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poetsofsweetpea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There were a lot of things going on, and as a result, a lot of questions were left unanswered. There was also a lot of convenient pieces of information given sentences before it was needed, even though there was ample opportunity to provide that context earlier in the novel.
Some of the relationships felt forced.
The ending was satisfying.
The POV'S were confusing at first, probably a me thing.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and War
jazzsilvestri's review against another edition
2.0
Opaline’s storyline was beyond confusing. I understand that at that time things were much different for women, however, the story of an arranged marriage felt more suited for a story taking place in the 18th or 19th century. On top of that, why was Opaline’s “brother” so obsessed with marrying her off and then one day kidnaps her and puts her in an asylum??? She had zero contact with him and it obviously wasn’t a money grab. The reasoning behind that plot line made zero sense. I understand he’s controlling but this was too much.
Opaline’s relationships were also quite confusing. She was in love with Armand in Paris, and the moment she leaves Paris she’s now in love with Matthew who happens to be married. And they have an affair? Or at least a kiss (which is still cheating. It seems like the author doesn’t have an issue with cheating since the other two main characters cheat as well). And who the hell is Jane?! I swear we were never introduced to this character until Opaline is in the asylum, otherwise I somehow blocked it out.
There was a lot of jumping in between plot points that made this books super confusing. We end one characters POV and when we came back to them we wouldn’t know how much time had passed and it felt as if we missed a lot of the story. I listened on audiobook and did so many double takes thinking I drifted off and missed chunks of the book only to realize I had not.
Now speaking about Martha and Henry, the way we were introduced to them made it seem as if their timeline wasn’t present day. But then we learn about cell phones and such so it must be somewhat present. So why does Martha not understand the concept of libraries? And the way Martha became basically a maid to a Lady was another confusing moment that made the timeline feel awkward and unclear. Also, how did she just get this job without any references???
At the end of the day none of the relationships were believable, the book wasn’t cohesive, and I’m sad the magical lost bookshop took such a backseat as to almost be nonexistent.
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
Minor: War
rhi_'s review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gun violence, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Minor: War
jocelynbold's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Child death, Pregnancy, and War
Minor: Alcoholism, Suicide, and Death of parent
fkshg8465's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
megankriegel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Miscarriage and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Domestic abuse, Grief, Death of parent, and War
alanahcw's review
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, and Classism
nawilcox's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexism, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, and War
beckylmartin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Abandonment
Minor: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
thewarbler's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Graphic: Domestic abuse and War
Moderate: Child death