chelsea_hunt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
An absolute literary marvel. I’m stunned by the masterful storytelling. This was a tapestry of story, history, biography and fairytale. Even more impressive is that it was truly three stories deftly wound into one, each distinct yet with purposeful parallels. Beautifully written with well developed characters and images that will stay with me. The acknowledgements speak of the extensive research that went into this novel. It shows in the best ways. I found myself bookmarking pages to lookup words, historical events and concepts from the book. Not only was I swept up in the powerful stories of these strong female protagonists but I was also taken with the sweeping portrait of France and Italy.
I feel gratitude for this novel. It sounds strange, maybe, but I felt the need to say thank you as I was finishing the novel. Thank you to the author, Kate Forsyth for this remarkable book.
I feel gratitude for this novel. It sounds strange, maybe, but I felt the need to say thank you as I was finishing the novel. Thank you to the author, Kate Forsyth for this remarkable book.
ashnight's review against another edition
5.0
Wow what an amazing book. I always love stories that intertwine different times together.
tabbycat_3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
svenja1603's review against another edition
5.0
This is exactly how I want my historical fiction to be! I thought the mix between the POVs was perfect and made me fly through the story. From the cover I would’ve never thought that it touches so many hard topics and there were scenes that were REALLY bad. But that made the story also feel mature and believable.
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Here is the Rapunzel story, told in a richer fashion rooted in Italian and French history. It's both beautiful and compelling.
avora's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the Rapunzel retelling and the intricate backstory. The Charlotte Rose parts were pretty good, but I thought they dragged sometimes, despite some of her bad judgment and the resulting scandals.
melrell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-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
tamzy6's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a while to get into the groove of this book and once I did I was hooked!! Love historical fiction and retelling of fairytales and Forsyth has done both superbly. I also particularly enjoyed reading about the various portrayals of women (not just the three main characters) and their complex relationships with each other. Thanks for the recommendation Yvette ☺️
sampena16's review against another edition
5.0
"It was by telling stories that I would save myself."
Another brilliant novel by Kate Forsyth! A fabulous re-telling of Rapunzel - mixed with history, feminism and a dash of magic - Bitter Greens interweaves the story lines of 3 different women: the woman locked in a tall tower yearning to escape, the witch turned courtesan seeking to preserve her beauty, and the French novelist exiled in a convent searching for her corner of the universe where she can be independent. All three women are so relatable and incredibly admirable in their quests to be free - of society, of others' obligations, and even of themselves - their own fears, misgivings and insecurities. I am obsessed with all of Kate Forsyth's fairy tale reimaginings and hope she writes more!
Another brilliant novel by Kate Forsyth! A fabulous re-telling of Rapunzel - mixed with history, feminism and a dash of magic - Bitter Greens interweaves the story lines of 3 different women: the woman locked in a tall tower yearning to escape, the witch turned courtesan seeking to preserve her beauty, and the French novelist exiled in a convent searching for her corner of the universe where she can be independent. All three women are so relatable and incredibly admirable in their quests to be free - of society, of others' obligations, and even of themselves - their own fears, misgivings and insecurities. I am obsessed with all of Kate Forsyth's fairy tale reimaginings and hope she writes more!