Scan barcode
A review by nerdyforbooks_
Antoinette's Sister by Diana Giovinazzo
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I’m not saying this was bad, I’m just kinda confused by the rave reviews. Marie Antionette is one of my favorite historical people to learn about - either real life or fictional. When I saw this was about her sister, I jumped at it. How cool to maybe get a fun twist from another angle.
However, this book still focuses a lot on being about Antionette when honestly - Charlotte was becoming a much better queen and more interesting person. There was constant mention about Antionette even though they were separated fairly early on in the story. I understand they were very, very close sisters, but cmon. Charlotte has a whole damn country to run! Tons of children! A fairly crap husband! And we see those things, sure, but it all feels sorta glossed over.
Don’t get me started on the damn letters at the end of every chapter too. Probably the biggest thing I hated about this book. When they made sense - they worked. However, there were a lot of times where they spoiled the story (ex. Antionette asking how Charlotte had such a successful marriage before she was even really married or getting along with her husband). I know, I know - this is history so how much spoiling can there truly be? But it took me out of the story every time & ruined a lot. Obviously I assumed they got along based on history, however, I’d have enjoyed the experience while reading.
As first stated, I don’t think this is a bad book. I just think there’s too much focus on Antionette (without her ever being in it really), very surface level story telling, and annoying AF end of chapter letters.
However, this book still focuses a lot on being about Antionette when honestly - Charlotte was becoming a much better queen and more interesting person. There was constant mention about Antionette even though they were separated fairly early on in the story. I understand they were very, very close sisters, but cmon. Charlotte has a whole damn country to run! Tons of children! A fairly crap husband! And we see those things, sure, but it all feels sorta glossed over.
Don’t get me started on the damn letters at the end of every chapter too. Probably the biggest thing I hated about this book. When they made sense - they worked. However, there were a lot of times where they spoiled the story (ex. Antionette asking how Charlotte had such a successful marriage before she was even really married or getting along with her husband). I know, I know - this is history so how much spoiling can there truly be? But it took me out of the story every time & ruined a lot. Obviously I assumed they got along based on history, however, I’d have enjoyed the experience while reading.
As first stated, I don’t think this is a bad book. I just think there’s too much focus on Antionette (without her ever being in it really), very surface level story telling, and annoying AF end of chapter letters.