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Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️'s Reviews > The Magnolia Palace
The Magnolia Palace
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by
Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️'s review
bookshelves: 0-in-my-library-read, 3-stars, book-of-the-month, historical-fiction
Apr 21, 2022
bookshelves: 0-in-my-library-read, 3-stars, book-of-the-month, historical-fiction
3 Stars
This book isn't a normal draw for me; however, I wasn't too enthusiastic about any of the other Book of the Month options for this month and my friend (with whom I coordinate our BOTM choices) was really interested in this one...also, since my reading tastes have changed so much over the last few years, I thought I would give this one a go as a litmus test of sorts.
And I was surprised I liked it as much as I did. To be clear: I didn't love it. I thought the 1966 story line was boring AF and I didn't care for some of the overly forced narratives. It was also VERY slow.
However, I really enjoyed the 1919 story line and Lillian's life with the Frick family. I also actually enjoyed the parts about art - a subject I usually have ZERO interest in.
This book isn't a normal draw for me; however, I wasn't too enthusiastic about any of the other Book of the Month options for this month and my friend (with whom I coordinate our BOTM choices) was really interested in this one...also, since my reading tastes have changed so much over the last few years, I thought I would give this one a go as a litmus test of sorts.
And I was surprised I liked it as much as I did. To be clear: I didn't love it. I thought the 1966 story line was boring AF and I didn't care for some of the overly forced narratives. It was also VERY slow.
However, I really enjoyed the 1919 story line and Lillian's life with the Frick family. I also actually enjoyed the parts about art - a subject I usually have ZERO interest in.
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Reading Progress
January 13, 2022
– Shelved
January 13, 2022
– Shelved as:
to-read
April 18, 2022
–
Started Reading
April 21, 2022
–
Finished Reading
April 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
0-in-my-library-read
April 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
3-stars
April 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
book-of-the-month
April 24, 2022
– Shelved as:
historical-fiction
Comments Showing 1-15 of 15 (15 new)
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message 1:
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F san
(new)
Apr 19, 2022 09:48AM
I know you said u may not be reading Kristen ashely books again (Same for me Have not enjoyed the new books since 2017 the hookup. ) but i just read Gossamer in the Darkness which is in the fantasyland world which i loved. But it's for sure shorter but very fun read!
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Did you read the author’s note at the end that discussed what from the book was true and what she expanded and made a story from? I found this really interesting and looked up more about the Frick family and the house on my own afterward.
Rachel wrote: "Did you read the author’s note at the end that discussed what from the book was true and what she expanded and made a story from? I found this really interesting and looked up more about the Frick ..."Yes, I did. I was actually researching the Frick family and all its members while reading too. Loved that part of the reading experience here.
I couldn’t finish this, a wasted BOTM credit :(To be fair I have an issue with fiction based on real people. It’s me, not the book.
Glad you mostly enjoyed it!
JanB wrote: "I couldn’t finish this, a wasted BOTM credit :(To be fair I have an issue with fiction based on real people. It’s me, not the book.
Glad you mostly enjoyed it!"
Yes, it can be very hit or miss for me with fiction based on real people as well, Jan. My low expectations going into this might have also been beneficial here lol
You took the words right out of my mouth. Exact same feelings on this book.
Nicole wrote: "You took the words right out of my mouth. Exact same feelings on this book."Thanks Nicole!
Devon wrote: "I’m struggling for the same reasons"Yeah� hope it turns around for you.
I agree! The 1919 was definitely stronger and has encouraged me to read more about the Frick.
Cynthia wrote: "I agree! The 1919 was definitely stronger and has encouraged me to read more about the Frick."Thanks Cynthia!
I vey much enjoyed Angelica/Lillian. I felt like her character was a very honest portrayal of a woman in the position that she was in for that period of time. The entire Frick family storyline was also very interesting. Unfortunately 1966 portion was dull and not very interesting until probably 3/4 of the way through the book. It picked up after that and redeemed itself.
Stacie wrote: "I vey much enjoyed Angelica/Lillian. I felt like her character was a very honest portrayal of a woman in the position that she was in for that period of time. The entire Frick family storyline was ..."
I have been eyeing this for awhile, I always trust your reviews so maybe I’ll skip this one if it seems so forced 🙁
themostlovely wrote: "I have been eyeing this for awhile, I always trust your reviews so maybe I’ll skip this one if it seems so forced 🙁"If you like historical fiction a lot in general (it’s not my favorite), you might like this more than I do.
