teri_b's review against another edition
This book starts with torture. Right now, I do not want to read a book that starts with torture.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Religious bigotry, and War
kaadie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
The Burning Chambers was a conflicting read. On the one had I really loved the characters and setting. The Joubert family is lovely and Minou and Piet's love story is quite heart warming. However on the other hand the plot was somewhat lacking for me. I found the story slow and predictable, which is an unfortunate combination. I was also perpetually frustrated by the characters reticence to confide in one another about things they suspected or had learnt. For example: I did not like the fact that the author used these pockets of silence as means of forwarding the story since the characters were unaware and thus blundered into easily prevented pitfalls 30 pages later. What was also frustrating were the characters naivety: . It was annoying.
Overall I had a lackluster reading experience.
Spoiler
Bernard refusing to tell Minou about her origins, Minou not telling Piet about her knowledge of Devereux, Michel refusing to speak to Minou etc.Spoiler
Piet's faith in Vidal and McCone, Alis leaving with Blanche, Minou and her interactions with her Toulouse family membersOverall I had a lackluster reading experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Pedophilia and Torture
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