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A review by lucysmith13
The Rose of Sebastopol by Katharine McMahon
4.0
Pop Sugar Challenge 2020 prompt: A book with a main character in their 20s
I've tried to read The Rose of Sebastopol twice before. I don't think not being able to get into it previously is a comment on the book itself, but probably that I wasn't in the mood for it, or maybe just didn't connect with the characters as much as I do now. Thankfully, I kept hold of it and tried again, and very much enjoyed it.
As we all know, I love historical fiction, particularly when it's rooted in fact. The Rose of Sebastopol was a fascinating insight into the Crimean War, focusing on the effects of the conflict on the lives of two young British women: Mariella and Rosa. Mariella is a quiet and demure young woman, quite a contrast to her passionate and outspoken cousin Rosa. When Rosa and her mother are forced to come and stay with Mariella and her family, Mariella is delighted at the prospect of the company, yet terrified of dealing with Rosa's spontaneity. Rosa's move to London sets in motion a series of events which will take them both beyond the comforts of home, from the scorching heat of Italy to the muddy fields of Crimea, where their loyalty and resilience is tested.
The writing style of the novel was absorbing and quite easy to read, although I did occasionally get a little impatient to return to the present day when we kept delving into Mariella and Rosa's childhood (which was interesting enough, but the present action was more compelling to read). I loved the inclusion of the Florence Nightingale nurses and Mary Seacole's hospital, as these really grounded the book. A fascinating story of war which wasn't all soldiers and battlefields, and a very interesting time period!
I've tried to read The Rose of Sebastopol twice before. I don't think not being able to get into it previously is a comment on the book itself, but probably that I wasn't in the mood for it, or maybe just didn't connect with the characters as much as I do now. Thankfully, I kept hold of it and tried again, and very much enjoyed it.
As we all know, I love historical fiction, particularly when it's rooted in fact. The Rose of Sebastopol was a fascinating insight into the Crimean War, focusing on the effects of the conflict on the lives of two young British women: Mariella and Rosa. Mariella is a quiet and demure young woman, quite a contrast to her passionate and outspoken cousin Rosa. When Rosa and her mother are forced to come and stay with Mariella and her family, Mariella is delighted at the prospect of the company, yet terrified of dealing with Rosa's spontaneity. Rosa's move to London sets in motion a series of events which will take them both beyond the comforts of home, from the scorching heat of Italy to the muddy fields of Crimea, where their loyalty and resilience is tested.
The writing style of the novel was absorbing and quite easy to read, although I did occasionally get a little impatient to return to the present day when we kept delving into Mariella and Rosa's childhood (which was interesting enough, but the present action was more compelling to read). I loved the inclusion of the Florence Nightingale nurses and Mary Seacole's hospital, as these really grounded the book. A fascinating story of war which wasn't all soldiers and battlefields, and a very interesting time period!