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bookgirlieee's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
The story is so emotional and touches on heavy themes in an authentic manner — including the heartbreaking experiences of some women.
This was different to my usual read but so glad I read it!
The ending was fantastic. The build up left me with intrigue and I couldn’t stop reading.
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Mental illness, Miscarriage, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
alexandra__rae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Suicide
badmom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Overall the concept is promising but the execution felt pedestrian & disappointing.
Graphic: Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Child death, Death, Sexism, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
Minor: Gun violence, Infidelity, Grief, Suicide attempt, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
dear_reader_stephani's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Forced institutionalization, and Stalking
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Toxic relationship and Abandonment
luichanco's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Pregnancy
Minor: War
nikkibk's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse
katekummer's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
jenvogel80's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
poetsofsweetpea's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
There were a lot of things going on, and as a result, a lot of questions were left unanswered. There was also a lot of convenient pieces of information given sentences before it was needed, even though there was ample opportunity to provide that context earlier in the novel.
Some of the relationships felt forced.
The ending was satisfying.
The POV'S were confusing at first, probably a me thing.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and War
jazzsilvestri's review against another edition
2.0
Opaline’s storyline was beyond confusing. I understand that at that time things were much different for women, however, the story of an arranged marriage felt more suited for a story taking place in the 18th or 19th century. On top of that, why was Opaline’s “brother” so obsessed with marrying her off and then one day kidnaps her and puts her in an asylum??? She had zero contact with him and it obviously wasn’t a money grab. The reasoning behind that plot line made zero sense. I understand he’s controlling but this was too much.
Opaline’s relationships were also quite confusing. She was in love with Armand in Paris, and the moment she leaves Paris she’s now in love with Matthew who happens to be married. And they have an affair? Or at least a kiss (which is still cheating. It seems like the author doesn’t have an issue with cheating since the other two main characters cheat as well). And who the hell is Jane?! I swear we were never introduced to this character until Opaline is in the asylum, otherwise I somehow blocked it out.
There was a lot of jumping in between plot points that made this books super confusing. We end one characters POV and when we came back to them we wouldn’t know how much time had passed and it felt as if we missed a lot of the story. I listened on audiobook and did so many double takes thinking I drifted off and missed chunks of the book only to realize I had not.
Now speaking about Martha and Henry, the way we were introduced to them made it seem as if their timeline wasn’t present day. But then we learn about cell phones and such so it must be somewhat present. So why does Martha not understand the concept of libraries? And the way Martha became basically a maid to a Lady was another confusing moment that made the timeline feel awkward and unclear. Also, how did she just get this job without any references???
At the end of the day none of the relationships were believable, the book wasn’t cohesive, and I’m sad the magical lost bookshop took such a backseat as to almost be nonexistent.
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Murder
Minor: War