kirstycreads's review against another edition
emotional
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
laurenjpegler's review against another edition
4.0
I much prefer The Familiars to this, but it was still such a good book.
Stacey Halls has such a lovely writing style, simple but elegant. It's captivating and addictive and I managed it in two days (could have easily of done it in one if I was that dedicated). My only issue was the dual perspective. I understand, artistically and stylistically, why Halls chose to write one part from Bess' perspective and one from Alexandra's but I would have much preferred it to have been solely from Bess'. I felt like the time we spent in Alexandra's house took away from the relationship between Bess and Charlotte, which then led me to feeling a little disconnected from it too, if you get me?
Still brilliant, though. I think I had too high expectations for it, especially considering The Familiars has become an all-time favourite of mine, but it isn't the same book and shouldn't necessarily be compared to it either. Should have gone into it with a clear mind, like it's a new author and a new book.
Stacey Halls has such a lovely writing style, simple but elegant. It's captivating and addictive and I managed it in two days (could have easily of done it in one if I was that dedicated). My only issue was the dual perspective. I understand, artistically and stylistically, why Halls chose to write one part from Bess' perspective and one from Alexandra's but I would have much preferred it to have been solely from Bess'. I felt like the time we spent in Alexandra's house took away from the relationship between Bess and Charlotte, which then led me to feeling a little disconnected from it too, if you get me?
Still brilliant, though. I think I had too high expectations for it, especially considering The Familiars has become an all-time favourite of mine, but it isn't the same book and shouldn't necessarily be compared to it either. Should have gone into it with a clear mind, like it's a new author and a new book.
jmkummer's review against another edition
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? No
3.75
strawbkatie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sarahp85's review against another edition
4.0
Both Stacey Halls books have been sitting in my tbr trolley for forever and I am now thinking WHY did I not pick them up sooner?! Loved them both. Think I liked the Familiars a bit better but this one was still beautifully written. I love that these stories are based on real historic happenings. Can absolutely recommend them to everyone!
lisam0183_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this story. It gave a real good insight into what it was like for unmarried mothers and how they were treated. The Foundling Hospital sounded like an awful place, but what else were they supposed to do with their babies?
I warmed to Bess' character and what she put herself through to get her daughter back. I found Alexandria quite cold to start with, but in the end I think she was just misunderstood.
I warmed to Bess' character and what she put herself through to get her daughter back. I found Alexandria quite cold to start with, but in the end I think she was just misunderstood.
leslie_ann_thornton's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ksted77's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5