I found the Victorian attitudes in this book somewhat offensive and that diminished my enjoyment in reading it. It might have been easier if the book I found the Victorian attitudes in this book somewhat offensive and that diminished my enjoyment in reading it. It might have been easier if the book had actually been written in Victorian times, but it was published in the 1970s by a modern author writing as a 19th century woman and the result was a caricature rather than a character. Still, the Egyptian setting was interesting and well done....more
Magical realism is not my thing so perhaps I should not have tried to read this book - I couldn't finish it. The set-up was bizarre and the deep realiMagical realism is not my thing so perhaps I should not have tried to read this book - I couldn't finish it. The set-up was bizarre and the deep realizations by the time travelers were unsurprising. I found the writing style bothersome, too, though perhaps it was just the translation. ...more
I loved the setting in Provence and the mystery was well set up. The rich food, plentiful wine, and heavy cigar smoke (all spoken of approvingly) wereI loved the setting in Provence and the mystery was well set up. The rich food, plentiful wine, and heavy cigar smoke (all spoken of approvingly) were a bit much, though....more
Masterfully written. I shy away from most historical fiction because the characters seem like modern people dressed up in period costumes, but Lauren Masterfully written. I shy away from most historical fiction because the characters seem like modern people dressed up in period costumes, but Lauren Groff pulls off the remarkable feat of making the story feel truly set in the middle ages while resonating with current issues. Her sleight of hand (of words, actually) presents an historically imperfect Marie de France who feels like the real thing. ...more
I really enjoyed this little book that I picked up only because a friend had recommended it, as it's not the sort of thing I normally read. I especialI really enjoyed this little book that I picked up only because a friend had recommended it, as it's not the sort of thing I normally read. I especially enjoyed Monk and Robot's final conversation about purpose, which ran counter to my expectations....more
This book lets the reader see the Japanese internment camps from the point of view of a young girl who actually was interned there with her family durThis book lets the reader see the Japanese internment camps from the point of view of a young girl who actually was interned there with her family during the second world war. Much of it is personal family saga rounded out with research. I was most moved by the last half of the book when the author discusses her problems reintegrating into the broader culture. Racism is such a tragedy....more
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