stacyculler's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a fictional story surrounding the household of reclusive American poet Emily Dickinson, and an Irish housekeeper, Ada Concannon. The author, Nuala O’Connor, is a gifted storyteller, and she alternates chapters between Emily’s and Ada’s point of view.
Nuala incorporates many historical facts and personality traits when describing the Dickinson’s. This was an interesting and easy read. It got me curious about the life of Emily Dickinson and led me to a little bit of side research about her.
Nuala incorporates many historical facts and personality traits when describing the Dickinson’s. This was an interesting and easy read. It got me curious about the life of Emily Dickinson and led me to a little bit of side research about her.
somanylovelybooks's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book because it had a really well written story with a happy ending. But I also had feelings of anger and sadness in between the middle and ending because of what had happened to one of the girls in the book. I recommend this book if you like old fashioned stories or historical novels sort of books.
katelizray14's review against another edition
3.0
Review copy received from First to Read.
Overall enjoyable and well-written. I enjoyed the way that the story was told in two voices, often telling the same story but from differing point of view. An interesting interpretation of Emily Dickinson's life and personality.
Overall enjoyable and well-written. I enjoyed the way that the story was told in two voices, often telling the same story but from differing point of view. An interesting interpretation of Emily Dickinson's life and personality.
rym201's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
While I found this book rather slow, I really enjoyed it. Emily (Dickinson) is odd and appealing and her maid, Ada is a wonderful character. I loved how the author alternated their voices.
marygrace_'s review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
rialta's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Two protagonists,Emily and Ada
Nuala handles the different voices superbly.Chapters alternate between Ada's point of view and Miss Emily's
She captures the preciseness of Emily and her command of language and it contrasts well with Ada's Irish expressions.
Two women from totally different back grounds find space in the kitchen to develop a unique relationship of caring friendship and loyalty.
At times I found the use of language dense but very satisfying
Nuala handles the different voices superbly.Chapters alternate between Ada's point of view and Miss Emily's
She captures the preciseness of Emily and her command of language and it contrasts well with Ada's Irish expressions.
Two women from totally different back grounds find space in the kitchen to develop a unique relationship of caring friendship and loyalty.
At times I found the use of language dense but very satisfying
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
connie575's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0