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poetsofsweetpea's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- 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
I didn't dislike the book as much as I was disappointed. I thought the book would be about a magic Bookshop based on the title, description, and cover. I was surprised to find instead that it was really about women surviving abuse and also a love story and also a magical bookshop.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
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
medium-paced
2.0
I’m not even sure I fully understand what I just read. Nothing about this felt cohesive and this felt like a book about a mystery of a lost manuscript rather than a book about a lost bookshop.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
Minor: War
patienced's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Pregnancy
rworrall78's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Lovely premise and very interesting. But so many non sequiturs, great ideas not properly explored, and loose ends not properly tied up. So much falling into men's arms. Could have been great with tighter plotting and more editing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, and Murder
rebeccamtann's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
I loved the intergenerational ties and family history here. Also super fun to think about book dealers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
rhi_'s review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
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
erwikka's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
So Night Circus is my favorite book and I’m always looking for something that gives me what I felt reading that. This book did that. Martha, Henry and Opaline’s stories were so engaging and magical that I was hooked from the first sentence. I love the multiple POV and I’m a sucker for duel timelines, I love seeing how the past can contribute to the present. I feel like this book is about the power of stories and your place in the world. Truly being who you are and not hiding from it was a key theme in my opinion. Magic Realism is such a compelling genre that instantly grabs me and doesn’t let go. I really loved the beautiful, sad, and hopeful book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
doboo's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
ariel_99's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse
emilyanne_5's review
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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? No
4.0
This book left me feeling so warm and fuzzy inside. The story was very simple but not boring. It was satisfying to read past and present with multiple characters intertwine into the conclusion. This book also did an excellent job addressing domestic abuse as well as the gross mistreatment of women in the early 1900s. This is a must read for your cozy fall TBR!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Murder
Moderate: Kidnapping