Reviews

I enjoyed the history. The all-wrapped-up-in-a-bow ending was a bit much. One due cannot bring about such change, but it was a good read. Not great, just good.

khornstein1's review against another edition

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4.0

I am going to overlook the presentism because 1. Quakers 2. whaling and 3. the scene where the whole family burns their personal letters and diaries together! A fun read...

llothspeich's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

theotheleo's review against another edition

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relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

mckennedy's review

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad 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

4.0

airrhodes's review against another edition

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adventurous informative fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.25

I’m sorry to say this was the worst book I’ve read in years. I’m sorry because I was excited about its premise. I’ve spent considerable time on Nantucket, including staying in some of the houses featured in the book; family members of mine have worked for the Nantucket Historical Association; and the island’s history and diversity has long fascinated me. The one thing I’ll give the author is that she did her research, and the island and its people, culture, buildings, etc. seem generally accurately represented. But… reading the book was more than a chore. The three main characters were each quite unbelievable, and I found myself laughing out loud at their supposed thoughts and phrases. Their speech and thoughts were anachronistic (much more modern than the era in which the story was set), jarring their believability. And it was just so, so badly written. I applaud the author’s intentions, everything she set out to do in the book was great. I wish a much better editor had helped her along the way.

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