Reviews

The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris

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books_coffees_wines's review against another edition

4.0

This book was such a pleasant surprise.

I had read some quite sad and heavy books lately, and although this book had some sad moments, it was a nice change as it was so heartwarming. It reminded me slightly of The Authenticity Project, in that a group of people from different generations form an unlikely friendship and lifelong bonds. Who would have thought I would have enjoyed learning about violins and cello, as I'm probably one of the least musical people out there!

Will have to write a full review soon!

jordanoshan's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

stagasaurus's review against another edition

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2.0

Maybe a 2.5?

I never would have picked up a book like this, it isn't my genre at all so I feel a bit mean giving it a rating. I read it for book group. It was okay, but I didn't find the main character believable. Even her spiky hair didn't seem to match her annoyingly submissive personality. Also how can anyone drinking a bottle of wine a night be that skinny?

It was all a bit convenient, I could feel the writer's tread on the plot throughout.

However, it did keep me reading, I liked Nadia and William, plus some nice descriptions of Paris and Cremona. However- some descriptions of England were a bit off. Rapeseed is not yellow in late August. It should have been harvested by then. If for some reason it had not been harvested, it would be brown. It is yellow in April/May when it flowers.

nicquinn25's review against another edition

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Found it a bit too slow paced, lots of musical references and wasn’t invested in any of the characters.

joanna_153's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

beccamarriner's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

Despite the title of the book, I found Grace to be a very dislike-able character. Considering her relationship with a married man and her constant need to cover things up or sneak around, I didn’t think she was truthful at all.

As a cellist myself, I found it very hard to believe that she would smash up all those instruments.

The other two members the of trio seemed to have such interesting lives and passions and I wish we knew more about them, they saved the book for me. I liked how easy the book was to read and it included some lovely descriptions of moments with characters like Shota. However I felt a disconnect with many moments of cello playing but that may be based on my personal performance experience

Content Warnings

kolakubez07's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

Here we have the story of Grace, a single lady who owns a shop making and rebuilding Violins and Cello’s and is having an affair with David, who is married!

The secret of the affair comes out and Grace is left to fight her fears with just her two friends, Nadia and Mr Williams in a cello competition!

A story with lots going on but all a bit bitty.. for me it was an ok book but nothing that stood out too much for me to go awwwh or wow!!