siobhanward's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
2.5
Considering how much I enjoyed other books by Morton, I was really surprised that I did not enjoy this one. This one was published before either of the others that I've read, so honing her style might have been part of it.
Anyway, I found this book to be a bit of a slog. Normally, I find that when Morton moves through time, it adds so much to the book and it builds up to an ending that took me a while to piece together. I figured out the ending pretty early on in this book, and I found myself really bored when reading about Eliza and Rose. I would have loved to have read more about Nell, because she was so central to the story, but somehow was almost never mentioned. I think that Morton was just juggling too many elements throughout the story that made it hard to follow what exactly was happening.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Morton's works, but this one was a bit of a disappointment for me.
Anyway, I found this book to be a bit of a slog. Normally, I find that when Morton moves through time, it adds so much to the book and it builds up to an ending that took me a while to piece together. I figured out the ending pretty early on in this book, and I found myself really bored when reading about Eliza and Rose. I would have loved to have read more about Nell, because she was so central to the story, but somehow was almost never mentioned. I think that Morton was just juggling too many elements throughout the story that made it hard to follow what exactly was happening.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of Morton's works, but this one was a bit of a disappointment for me.
tigerlark's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It was a bit slow-paced, but the story unfolds so beautifully and is so intricate! Morton is a great weaver of epic family sagas.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Blood and Violence
Minor: Pregnancy and Incest
vhop's review against another edition
5.0
Todella hyvin kirjoitettu kirja. Jännitys pysyi yllä loppuun asti ja kirjailijan tyyli oli sujuvaa eikä liian siirappista. Harvinainen löytö. Harvoin annan romaanille viisi tähteä, mutta tässä on yksi niistä. Hauskana yksityiskohtana Hodgson Burnettin vierailu "salaisen puutarhan" mailla.
mazza57's review against another edition
4.0
This book I listened to on audio. At close to 21 hours it is something of a commitment. I do think it could have been shorter I feel like I have lived every life at least 3 time but the narrative is really interesting and to some extent immersive.
The narrative was generally good but the cornish men all sound like they came from Galway in Ireland
The narrative was generally good but the cornish men all sound like they came from Galway in Ireland
filoschira's review against another edition
5.0
A very special story, written in the most complete style. Everything begins with a tale, and with tales is sprinkled the novel. Nice tales indeed, that illustrate and are a part of the mystery. Not too sentimental, the story takes place in places so well described you feel transported there.
The characters too are really well portrayed and you come to like some, dislike others, feel the distance they build.
The mystery is well kept, and although at some point you can imagine part of it, you need to unravel it entirely with the heroine and discover why.
And finally, something I love when I close a book, it makes you think.
About life in those days, family conections, sacrifice, resentment, about what you understand of this story.
The characters too are really well portrayed and you come to like some, dislike others, feel the distance they build.
The mystery is well kept, and although at some point you can imagine part of it, you need to unravel it entirely with the heroine and discover why.
And finally, something I love when I close a book, it makes you think.
About life in those days, family conections, sacrifice, resentment, about what you understand of this story.
isabe1le_reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
casey887's review against another edition
1.0
As much as I tried I was unable to get into this story, I set it down and picked it back up more than 5 times I would say. I've heard good things but it just wasn't for me.
janicemon's review against another edition
5.0
Rich characters, rich setting and an intricately woven mystery that will keep you turning pages until the middle of the night.