Scan barcode
A review by jeaniehealy
The Beasts of Paris: A Novel by Stef Penney
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.75
The story is set in late 19th century Paris where tensions are high just before the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war. We meet Anne, a meek young woman who lives and works in an asylum who has had a terrible start in life Ellis, an American war surgeon who is battling daily with the effects of PTSD and Lawrence, a photographer's assistant who is trying to come to terms with his sexuality.
We also meet Victor who is the assistant veterinarian working in Paris's menagerie, where the proverbial beasts of Paris reside but the question is, who really are the beasts of Paris?
I found this to be a very enjoyable piece of historical fiction. It becomes a small bit heavy on the military history towards the last third but this is not a criticism as its incredibly well researched, vital to the story and also, accessible. I found it not only an enjoyable book but also very informative as it was a part of history that I've not read a lot about and Penney as a writer really draws you in to the story.
The standout though are the characters, so brilliantly written and multi dimensional. I disliked Victor from the outset and loved Lawrence, so wonderfully and empathetically written. I was thoroughly invested in their stories. Even the side characters, Louise, Serge, Fanny were all well rounded. You felt totally drawn in to their world. Penney provided great social commentary on how it was to live as a young person in the middle of war and also deloves into the hot topics of the time. It was a lot to pack in a book which isn't even 400 pages but it worked.
A very vivid and atmospheric read which is a highly commendable skill in a writer, I never had trouble picturing the area at the time despite not ever being in Paris. The writing was lush and descriptive. I enjoy a densely written book with a lot of descriptive detail but doesn't feel heavy and this was it.
I would have liked to hear more about the asylum and I feel like Anne's story could have been fleshed out a bit more. The asylum conducted horrendous experiments on the women who resided there and I would have liked to have seen some retribution. Maybe there will be a sequel? I would hope so as I feel like there is more to be told from many of the characters.
If you enjoy historical fiction, military history or LGBTQIA+ rep, this book combines all three very eloquently.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We also meet Victor who is the assistant veterinarian working in Paris's menagerie, where the proverbial beasts of Paris reside but the question is, who really are the beasts of Paris?
I found this to be a very enjoyable piece of historical fiction. It becomes a small bit heavy on the military history towards the last third but this is not a criticism as its incredibly well researched, vital to the story and also, accessible. I found it not only an enjoyable book but also very informative as it was a part of history that I've not read a lot about and Penney as a writer really draws you in to the story.
The standout though are the characters, so brilliantly written and multi dimensional. I disliked Victor from the outset and loved Lawrence, so wonderfully and empathetically written. I was thoroughly invested in their stories. Even the side characters, Louise, Serge, Fanny were all well rounded. You felt totally drawn in to their world. Penney provided great social commentary on how it was to live as a young person in the middle of war and also deloves into the hot topics of the time. It was a lot to pack in a book which isn't even 400 pages but it worked.
A very vivid and atmospheric read which is a highly commendable skill in a writer, I never had trouble picturing the area at the time despite not ever being in Paris. The writing was lush and descriptive. I enjoy a densely written book with a lot of descriptive detail but doesn't feel heavy and this was it.
I would have liked to hear more about the asylum and I feel like Anne's story could have been fleshed out a bit more. The asylum conducted horrendous experiments on the women who resided there and I would have liked to have seen some retribution. Maybe there will be a sequel? I would hope so as I feel like there is more to be told from many of the characters.
If you enjoy historical fiction, military history or LGBTQIA+ rep, this book combines all three very eloquently.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.