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A review by solivagant88
Ecstasy by Mary Sharratt
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This fictional account of Alma Mahler's life was an emotional rollercoaster. Although a longer read at 400 pages, Sharratt pulled me through ecstatic highs and painfully lonely lows.
It's crazy to think she only lived a hundred years ago. Sharratt writes so convincingly to describe the box that Alma has to conform herself into, it made me so angry. She squashes her own vivacity and sacrifices emotional needs to be with Gustav. As a woman, the only way she can keep her femininity and dignity is to give up her dreams and chase greatness only through proximity to a man.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, music, and emotional reads. I'm docking a star because although Alma and Gustav are portrayed relatively well as complex and dynamic characters, the positive feelings didn't balance out enough with the negative.
It's crazy to think she only lived a hundred years ago. Sharratt writes so convincingly to describe the box that Alma has to conform herself into, it made me so angry. She squashes her own vivacity and sacrifices emotional needs to be with Gustav. As a woman, the only way she can keep her femininity and dignity is to give up her dreams and chase greatness only through proximity to a man.
Would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, music, and emotional reads. I'm docking a star because although Alma and Gustav are portrayed relatively well as complex and dynamic characters, the positive feelings didn't balance out enough with the negative.