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celiapowell's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't know anything about the historical events that underpin this story, and consequently was very tense through much of the story desperately hoping that things would turn out ok for Frances and Anne. I thought this was really enjoyably detailed historical fiction, it totally drew me in.
Spoiler
Not sure if this is technically a spoiler, but I'll tag it anyway - things do not turn out ok! It is not a happy ending.maria_mxx's review against another edition
4.0
This was a sad story but a good one! I didn't realise most of the characters came from historical documents as well, which made it all the more touching of a story.
knit_and_purl's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't love this. The story it's based on is very interesting, but I had trouble with the tone and pacing. I just didn't care much for Anne, despite knowing that her behaviour was very much of the time. I got to page 220 or so before skipping to the end to see how the author handled it.
I love a good historical (Hamnet was my favourite book last year), but this wasn't even close to that.
I love a good historical (Hamnet was my favourite book last year), but this wasn't even close to that.
midnightstory's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.75
i cried at the end ngl
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Terminal illness, and Torture
louisaboyce's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars. The last 4ish chapters were super engaging, but the rest of the book seemed a bit untethered - the beginning half in particular.
birdwatching's review against another edition
2.0
Finished for the sake of book club, otherwise not one I would have continued. Rich with fascinating historical detail and the clever foreshadowing and seeding of the reasons for the English Civil Wars, but too unflinching in its depictions of the violence, abuse and poverty women were subject to at the time for me to cope well with.
mollyhyland's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
crownjules73's review against another edition
4.0
I love a well-written “based on a true story” novel, and this one did not disappoint. Lucy Jago includes well-researched detail about the era of James VI & I, while keeping the story exciting and the relationships real. It was fascinating to witness the lavish lifestyles through Anne Turner’s eyes, often just before she goes home to poverty and hunger. Although it was an dog-eat-dog world, there were still times I felt empathy for Anne Turner’s ambitions and how she risked everything for a better existence for herself and her children. A really great read, I enjoyed every page.
Oh, and great book title, once I realised!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, and great book title, once I realised!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
mjminkowich's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.25