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oliviamannall's reviews
2 reviews
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Even though I am the most cynical person in the world when it comes to Valentine's Day, I was determined to read a good ol' romance this weekend to commemorate it. Say what you want, but I'm old-fashioned at heart.
As I'm sure many of my friends on here can agree, Netflix's Bridgerton has been one of the highlights of my 2021 thus far, so I couldn't resist picking up a copy of The Duke & I to see if the book lived up to its TV adaptation, and honestly? It did and it didn't, and here's why.
I must admit that Quinn's writing style was a lot better than I originally anticipated that it would be. I found the characters in her story to be witty and well-developed. I appreciated what inner monologue we got, which I felt was well balanced with dynamic, fun dialogue. Was it the most period-appropriate? Absolutely not! But this did not hinder my enjoyment of the story. What is so clever about this novel is it clearly bridges a gap between modern-day readers and classic stories. What reads as a very Austen inspired romance has definite elements of the 21st century thrown into the mix, and this is reflected not just in the book, but in the TV adaptation too.
The TV show, however, certainly has one-up on the novel in that it covers a lot more character arcs and plotlines. This book solely focuses on Daphne and Simon and their love story. The Queen does not exist. Lady Whistledown is relegated to brief opening extracts from her society papers at the top of each chapter and Eloise?! Where was my angel Eloise?! So, I think I have to say that I enjoyed the TV show more, if only for the range of characters and storylines that were covered, although I am fully aware that there are eight books in this series, and that some of Season 1's plotlines may have been drawn from later novels.
When I was about halfway through this I was certain that it would be four stars. I was so pleased when that God awful scene from the TV show (you know the one) hadn't made an appearance in the book when I thought it would, but alas, it does come, and with a vengeance - I won't spoil it, but there is a distinct difference between that scene in the TV show and in the book, and the book's version is ten times worse, if that was even possible. Gross.
Speaking of, ahem... those scenes, it sadly was the sex scenes in this book that brought it down to a three for me. I'm just not here for a cringey sex scene, okay? After you've read the sex scenes in Red, White & Royal Blue, nothing else compares. I also really wasn't into how possessive Simon got towards the end of this book, constantly claiming both out loud and in his inner monologue that he 'owned' Daphne; I know this is meant to be set in the 1800's, and that this book was written twenty years ago, but come on, surely we've moved past that by now?
Another downside for me was that not really much happened over the span of this 350 page novel. I felt like Quinn could have seriously killed some darlings here - over 100 pages in and we'd still only essentially covered the events of one ball. The distinct lack of pace in this novel had me itching to get it over and done with, but that could possibly also be owing to the fact that having already watched the whole show I knew exactly what was coming and maybe if I had read this before watching the TV adaptation I may not have felt the same.
Anyway, all in all this wasn't the worst that it could have been, but it also wasn't the best. I most likely won't reread, but equally I haven't been sworn off picking up the next book in the series, so because of this, The Duke & I is sitting at a solid three.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Even though I am the most cynical person in the world when it comes to Valentine's Day, I was determined to read a good ol' romance this weekend to commemorate it. Say what you want, but I'm old-fashioned at heart.
As I'm sure many of my friends on here can agree, Netflix's Bridgerton has been one of the highlights of my 2021 thus far, so I couldn't resist picking up a copy of The Duke & I to see if the book lived up to its TV adaptation, and honestly? It did and it didn't, and here's why.
I must admit that Quinn's writing style was a lot better than I originally anticipated that it would be. I found the characters in her story to be witty and well-developed. I appreciated what inner monologue we got, which I felt was well balanced with dynamic, fun dialogue. Was it the most period-appropriate? Absolutely not! But this did not hinder my enjoyment of the story. What is so clever about this novel is it clearly bridges a gap between modern-day readers and classic stories. What reads as a very Austen inspired romance has definite elements of the 21st century thrown into the mix, and this is reflected not just in the book, but in the TV adaptation too.
The TV show, however, certainly has one-up on the novel in that it covers a lot more character arcs and plotlines. This book solely focuses on Daphne and Simon and their love story. The Queen does not exist. Lady Whistledown is relegated to brief opening extracts from her society papers at the top of each chapter and Eloise?! Where was my angel Eloise?! So, I think I have to say that I enjoyed the TV show more, if only for the range of characters and storylines that were covered, although I am fully aware that there are eight books in this series, and that some of Season 1's plotlines may have been drawn from later novels.
When I was about halfway through this I was certain that it would be four stars. I was so pleased when that God awful scene from the TV show (you know the one) hadn't made an appearance in the book when I thought it would, but alas, it does come, and with a vengeance - I won't spoil it, but there is a distinct difference between that scene in the TV show and in the book, and the book's version is ten times worse, if that was even possible. Gross.
Speaking of, ahem... those scenes, it sadly was the sex scenes in this book that brought it down to a three for me. I'm just not here for a cringey sex scene, okay? After you've read the sex scenes in Red, White & Royal Blue, nothing else compares. I also really wasn't into how possessive Simon got towards the end of this book, constantly claiming both out loud and in his inner monologue that he 'owned' Daphne; I know this is meant to be set in the 1800's, and that this book was written twenty years ago, but come on, surely we've moved past that by now?
Another downside for me was that not really much happened over the span of this 350 page novel. I felt like Quinn could have seriously killed some darlings here - over 100 pages in and we'd still only essentially covered the events of one ball. The distinct lack of pace in this novel had me itching to get it over and done with, but that could possibly also be owing to the fact that having already watched the whole show I knew exactly what was coming and maybe if I had read this before watching the TV adaptation I may not have felt the same.
Anyway, all in all this wasn't the worst that it could have been, but it also wasn't the best. I most likely won't reread, but equally I haven't been sworn off picking up the next book in the series, so because of this, The Duke & I is sitting at a solid three.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence and Alcoholism
Even though I am the most cynical person in the world when it comes to Valentine's Day, I was determined to read a good ol' romance this weekend to commemorate it. Say what you want, but I'm old-fashioned at heart.
As I'm sure many of my friends on here can agree, Netflix's Bridgerton has been one of the highlights of my 2021 thus far, so I couldn't resist picking up a copy of The Duke & I to see if the book lived up to its TV adaptation, and honestly? It did and it didn't, and here's why.
I must admit that Quinn's writing style was a lot better than I originally anticipated that it would be. I found the characters in her story to be witty and well-developed. I appreciated what inner monologue we got, which I felt was well balanced with dynamic, fun dialogue. Was it the most period-appropriate? Absolutely not! But this did not hinder my enjoyment of the story. What is so clever about this novel is it clearly bridges a gap between modern-day readers and classic stories. What reads as a very Austen inspired romance has definite elements of the 21st century thrown into the mix, and this is reflected not just in the book, but in the TV adaptation too.
The TV show, however, certainly has one-up on the novel in that it covers a lot more character arcs and plotlines. This book solely focuses on Daphne and Simon and their love story. The Queen does not exist. Lady Whistledown is relegated to brief opening extracts from her society papers at the top of each chapter and Eloise?! Where was my angel Eloise?! So, I think I have to say that I enjoyed the TV show more, if only for the range of characters and storylines that were covered, although I am fully aware that there are eight books in this series, and that some of Season 1's plotlines may have been drawn from later novels.
When I was about halfway through this I was certain that it would be four stars. I was so pleased when that God awful scene from the TV show (you know the one) hadn't made an appearance in the book when I thought it would, but alas, it does come, and with a vengeance - I won't spoil it, but there is a distinct difference between that scene in the TV show and in the book, and the book's version is ten times worse, if that was even possible. Gross.
Speaking of, ahem... those scenes, it sadly was the sex scenes in this book that brought it down to a three for me. I'm just not here for a cringey sex scene, okay? After you've read the sex scenes in Red, White & Royal Blue, nothing else compares. I also really wasn't into how possessive Simon got towards the end of this book, constantly claiming both out loud and in his inner monologue that he 'owned' Daphne; I know this is meant to be set in the 1800's, and that this book was written twenty years ago, but come on, surely we've moved past that by now?
Another downside for me was that not really much happened over the span of this 350 page novel. I felt like Quinn could have seriously killed some darlings here - over 100 pages in and we'd still only essentially covered the events of one ball. The distinct lack of pace in this novel had me itching to get it over and done with, but that could possibly also be owing to the fact that having already watched the whole show I knew exactly what was coming and maybe if I had read this before watching the TV adaptation I may not have felt the same.
Anyway, all in all this wasn't the worst that it could have been, but it also wasn't the best. I most likely won't reread, but equally I haven't been sworn off picking up the next book in the series, so because of this, The Duke & I is sitting at a solid three.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a charming, thought-provoking read this was. As somebody who has suffered from depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation for quite some time, this book cut right to the core of those experiences, which I was not surprised by. Haig's 'Reasons to Stay Alive' is not a bestseller for no reason, after all.
I really, truly related and resonated with Nora, our protagonist. I thought she felt very real and at times all I wanted to do was reach into the pages and give her a hug. I'm honestly so glad that she was given an authentic, beautiful ending to her story.
In terms of what to say in this review, I am coming up short, which is very unlike me. I have tabbed several beautiful lines in this novel and I believe that Haig is an absolute master at delivering a 'lesson' to his readers, something to take from his stories and carry forward into everyday life. I certainly am going to be thinking of this book for a long time to come, and the lessons that it has taught me.
That being said, enchanting a read as it was, there's just something I can't quite put my finger on that brings it down from a 5 star read to a 4 star. I feel so unjustified in doing so, because I literally can give you no reason as to why this is, but for me, a 5 star read is something I am certain I will come back to again in later life, or a book that I could reread over and over again and not get bored of, and I just don't think The Midnight Library is that book for me.
The reading experience was very enjoyable and I am glad to have read it, but I personally cannot see myself rereading it in future: for me, it has served its purpose, it has woven its way into my reading journey, and I will undoubtedly carry its lessons forward with me, but it was not an instant favourite. I'm so sorry that I can't give you a solid reason as to why.
That being said, I will absolutely be checking out more of Matt Haig's work in the future! I have been meaning to read either his novels or self-help books for quite some time now, and I am glad that The Midnight Library was my first foray into his writing. I think his style is distinctive, lighthearted and incredibly authentic and I am very excited to venture further into his stories in the not too distant future!
I really, truly related and resonated with Nora, our protagonist. I thought she felt very real and at times all I wanted to do was reach into the pages and give her a hug. I'm honestly so glad that she was given an authentic, beautiful ending to her story.
In terms of what to say in this review, I am coming up short, which is very unlike me. I have tabbed several beautiful lines in this novel and I believe that Haig is an absolute master at delivering a 'lesson' to his readers, something to take from his stories and carry forward into everyday life. I certainly am going to be thinking of this book for a long time to come, and the lessons that it has taught me.
That being said, enchanting a read as it was, there's just something I can't quite put my finger on that brings it down from a 5 star read to a 4 star. I feel so unjustified in doing so, because I literally can give you no reason as to why this is, but for me, a 5 star read is something I am certain I will come back to again in later life, or a book that I could reread over and over again and not get bored of, and I just don't think The Midnight Library is that book for me.
The reading experience was very enjoyable and I am glad to have read it, but I personally cannot see myself rereading it in future: for me, it has served its purpose, it has woven its way into my reading journey, and I will undoubtedly carry its lessons forward with me, but it was not an instant favourite. I'm so sorry that I can't give you a solid reason as to why.
That being said, I will absolutely be checking out more of Matt Haig's work in the future! I have been meaning to read either his novels or self-help books for quite some time now, and I am glad that The Midnight Library was my first foray into his writing. I think his style is distinctive, lighthearted and incredibly authentic and I am very excited to venture further into his stories in the not too distant future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Cancer, Car accident, Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Vomit
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