Scan barcode
lauraash's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
epruta's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
heidilreads's review against another edition
4.0
i liked this book, but it wasn't like it shocked me or anything. it was just a story i'd never thought about, but it talked about art that i remember seeing for the first time on a family trip to washington, dc. so, it's sentimental appreciation. i also think it's cool that there really is some factual basis for the story.
laurenisallbooked's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know how I feel about this book.
The first third was painfully slow, and I felt like I waited 130 pages for the plot to begin. Once I found the plot, I fell so deep into reading that I once missed my train stop. It was compelling, but not objectively good. I didn't believe several scenes in the story, and some of the sentiment invoked a series of eyerolls from me (mostly due to the historically-accurate thought of the time).
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, but it was just fine as is.
The first third was painfully slow, and I felt like I waited 130 pages for the plot to begin. Once I found the plot, I fell so deep into reading that I once missed my train stop. It was compelling, but not objectively good. I didn't believe several scenes in the story, and some of the sentiment invoked a series of eyerolls from me (mostly due to the historically-accurate thought of the time).
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, but it was just fine as is.
skynet666's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this book, especially the unique time and setting. It story goes back and forth between two sisters every oer chapters, which was just right for me.
arle_mccallon's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
earthier's review against another edition
2.0
I read this for the Degas & Zola aspects and was unfortunately disappointed. The novel alternates Antoinette and Marie’s perspectives and experiences although Marie is more central to the plot. The story isn’t linear as it alternates between the sisters at times overlapping the same event or having flashbacks to reflect on current guilt. The art of it is minimal, so the story is naturalist but it’s very tedious as Abadie and an abonne from the ballet is incorporated.
It’s more (sociologically) about the sisters misadventure(s) struggling, struggling with life, a bad mother, men, love and loving themselves and Parisian society.
It’s more (sociologically) about the sisters misadventure(s) struggling, struggling with life, a bad mother, men, love and loving themselves and Parisian society.
lacy_r's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the point of view this book was written from. It also had an interesting mix of stories and characters. Overall it was very enjoyable but was lacking just a little something that would have made me really love it.