alanathehangry's review against another edition
I feel undecided on this book whether I 'liked it' or it's 'not for me' - it's likely somewhere in the middle. My struggle with this book was largely around the relationship and other sudden happenings. It felt contrived at first, that it happened way too fast and it didn't feel believable. That Catherine realized she could love women also felt too stark, felt too fast.
However, the writing is beautiful. Also too, what kept me along for the ride was the art and science portions of it. That was really neat.
However, the writing is beautiful. Also too, what kept me along for the ride was the art and science portions of it. That was really neat.
sorear's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
2.5
xandrade's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.75
ag_berry's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
kbent76's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
fiadhnd's review against another edition
4.25
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
Audio (Morag Sims)
4.25/5
Summary: After the death of her father and marriage of her lover, the young and academic astronomer Lucy sets out to convince Lady Catherine, the widowed Countess of Moth, that she can continue her father’s/the Countess’ late husband’s work (sort of). While the Countess battles her complicated past and comes to a deeper understanding of her sexuality, they become close friends, then lovers and face down societal/academic sexism.
Stats: HR - Regency, F/F, part of a series, stands alone, open door.
Notes: I really loved this - the narration is also well done, but the writing is thoughtful, reflective, and takes its time. The tension around the academic issues was a little difficult to get through since I find it so unsettling, but it was really well written, and I liked that it didn’t wrap up entirely in a neat bow. This book was a good balance for me of recognising the existence of queer people in the past, without taking their story out of the context of their time - they have open connections to other queer people/couples, but still have to maintain a wink-nod relationship to societal expectations. I also thought that the age gap was handled really well, as was the Countess’ previous marital history (and the challenges/trauma that came with that). I loved the descriptions of embroidery and that both characters were brilliant and charming in their own ways. My biggest disappointment - the model representing the Countess on the cover doesn’t really match her description in the book (she’s described as “plump” and rather fair, and probably a fair bit older).
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
Audio (Morag Sims)
4.25/5
Summary: After the death of her father and marriage of her lover, the young and academic astronomer Lucy sets out to convince Lady Catherine, the widowed Countess of Moth, that she can continue her father’s/the Countess’ late husband’s work (sort of). While the Countess battles her complicated past and comes to a deeper understanding of her sexuality, they become close friends, then lovers and face down societal/academic sexism.
Stats: HR - Regency, F/F, part of a series, stands alone, open door.
Notes: I really loved this - the narration is also well done, but the writing is thoughtful, reflective, and takes its time. The tension around the academic issues was a little difficult to get through since I find it so unsettling, but it was really well written, and I liked that it didn’t wrap up entirely in a neat bow. This book was a good balance for me of recognising the existence of queer people in the past, without taking their story out of the context of their time - they have open connections to other queer people/couples, but still have to maintain a wink-nod relationship to societal expectations. I also thought that the age gap was handled really well, as was the Countess’ previous marital history (and the challenges/trauma that came with that). I loved the descriptions of embroidery and that both characters were brilliant and charming in their own ways. My biggest disappointment - the model representing the Countess on the cover doesn’t really match her description in the book (she’s described as “plump” and rather fair, and probably a fair bit older).
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
Spoiler
Death of parent, sexism, financial problems, death of previous spouse, family tension (between siblings), erratic/somewhat emotionally abusive former partner, death of friend brief mention, brief bits of racism from side characters against side characters, alcohol, history of unwanted rough sex and reluctant consent, mention of death of children in mythology, family betrayal, closeted FMCs, playful sex, a little light power play, jealousy, FMC reads FMC’s private letters, honour bondage, 35/25?, gay/bigeo_ix's review against another edition
2.0
Honestly this was just an ok read because I didn’t really care for the characters.
cfk95's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0