Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by jessbbnugget
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for an advanced e-book of The Magnolia Palace!
The Magnolia Palace showcases an intricate depiction of life within the 1910s in one of the wealthiest families in New York City, whilst also exploring the secrets left behind almost fifty years later. The book revolves around Lillian, a young woman who is caught in a massive misunderstanding and is forced to fend for herself like never before. Thanks to her misfortunes, Lillian waltzes right into the life of a private secretary in one of New York's most elite households. We get to explore the inner workings of a high-society family, akin to the drama and ornateness of Downton Abbey.
I enjoyed that Lillian was on a journey within herself to find worth outside of what she had known for so long. She was fiery, but she knew when to hold her tongue and go through the motions most of the time. I felt like I was friends with her and only wanted the best for her the whole way through. Helen managed to be the most likable unlikable character that I have ever read and I would honestly just love to sit down and listen to her stories.
The side plot set in 1966 could drag at times, but I really enjoyed a look into how a home of such elegance had fared throughout the decades. It had whimsical aspects that kept me turning the page looking to see what they would get into next. The ending was beautiful and I feel like these characters will stay with me for quite some time.
The Magnolia Palace showcases an intricate depiction of life within the 1910s in one of the wealthiest families in New York City, whilst also exploring the secrets left behind almost fifty years later. The book revolves around Lillian, a young woman who is caught in a massive misunderstanding and is forced to fend for herself like never before. Thanks to her misfortunes, Lillian waltzes right into the life of a private secretary in one of New York's most elite households. We get to explore the inner workings of a high-society family, akin to the drama and ornateness of Downton Abbey.
I enjoyed that Lillian was on a journey within herself to find worth outside of what she had known for so long. She was fiery, but she knew when to hold her tongue and go through the motions most of the time. I felt like I was friends with her and only wanted the best for her the whole way through. Helen managed to be the most likable unlikable character that I have ever read and I would honestly just love to sit down and listen to her stories.
The side plot set in 1966 could drag at times, but I really enjoyed a look into how a home of such elegance had fared throughout the decades. It had whimsical aspects that kept me turning the page looking to see what they would get into next. The ending was beautiful and I feel like these characters will stay with me for quite some time.