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A review by upallnightbookaddict
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
3.0
Overall, this book was mostly enjoyable. The characters and plot flowed and kept me reading through the pages at a comfortable pace.
Two drawbacks for me. The first, which seems to be a thing in most historical novels, is the assumption of the characters' intellect and maturity. They're almost always written as immature and lacking of common intelligence. It always annoys me. I don't understand this theme for characters in historical fiction.
The second is an editing issue. Now, had this just been one, maybe two, small instances? I probably wouldn't mention it. But, the lack of copy editing resulting in many inconsistencies drove me nuts and ended up taking enjoyment of the book away.
I will give two examples of them just to give you an idea of what I mean. I promise they aren't spoliers.spoilers.
After Helen's father passes away, it is discussed that the family will hold a viewing/memorial for him in their home with him in his casket. Then, the day of the service Helen asks if his remains are back yet. When I turned the page, she and Lillian are standing at his casket with him in it.
A other example is when Helen discusses visiting a certain someone in a nursing home. She tells Lillian and others she visits every couple weeks. However, once they are all at the nursing home, it is said that she visits monthly.
The book is riddled with all kinds of errors like this. I would think this book being published by a bigger publisher, there wouldn't be so many errors.
If you can overlook the inconsistencies, this is an enjoyable book with a great story. The way the author entwines two stories from two time periods into one was very enjoyable.
Two drawbacks for me. The first, which seems to be a thing in most historical novels, is the assumption of the characters' intellect and maturity. They're almost always written as immature and lacking of common intelligence. It always annoys me. I don't understand this theme for characters in historical fiction.
The second is an editing issue. Now, had this just been one, maybe two, small instances? I probably wouldn't mention it. But, the lack of copy editing resulting in many inconsistencies drove me nuts and ended up taking enjoyment of the book away.
I will give two examples of them just to give you an idea of what I mean. I promise they aren't spoliers.spoilers.
After Helen's father passes away, it is discussed that the family will hold a viewing/memorial for him in their home with him in his casket. Then, the day of the service Helen asks if his remains are back yet. When I turned the page, she and Lillian are standing at his casket with him in it.
A other example is when Helen discusses visiting a certain someone in a nursing home. She tells Lillian and others she visits every couple weeks. However, once they are all at the nursing home, it is said that she visits monthly.
The book is riddled with all kinds of errors like this. I would think this book being published by a bigger publisher, there wouldn't be so many errors.
If you can overlook the inconsistencies, this is an enjoyable book with a great story. The way the author entwines two stories from two time periods into one was very enjoyable.