tengu23's review against another edition
I could not get past the mistake on the first page. The imperative is a mood and not a case
jack_b's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
"The Embroidered Book," is a masterpiece that blends history and imagination, taking readers on a journey through the rich tapestry of the past.
Heartfield's meticulous research comes alive with vivid authenticity: from the intricacies of daily life to the grandeur of societal structures, the author's ability to capture the essence of the time period pulls readers into a world that feels both familiar and unknown.
The colorful Habsburg siblings in "The Embroidered Book" feel fully-formed, each with their own hopes, dreams, and struggles. Their journeys of self-discovery are compelling, as they navigate the challenges of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity. The reader cannot help but become emotionally invested in their tragic fates.
This is a great historical novel that excels on every level.
Heartfield's meticulous research comes alive with vivid authenticity: from the intricacies of daily life to the grandeur of societal structures, the author's ability to capture the essence of the time period pulls readers into a world that feels both familiar and unknown.
The colorful Habsburg siblings in "The Embroidered Book" feel fully-formed, each with their own hopes, dreams, and struggles. Their journeys of self-discovery are compelling, as they navigate the challenges of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity. The reader cannot help but become emotionally invested in their tragic fates.
This is a great historical novel that excels on every level.
loisfaye's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.75
cat_adams's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"The Embroidered Book" is a captivating journey through a beautifully woven tapestry of history and fantasy. I found myself utterly entranced by the skillful storytelling, mesmerizing prose, and intricate details.
Set in a meticulously researched historical backdrop, the novel follows the destinies of two royal Habsburg sisters who marry two kings - Charlotte, who is sent to Naples, and Marie Antionette who goes to France. Although far from each other, the sisters are connected by a childhood secret - an embroidered book of magic. But Heartfield cleverly shows us that magic is no frivolous pastime, but a hard skill with a very high price. And even when that price is paid, it is still impossible to change the course of history or prevent the tragedy from unfolding.
Heartfield blends history with elements of magic and fantasy and masterfully combines real-world events with enchanting folklore, crafting a unique narrative. The characters - Charlotte, Marie Antoinette and their families - are multi-dimensional and relatable, making them easy to connect with and care for deeply.
While "The Embroidered Book" is a work of fiction, it also offers insightful commentary on historical events and societal norms. Heartfield does not make the mistake of making the sisters and their beliefs too modern - they do their best while looking at the world from the perspective of the extremely privileged 18th century women.
Set in a meticulously researched historical backdrop, the novel follows the destinies of two royal Habsburg sisters who marry two kings - Charlotte, who is sent to Naples, and Marie Antionette who goes to France. Although far from each other, the sisters are connected by a childhood secret - an embroidered book of magic. But Heartfield cleverly shows us that magic is no frivolous pastime, but a hard skill with a very high price. And even when that price is paid, it is still impossible to change the course of history or prevent the tragedy from unfolding.
Heartfield blends history with elements of magic and fantasy and masterfully combines real-world events with enchanting folklore, crafting a unique narrative. The characters - Charlotte, Marie Antoinette and their families - are multi-dimensional and relatable, making them easy to connect with and care for deeply.
While "The Embroidered Book" is a work of fiction, it also offers insightful commentary on historical events and societal norms. Heartfield does not make the mistake of making the sisters and their beliefs too modern - they do their best while looking at the world from the perspective of the extremely privileged 18th century women.
hallht98's review
1.0
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.
I'm not typically a huge fan of books that are based on the lives of real-life people, but Marie Antoinette fascinates me, so I requested this ARC. This book did not live up to my expectations in the slightest. I dnf'd around 14%. I wanted so badly to get through this, but this is so well-encapsulating of the full life that we don't get hints of excitement at all this far in the book. I need more to hook me and keep my attention than the intrigue of royals and hidden magic. When there is no big adventure beyond the palace walls, there is nothing for me to enjoy at the start.
I'm not typically a huge fan of books that are based on the lives of real-life people, but Marie Antoinette fascinates me, so I requested this ARC. This book did not live up to my expectations in the slightest. I dnf'd around 14%. I wanted so badly to get through this, but this is so well-encapsulating of the full life that we don't get hints of excitement at all this far in the book. I need more to hook me and keep my attention than the intrigue of royals and hidden magic. When there is no big adventure beyond the palace walls, there is nothing for me to enjoy at the start.
booksandchocolate's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
novelideea's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
cakt1991's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
As a casual fan of Marie Antoinette, the French Revolution, and the Habsburgs, I was drawn to the premise of The Embroidered Book, especially as I liked the focus on Marie Antoinette’s relationship with her sister and other family members, in addition to following her rise and fall as the French queen. And I like how it really focused on their origins, with Empress Maria Theresa being focused on diplomatically making alliances with the major houses of Europe by marrying off her many children, many of them daughters. And while the magical twist with the titular embroidered book was much less pronounced than I initially expected, I liked how it set the tone for the story and showed how these young, powerless girls used magic as leverage to provide security for their own futures.
Both Charlotte and Antoine (renamed Marie Antoinette partway through upon her marriage) are intriguing characters. I was touched by the bond between theme as sisters the most, and how that does not waver even as they are sent off to their separate arranged marriages and take on their own royal responsibilities and start royal families of their own. And it’s especially bittersweet as the political climate shifts around them, particularly for Marie Antoinette in France, and while she definitely makes some mistakes as Queen, it doesn’t make her end any less tragic, especially when viewed from a lens like this. And to see Charlotte’s history retold alongside it, with slight embellishments, makes the story all the richer.
The book did feel a tad long-winded at times, and I definitely felt the length in places. It does serve a purpose in getting the major players from point A to point B, it felt a bit too overwhelming at times, especially since there was a focus on both Marie Antoinette and her sister throughout.
Despite my issues with this book, I enjoyed it for the most part. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction with fantastical elements.
evieaustin's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.0
miabentham's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5