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the_wistful_word_witch's review
5.0
I enjoyed the second book in the series as thoroughly as I did the first.
While Graf's descriptions of the physical world surrounding Margarethe von Stahl are not as expansive as in the first book (nor do they need to be since the first book really sets the stage for the reader), she continues to richly detail the emotional maelstrom that always seems to underscore Margarethe's life.
Margarethe experiences more loss in this book, but she also finds the woman who may just be the love of her life... Except that woman also happens to be a nun on the cusp of taking her final vows. Margarethe also uncovers a romantic mystery involving her many times over great-grandmother/eponym and another ancient nun at Obberoth, and comes to learn that it closely mirrors her own relationship. And what would an epic, historical love story be without some major termoil, an unexpected pregnancy, and the early rumblings of the Nazi party's uprising??
Graf again does a wonderful job of endearing both Margarethe and Katherine to the reader and putting you right there in the middle of the story, almost as if you were these women. I can't wait to see where the third book takes me!
While Graf's descriptions of the physical world surrounding Margarethe von Stahl are not as expansive as in the first book (nor do they need to be since the first book really sets the stage for the reader), she continues to richly detail the emotional maelstrom that always seems to underscore Margarethe's life.
Margarethe experiences more loss in this book, but she also finds the woman who may just be the love of her life... Except that woman also happens to be a nun on the cusp of taking her final vows. Margarethe also uncovers a romantic mystery involving her many times over great-grandmother/eponym and another ancient nun at Obberoth, and comes to learn that it closely mirrors her own relationship. And what would an epic, historical love story be without some major termoil, an unexpected pregnancy, and the early rumblings of the Nazi party's uprising??
Graf again does a wonderful job of endearing both Margarethe and Katherine to the reader and putting you right there in the middle of the story, almost as if you were these women. I can't wait to see where the third book takes me!
shippychaos's review
5.0
This was exceptionally well-written, and although it contains some of the elements of a stereotypical lesfic (broody powerful woman falls for a softer, more feminine beauty who de-ices her frozen heart), the story of Margarethe and Sister Augustine was utterly unique. I’m even invested in the secondary and tertiary characters. This story is a definite standout that has me anxious to read more.
corrie's review against another edition
5.0
Occasions of Sin (Passing Rites) by Elena Graf was quite the emotional roller-coaster, but what outstanding book! Intelligent and complex, it kept me turning the pages absorbing every word with bated breath. The main characters were simply magnificent. I loved that the author allowed us both pov’s because both women were so different from each other but brilliant in their own way (with Margarethe being quite commanding and Katharine (Sister Augustine) the more softer one).
The story is set in a turbulent time in Berlin, Germany, in the early 30ies. The (love) story of Margarethe and Sister Augustine is wrought with plenty of obstacles and secrets to uncover, both religious and worldly (no spoilers!). A tale of wanting that what’s forbidden and one of self-discovery. Better prepare yourself for a bumpy ride. But oh, it’s so worth it. I highly recommend!
f/f
Themes: Frau Doktor (I can’t help but see Cloris Leachman’s character Frau Blücher. Lol!) , I confess I have a weakness for these strong arrogant aristocratic females in power… and also pretty nuns… and this story has both!!, so it feels like a double whammy, my heart bled for Katherine, Frau Stahle and her German practicality (lol!), yes the ending was a bit abrupt but all was resolved.
5 stars
The story is set in a turbulent time in Berlin, Germany, in the early 30ies. The (love) story of Margarethe and Sister Augustine is wrought with plenty of obstacles and secrets to uncover, both religious and worldly (no spoilers!). A tale of wanting that what’s forbidden and one of self-discovery. Better prepare yourself for a bumpy ride. But oh, it’s so worth it. I highly recommend!
f/f
Themes: Frau Doktor (I can’t help but see Cloris Leachman’s character Frau Blücher. Lol!) , I confess I have a weakness for these strong arrogant aristocratic females in power… and also pretty nuns… and this story has both!!, so it feels like a double whammy, my heart bled for Katherine, Frau Stahle and her German practicality (lol!), yes the ending was a bit abrupt but all was resolved.
5 stars
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