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A review by cher_n_books
The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne
5.0
4.5 stars - Incredible. I really loved it.
This was the first novel I read by John Boyne, and I am thrilled that I have more to choose from as I really enjoyed his writing style. This poignant tale about the Romanovs, the Russian civil war, and 60 years of a married couple's love story was simply wonderful.
The author did take a few liberties with known historical facts which is bothersome in historical fiction (I prefer the liberties to be with the unknowns, but such is personal preference), some of which were far fetched enough to require suspension of disbelief. The pacing was moderate - not a fast paced page turner but also never dull. The writing was beautiful and memorable with an infusion of subtle wit.
The story alternates between when the main character, Georgy, was a young man in the early 1900s and his modern day in the 1980s until the two stories come together with all questions answered. I loved all facets of the character's life and enjoyed the domesticity that was included as it added depth and believability to the relationship between him and his wife.
Easily recommended to fans of historical fiction! I listened to this one on audio and the narrator, Stefan Rudnicki, was fantastic, adding a whole other element of greatness to the novel.
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Favorite Quote: It occurs to me that even though Zoya and I are both still alive, my life is already over. She will be taken from me soon and there will be no reason for me to continue without her. We are one person, you see. We are GeorgyandZoya.
First Sentence: My mother and father did not have a happy marriage.
This was the first novel I read by John Boyne, and I am thrilled that I have more to choose from as I really enjoyed his writing style. This poignant tale about the Romanovs, the Russian civil war, and 60 years of a married couple's love story was simply wonderful.
The author did take a few liberties with known historical facts which is bothersome in historical fiction (I prefer the liberties to be with the unknowns, but such is personal preference), some of which were far fetched enough to require suspension of disbelief. The pacing was moderate - not a fast paced page turner but also never dull. The writing was beautiful and memorable with an infusion of subtle wit.
The story alternates between when the main character, Georgy, was a young man in the early 1900s and his modern day in the 1980s until the two stories come together with all questions answered. I loved all facets of the character's life and enjoyed the domesticity that was included as it added depth and believability to the relationship between him and his wife.
Easily recommended to fans of historical fiction! I listened to this one on audio and the narrator, Stefan Rudnicki, was fantastic, adding a whole other element of greatness to the novel.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quote: It occurs to me that even though Zoya and I are both still alive, my life is already over. She will be taken from me soon and there will be no reason for me to continue without her. We are one person, you see. We are GeorgyandZoya.
First Sentence: My mother and father did not have a happy marriage.