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A review by relysiathekraken
The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
While this is an interesting story, and I usually love fiction that uncovers previously untold stories from history, The Gilded Years falls a little flat. The characters are two-dimensional, the dialogue is stilted, and all the natural tension & nuance that should come from a topic as fraught as passing is somehow missing here.
While reading, I was struck by the feeling that this novel should have been historical nonfiction instead, but judging by the author’s note, there is not enough material about Anita Hemmings’ life to create an accurate historical account.
So instead, we’re left with this: mildly interesting, but unfortunately lacking the pathos and feeling that would have really brought Anita’s story to life.
While reading, I was struck by the feeling that this novel should have been historical nonfiction instead, but judging by the author’s note, there is not enough material about Anita Hemmings’ life to create an accurate historical account.
So instead, we’re left with this: mildly interesting, but unfortunately lacking the pathos and feeling that would have really brought Anita’s story to life.