Loved this. Like a lot of historical fiction, there were perhaps too many coincidences to make the story truly real, but I thoroughly enjoyed it anywaLoved this. Like a lot of historical fiction, there were perhaps too many coincidences to make the story truly real, but I thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. I needed a book with a happy ending and good things happening to characters that I could relate to, and this book did just that in spades. ...more
I really shouldn’t read many more historical fiction books about WWII. I learned a few tidbits from this but I feel like the stories are too much the I really shouldn’t read many more historical fiction books about WWII. I learned a few tidbits from this but I feel like the stories are too much the same. This was good but not 5 stars. ...more
The story was decent but the narration poor. The narrator was really bad at creating different voices for the characters. I’m also now convinced that The story was decent but the narration poor. The narrator was really bad at creating different voices for the characters. I’m also now convinced that I’m not a huge fan of mysteries especially with unsympathetic characters and bizarre plot twists. Pass. ...more
This book would have benefited from some serious editing, particularly regarding Marie’s story. I tired especially by the author’s extensive and oftenThis book would have benefited from some serious editing, particularly regarding Marie’s story. I tired especially by the author’s extensive and often repetitive descriptions of Marie’s desires for wealth.
I was also disappointed by the ending. No spoilers here. Just not a fan. ...more
Really gripping. I’ve loved Philippa Gregory’s books for a long time and this was no different. Excellent insight into the history of the time, incredReally gripping. I’ve loved Philippa Gregory’s books for a long time and this was no different. Excellent insight into the history of the time, incredible characters, amazing story. I look forward to reading the next in this short series. ...more
To say I enjoyed this book would be incorrect. I learned a lot about this book. I've been to Egypt three times and absolutely love the country and itsTo say I enjoyed this book would be incorrect. I learned a lot about this book. I've been to Egypt three times and absolutely love the country and its people. They are warm, generous, and loving. And while I have seen some of the poverty, I have also seen the promise of so many people there that I found the observations and conclusions made herein to be very discouraging. I also hope, wrong. I will continue to love Egypt and hope for its progress not just on the world stage, but for the millions of people - men and women - that live there....more
This was good but not my favorite for this period. It just seemed like a somewhat convoluted approach to telling the story of the characters� lives inThis was good but not my favorite for this period. It just seemed like a somewhat convoluted approach to telling the story of the characters� lives in the 1920s � a little too much back and forth with the current day. ...more
I wasn’t sure about this book for more than half of it. I found it confusing and disjointed but then it took a hard turn and became captivating until I wasn’t sure about this book for more than half of it. I found it confusing and disjointed but then it took a hard turn and became captivating until the end. I guess I’m not a big fan of mystery/thriller novels so this probably wasn’t the best book for me but, again, it was excellent with wild twists that actually made sense. Last, and I listen to a lot of audiobooks, I wasn’t a big fan of the narrator. She was just okay....more
**spoiler alert** I really disliked the book. I read it because of recommendations I’d seen and the storyline sounded interesting. I usually love book**spoiler alert** I really disliked the book. I read it because of recommendations I’d seen and the storyline sounded interesting. I usually love books with strong female characters. Not this one. Marie, the main character, was only a marginally decent person and far too self centered to have risen to and remained in her role as Abbess. Also, while I am sure that some of the sexual encounters are realistic, I was disappointed in Marie’s lack of morality in so many ways. Ugh. Not a fan. ...more
I didn’t love this book. The characters� personal dysfunctions and dysfunctional relationships were a bit too much for me. The twist at the end made iI didn’t love this book. The characters� personal dysfunctions and dysfunctional relationships were a bit too much for me. The twist at the end made it worth finishing but I’m not sure I’d recommend it. ...more
Sometimes a bit hard to follow but definitely worth reading. I found myself researching the history of the time to understand better who ultimately prSometimes a bit hard to follow but definitely worth reading. I found myself researching the history of the time to understand better who ultimately prevailed in the various conflicts portrayed. ...more
It’s been a while since I read a book by Philippa Gregory and this reminded me why I love her books so much. She weaves historical events and people wIt’s been a while since I read a book by Philippa Gregory and this reminded me why I love her books so much. She weaves historical events and people with invented but realistic characters to create tales of incredible power and interest. I will be reading more of her novels soon!...more
A bit slow but an excellent book. Explains quite a bit about the process of electicalization of America, the interplay between the three key inventorsA bit slow but an excellent book. Explains quite a bit about the process of electicalization of America, the interplay between the three key inventors at the time, the role of finance, and the creation of modern law firms. A worthwhile read. ...more
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