eroderick's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
mito9's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
hannahkt's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another five-star for Robson!
I ADORED The Gown when I read it in Summer 2020, and was totally enthralled by not only Robson's ability to intertwine real history with fiction, but also how her writing so effortlessly captured true humanity in her characters. Coronation Year is no exception, though this time the location of the Blue Lion, where much of our action is centered, is just as much a character as the people that inhabit it. Filled with London charm, romance in all the right places, discussions around lingering sentiments to foreigners and worries in a post-World War II Europe for those seen as "other," and heart galore, Jennifer Robson still confounds me in that she flies so far under the radar. I'll be working to remedy that as soon as humanely possible.
I ADORED The Gown when I read it in Summer 2020, and was totally enthralled by not only Robson's ability to intertwine real history with fiction, but also how her writing so effortlessly captured true humanity in her characters. Coronation Year is no exception, though this time the location of the Blue Lion, where much of our action is centered, is just as much a character as the people that inhabit it. Filled with London charm, romance in all the right places, discussions around lingering sentiments to foreigners and worries in a post-World War II Europe for those seen as "other," and heart galore, Jennifer Robson still confounds me in that she flies so far under the radar. I'll be working to remedy that as soon as humanely possible.
jesskos's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
canada_matt's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Jennifer Robson is back with another great piece of historical fiction penned and published in the year of another coronation. The world prepares for the coronation of Elizabeth II and the plans are ongoing. A small hotel owner, whose property has been in the family for centuries, readies herself for events, as the coach procession will pass right in front of her door. With people seeking the best spot, the drama surrounding securing a room will take centre stage. All while a plot could derail it all. Robson dazzles once more with this piece.
When the calendar is flipped to January 1953, all the preparations begin for the coronation of Elizabeth II. The world waits and many in London are scurrying around to ensure everything is in order. Residents of the Blue Lion Hotel are particularly excited, as the procession with Queen Elizabeth II will pass right by their front door.
Edie Howard, the proprietor of the Blue Lion has been trying to make ends meet. Her family has owned the hotel for four centuries, but profit is a word foreign to Edie or her bookkeeper. However, with the hoopla of a coronation, she will be able to raise prices for those who want to secure a sport along the way. All seems to be in order as the world celebrates a new queen around Edie’s age.
Stella Donati emerges as a bright and young photographer looking to make her break in London and take up residence at the Blue Lion. Hailing from Italy and having survived the Holocaust, Stella has many stories from the Second World War, which she tells intermittently. Her time in London, with the coronation as a backdrop, helps her to see that things have a purpose and that her past can be seen as a stepping stone towards an amazing future.
James Geddes also took part in the war, but in an active role. His Indian heritage has him seen through a particular lens and pre-judged from the outset. His passion for the arts is alluring to those who are able to reach his inner core, though Edie seems to be one of the few. Their friendship blossoms throughout and the Blue Lion is soon seen to be an especially welcoming places for James.
When things begin to happen around the Blue Lion that leave Edie feeling baffled, James and Stella step up to help. An apparent threat to the future queen is released on hotel stationary, reservations are cancelled with Edie’s apparent signature, and other events all promise to leave the Blue Lion with a significant blemish on its reputation, which Edie cannot have as she is just seeing profits. Working with her tenants and new-found friends, she will have to get to the bottom of it before the coronation, which could be in jeopardy. Another sensational piece by Jennifer Robson, proving that historical fiction is alive and well in the right hands.
This is the second novel of Jennifer Robson’s that I have read, both of which focus on key events in the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Robaon uses a powerful narrative, not only to spin a tale, but to breathe fact throughout this piece of historical fiction. The narrative does flow very well and mixes truth and fiction in an effortless manner, such that Robson has to address some of the events in the author’s note so as not to confuse the reader. The cast of characters, varied and yet homogenous in their excitement, is a wonderful collection. They offer perspectives and social representations that help shape not only Britain at the time, but also key aspects worth contemplating in 21st century events. The central plot of the book, while fictitious, is well paced and keeps the reader on their toes throughout the experience. The momentum builds and keeps things interesting, all with the historically accurate coronation fuelling the larger story. I have come to enjoy yet another of Robson’s books and cannot wait to find some time to read explore the others!
Kudos, Madam Robson, for another impressive piece that held my attention throughout.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
ddemille29's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kristibethreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thosebookbesties_la's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Step into the enchanting world of 1953, a year that will forever resonate with those who recall Queen Elizabeth's historic coronation. In her captivating novel, "Coronation Year," Robson unveils an exquisite tapestry of three interconnected lives, bound by destiny at the fabled Blue Lion hotel, situated along the regal route of the Queen's procession.
Set against the months leading up to the momentous coronation in June, the story unfolds through the heartfelt perspectives of three unforgettable characters. Edie, struggling to keep The Blue Lion afloat amidst post-WWII challenges; Stella, a Holocaust survivor capturing the royal procession's splendor through her camera lens; and Jamie, an artist grappling with racism and war-induced PTSD.
"Coronation Year" offers a poignant blend of quiet reflection and heartwarming moments, taking readers on an emotional journey through an era marked by hope, restoration, and unity. Robson's masterful storytelling casts a spell, breathing life into enchanting characters navigating their joys and sorrows amidst the transformative power of momentous events.
maritimebibliophile's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Racism, War, Antisemitism, Death, and Death of parent
cathsgraphs's review against another edition
4.0
Great characters & story all based around a real historical event (though many of the main elements were made up). Would read more from this author.