kstaton's review
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jayelldee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
spookyskeletons's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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? No
3.75
sipeshannah20's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
rdelaney14's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
clairebartholomew549's review
4.0
I liked this book a lot! It's really imaginative and set in a time period I don't know much about, and the plot is different and unique from a lot of historical fiction. There is a sense of urgency throughout the book that keeps you reading, and the characters are likable enough that you care about them and root for them.
As with most books that have parallel timelines, I felt like the balance between Caroline's story and between Nella's story was not always carefully struck; at times, Nella's story felt more interesting and intriguing, and I was impatient to leave Caroline's universe. Caroline's story was very nuanced in terms of the questions of feminism that came up and the idea of how to remain independent and keep your sense of self intact when in a long-term relationship, but I felt like her storyline was relatively predictable, so I wasn't always that invested in it. The ending, as well, felt a little too hasty and cheesy; everything was wrapped up in such nice bows, and the thematic messaging felt heavy handed. I think the book might have benefited from a slightly less obvious ending. All in all, though, I enjoyed this book.
As with most books that have parallel timelines, I felt like the balance between Caroline's story and between Nella's story was not always carefully struck; at times, Nella's story felt more interesting and intriguing, and I was impatient to leave Caroline's universe. Caroline's story was very nuanced in terms of the questions of feminism that came up and the idea of how to remain independent and keep your sense of self intact when in a long-term relationship, but I felt like her storyline was relatively predictable, so I wasn't always that invested in it. The ending, as well, felt a little too hasty and cheesy; everything was wrapped up in such nice bows, and the thematic messaging felt heavy handed. I think the book might have benefited from a slightly less obvious ending. All in all, though, I enjoyed this book.
fishy27's review
4.0
A really enchanting novel intertwining the stories of three women. easy & quick read that speaks so gently on the human experience as a woman in London. I really liked how the stories fell together without being redundant or feeling like the message that Penner was trying to send was being screamed at me. Lots to take away from this little gem
jwingo1's review
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75