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jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have loved the Maisie Dobbs series and was happy to see there’s a new book by Winspear even if it isn’t Maisie.
I just finished reading the first three books of a poorly written trilogy by a different author - I should have quit after the first. So from the first page of The White Lady I was happy knowing I was in Winspear’s capable hands. Her writing is smooth and informative without being didactic, her characters are often endearing, and her plots are inevitably intriguing.
The sections on the Great War and WWII were especially strong, the postwar story not as much. The ending seemed very unlikely; there were other ways it could have gone which would have been more realistic within the context. That said, I’ll read anything Winspear writes - she’s that good.
So, I’d recommend this novel but with a caveat about the last few chapters.
I just finished reading the first three books of a poorly written trilogy by a different author - I should have quit after the first. So from the first page of The White Lady I was happy knowing I was in Winspear’s capable hands. Her writing is smooth and informative without being didactic, her characters are often endearing, and her plots are inevitably intriguing.
The sections on the Great War and WWII were especially strong, the postwar story not as much. The ending seemed very unlikely; there were other ways it could have gone which would have been more realistic within the context. That said, I’ll read anything Winspear writes - she’s that good.
So, I’d recommend this novel but with a caveat about the last few chapters.
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, War, and Classism
kimveach's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I eagerly awaited the next Maisie Dobbs mystery, so I was disappointed to learn this story had a different protagonist. However, I enjoyed this book so much. Miss White is an intriguing character, and the various timelines (WWI, WWII, 1947) were equally interesting. This book didn't have some of the depth I'm used to from some Maisie Dobbs stories, but it still had plenty of emotional moments. This book could stand alone or be the start of a new series. I will read more if this series continues.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
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