bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautiful writing as always from Fowler! It could be slow at times and I had to really pay attention otherwise I’d get confused about what was happening. The first and last thirds were the best parts of the novel, the middle slumped a little making it difficult to pick up again. But as I said, Fowler’s gorgeous writing has a way of pulling me back in (and marking plenty of passages along the way).
The characters are complex and well written! I didn’t always like them but that’s what made them more interesting at the same time.
The characters are complex and well written! I didn’t always like them but that’s what made them more interesting at the same time.
The story is told in alternating chapters between three of the Booth children-Rosalie, Edwin, and Asia-plus chapters about Lincoln’s rise to power and other historical tidbits to add context to the story. Overall an enjoyable story about a family that despite having an infamous member also isn’t very well known.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Slavery, War, Grief, and Racism
Moderate: Infidelity, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Child death, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Xenophobia, Domestic abuse, and Animal death
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