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A review by qludwig
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this book. Even the ones that were not likeable were very compelling. I think it’s also very well done that the author allows characters to have biases and opinions that would be standard to the time even if from a modern viewpoint it risks making them a less likeable character. I think this works so well because it’s shown to not be views that come from active hate but that’s how they’ve been raised to think and they can grow beyond that prejudice if given the right opportunity.
The book does a good job of acknowledging and showing the broader societal discrimination various groups faced while also not having a story that is just about their struggles and traumas. They are allowed to have joy and build lives for themselves in the corners of a society that looks down on them. To me it strikes a good balance of decent historical accuracy while also tell stories that get to show the moments of joy that existed in marginalized communities even during times of oppression.
My biggest issue with the book was the pacing. Well the first three quarters were interesting they were very slowly paced. Which I didn’t mind but then the climax of the story pacing felt breakneck by comparison and felt a bit rushed at the end. I just felt the ending could have been given a bit more time to breath particularly as the rest of it felt like a wander through the characters lives.
Would definitely recommend it was a very sweet book overall but does contain some very tense moments.
The book does a good job of acknowledging and showing the broader societal discrimination various groups faced while also not having a story that is just about their struggles and traumas. They are allowed to have joy and build lives for themselves in the corners of a society that looks down on them. To me it strikes a good balance of decent historical accuracy while also tell stories that get to show the moments of joy that existed in marginalized communities even during times of oppression.
My biggest issue with the book was the pacing. Well the first three quarters were interesting they were very slowly paced. Which I didn’t mind but then the climax of the story pacing felt breakneck by comparison and felt a bit rushed at the end. I just felt the ending could have been given a bit more time to breath particularly as the rest of it felt like a wander through the characters lives.
Would definitely recommend it was a very sweet book overall but does contain some very tense moments.