatic or tense.
All in all, it was an ok story, but not one I'd be eager to re-read.