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A review by izasballad
Abigail by Magda Szabó
3.0
Abigail explores Gina's coming-of-age story during the tumultuous backdrop of a war. Having been the center of her father's life, Gina was devastated when he suddenly decided to send her away to a boarding school. She struggled to adapt to the strict rules and environment of the school. While staying at the institution, Gina found guidance in a statue named Abigail.
I had high hopes for Abigail after hearing so many good reviews and enjoying Iza's Ballad. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I don't hate it, but I was hoping for more. The writing was beautiful. It was able to paint the scenes of the characters and surroundings perfectly. Szabo was able to translate the symbolism she used to convey the message of the story perfectly, but my problem lies in the connection or tone of it. It just felt too distant (maybe, it's because of the translation?), so I wasn't emotionally attached to the story or characters.
However, I understand why this has become a classic. The novel's exploration of identity, rebellion, and the impact of war is powerful. I appreciate Szabo's ability to show the devastating effects of war through subtle details. We can see how the conflict has shaped the choices of the characters, and ultimately the characters' lives. Despite my lack of enjoyment when reading this, I would still recommend this if the premise intrigues you.
I had high hopes for Abigail after hearing so many good reviews and enjoying Iza's Ballad. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I don't hate it, but I was hoping for more. The writing was beautiful. It was able to paint the scenes of the characters and surroundings perfectly. Szabo was able to translate the symbolism she used to convey the message of the story perfectly, but my problem lies in the connection or tone of it. It just felt too distant (maybe, it's because of the translation?), so I wasn't emotionally attached to the story or characters.
However, I understand why this has become a classic. The novel's exploration of identity, rebellion, and the impact of war is powerful. I appreciate Szabo's ability to show the devastating effects of war through subtle details. We can see how the conflict has shaped the choices of the characters, and ultimately the characters' lives. Despite my lack of enjoyment when reading this, I would still recommend this if the premise intrigues you.