I don't think there's too much to say. Perhaps I'll say something controversial: in the light of the society we inhabit now and our understanding of cI don't think there's too much to say. Perhaps I'll say something controversial: in the light of the society we inhabit now and our understanding of class structures and elitism, this reads shallow. Not to say that it's a shallow reading; Edith Wharton understood her society very well and dissected it with accuracy, but in the year 2023, as read by a woman of color, it's very rich people whining about shit.
That's an exaggeration of how I really feel but that's what it comes down to. People create societies and traditions to trap themselves and revolt against only to adapt anyway. I don't think Newland loved Ellen or May (that was obvious), but in a world devoid of true meaning, he sought a taste and found an illusion. Countess Olenska was an interesting (character for her time) and she's definitely not the 20's version of a manic pixie dream girl.
She's a full character whose choices are understood and sympathized with. Yet, the entire thing felt shallow in summary for a reason I cannot put my finger on....more
The fact that I could relate to some of this scares me. Well not really, but part of it. That urge to perform for everyone else because you don't knowThe fact that I could relate to some of this scares me. Well not really, but part of it. That urge to perform for everyone else because you don't know who you are is very visceral.
No Longer Human or were you ever even human? Or a human shaped being imitating poorly all along?...more
I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I made an exception for this.
Historical Fiction that focuses on slavery and pre-Civil Rights racial dynaI don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I made an exception for this.
Historical Fiction that focuses on slavery and pre-Civil Rights racial dynamics is always a picky subject for me, but I did gell with this a lot. As expected, there were difficult moments that needed to be stated (not a spoiler but there's sexual assault, gore, abuse etc) and broken down for what they really are.
Exploring what life was like for biracial and mixed children of slaves and slavemasters is not a topic I find too often but this painted a pretty accurate picture. Exploring white women and their complicity entrenched in victimhood was a BIG plus.
The Missus character and her treatment of Pheby and her mother encapsulate this perfectly.
Some characters came off quite flat and didn't have enough to carry my interest or sympathy apart from the surface.
The ending was both happy and bittersweet and hopeful. ...more
The ending made up for a lot. I might have given it 4 if Kai still didn't annoy certain parts of me and some parts of the lore still made lit3.5 stars
The ending made up for a lot. I might have given it 4 if Kai still didn't annoy certain parts of me and some parts of the lore still made little sense. But it was entertaining enough that I am looking forward to the next book.
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