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littletaiko's review against another edition
3.0
The sequel to [Eight Cousins] pretty much unfolded like I expected. More pompous and creepy interference from Uncle Alec, Rose remains charming and innocent, the cousins remain supportive. The surprising bit was how Alcott resolved the love triangle which felt a bit like her taking the easy way out. Even with all that it was still a cute story for it's time.
sanjastajdohar's review against another edition
4.0
Such lovely characters and stories. A little too didactic and sugary sometimes, but it is to be expected...a lovely story, made me laugh. made me cry and just smile so often. I will miss this little world Alcott created.
kareader's review
2.0
I started to read this book, but about 5 pages in I was already bored and confused with keeping the characters straight. So I decided to dump it. I love Louisa May Alcott, but at this point if a book doesn't REALLY catch my interest, I have plenty more on my list of to-reads.
sarah_emtage's review
4.0
You just had to make me cry Louisa! *shakes fist and sobs*
It was worth it though. There is much golden throughout and the ending leaves me smiling.
It was worth it though. There is much golden throughout and the ending leaves me smiling.
garnetofeden's review against another edition
4.0
After rereading Eight Cousins multiple times as a child and enjoying it thoroughly every time, I was very excited in high school to discover that there was a sequel while shelving at the library where I worked. At the time, I ended up not liking Rose in Bloom as much as its predecessor and thought maybe I would have appreciated it more if I had read it as a child as well. However, on my recent reread, I was surprised to see that some of the themes I liked in Eight Cousins were still present.
Note: This is not the cover on the free Kindle edition I downloaded.
Last finished 6/15/2012. Rating reviewed 12/26/2022.
Note: This is not the cover on the free Kindle edition I downloaded.
Last finished 6/15/2012. Rating reviewed 12/26/2022.
morgangiesbrecht's review
5.0
Ah! I love this book! It’s a comfort reread I never get tired of. Personally, it’s probably my favourite Alcott novel after Little Women. So many feelings and so many thoughts, but I’ll settle for: Mac is simply the best!
readsewknit's review against another edition
4.0
Rose, having returned home after touring abroad for a couple years, has entered adulthood and, as an heiress, is faced with making decisions on how to invest her money. Before beginning the task, she admits to her uncle that she desires to live freely in society, attending balls and staying out late for a few months before shouldering responsibilities.
Rose in Bloom wrestles with themes of friendship, love, and contentment. Rose examines what it is to have purpose and make a difference in the world, and analyzes what her responsibilities are when it comes to being able to influence the actions of those around her. She considers what it takes to live an upright life, how entertainment and friendships have great impact on thoughts and actions.
This can read like a morality tale -- Rose seems inherently noble and good, and when those around her are choosing lesser passions, we watch consequences play out. I have a strong fondness for Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, so it pales in comparison to that notable work, and while one can predict who will gain Rose's affection, I still found it a pleasant read.
I admit I have yet to read Eight Cousins, which is the title that preceded Rose in Bloom. I initially thought this was a stand-alone title, and only after beginning did I learn it was a sequel. However, I continued on, and while I still wish to read Eight Cousins to learn more of the stories that are hinted at, I didn't feel lost past the first chapter (in the first chapter, we meet all the cousins and see the aunts and uncles, so there is a flurry of names that would be less jarring had I been familiar with the characters).
(I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)
Rose in Bloom wrestles with themes of friendship, love, and contentment. Rose examines what it is to have purpose and make a difference in the world, and analyzes what her responsibilities are when it comes to being able to influence the actions of those around her. She considers what it takes to live an upright life, how entertainment and friendships have great impact on thoughts and actions.
This can read like a morality tale -- Rose seems inherently noble and good, and when those around her are choosing lesser passions, we watch consequences play out. I have a strong fondness for Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, so it pales in comparison to that notable work, and while one can predict who will gain Rose's affection, I still found it a pleasant read.
I admit I have yet to read Eight Cousins, which is the title that preceded Rose in Bloom. I initially thought this was a stand-alone title, and only after beginning did I learn it was a sequel. However, I continued on, and while I still wish to read Eight Cousins to learn more of the stories that are hinted at, I didn't feel lost past the first chapter (in the first chapter, we meet all the cousins and see the aunts and uncles, so there is a flurry of names that would be less jarring had I been familiar with the characters).
(I received a free digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)
rosh's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0