A review by katiemcgregor
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

funny informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I'm struggling to decide where exactly this book missed for me. I was pretty excited for this one but I think it's ended up as my least favorite in the series, thus far.

I think part of the issue is that Dunmore tries to squeeze a lot into this book and the pacing and character exploration suffer because of it. While I appreciate the political aspects of this book I think they also overshadow the main relationship, which needed all the time and development it could get, due to it's rocky start.

Like many others have said, the last three or so chapters also feel like an odd pacing choice. Especially since the events of them are set up early in the book and then completely ignored until they're needed to add what, extra drama? I understand the reasoning behind the choice Hattie makes and I don't even fully disagree with it, but I think this last aspect of the plot felt like it was tacked onto the end of the book.

I don't know, this book was missing something. I didn't hate it, but it felt a little all over the place.
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