A review by labbyreads
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

challenging sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

This one was painful to get through. I felt like I too was trying to make it through the winter in Russia as I struggled to find engagement chapter after chapter of this long and painful read. 

While Simons vividly portrayed Tatiana's love for her family, she neglected to give the characters any actually redeeming qualities. Tatiana is poetically revealing her own love for them, there is little reason to understand where that comes from. In fact, the characters that she is working so hard to ridicule Tatiana.

To no surprise, the daughter of neglect and abuse chose a man who seems to be at best controlling. He is viciously jealous of any other man who is near her and is constantly at odds with the family around Tania.  

This was a failure for me. If you've already started the book I'd suggest cutting your losses and moving on.