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michaelalunn's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
agameofbooks's review against another edition
2.0
As I'm reading page 367 for the third time, I can't help but be annoyed by this novel. The beginning was very exciting, however the trial towards the end of the book is one of the most tedious things I have ever read and I can't help but loose focus at least five times per page. Since I'm not a quitter I will finish this book, but I would not recommend it to anyone.
abookishtype's review against another edition
3.0
Emma Donoghue’s The Sealed Letter is another example of a subgenre I adore: historical fiction based around actual historical events with incomplete documentation. There are some facts that can’t be changed, but the author has room to connect up the dots in anyway they see fit. In this novel, Donoghue uses the Codrington divorce scandal to give us a portrait of a narcissist, an overly devoted friend, and an oblivious man. After reading The Sealed Letter, I can only conclude that there’s nothing in today’s tabloids that the Victorians haven’t already beaten us to...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
nanajo's review against another edition
2.0
While I admire the attention to detail in creating a novel that rang very true in terms of historical content, my experience never reached the state of 'riveting' noted in the description of the novel. I had great sympathy for Fido, Harry and the daughters but disliked one of the central characters, Helen so intensely, it interfered with my desire to read on. Read on I did as this was a selection for my book club. I would only recommend the novel to those like the author who have a passion for understanding the relationships between men and women in the 18th century.
lu_wilson's review against another edition
2.0
What a let down. I'd heard amazing things about Donoghue, but this did not live up to the hype. Although partially based on true events, the story was slow and quite dull. Helen was an annoying, spoilt little bitch and Fido was pathetic and naïve, even for the age in which he story is set. I couldn't relate to, or feel any emotion for the characters and couldn't have cared less what happened to them. A shame really as I'm a history geek and normally love these types of books.
bhanseatic's review against another edition
4.0
I'm impressed by Donoghue's versatility as a writer, it's ridiculous, from Room to The Wonder. After reading The Sealed Letter and The Wonder, I've found those to be way superior to Room. Granted, they're completely different.
I enjoyed the book from a legal perspective and a historical one, I love experiencing old ways of justice and juries, I find it fascinating for some reason. I mean, I'm in law school (lol). I'm sure this may not appeal to everyone, since it relays heavily on that aspect, the whole process of a 1800's divorce. I loved it. I find what I enjoy the most about Donoghue's writing is the ambiance she creates and how extremely real the characters feel, one moment you are feeling sorry for Helen but then you want to kick her in the bum. Same with Harry and Fido. I adore fiction based on historical facts.
I have to say though, I didn't see the end coming... AT ALL.
I enjoyed the book from a legal perspective and a historical one, I love experiencing old ways of justice and juries, I find it fascinating for some reason. I mean, I'm in law school (lol). I'm sure this may not appeal to everyone, since it relays heavily on that aspect, the whole process of a 1800's divorce. I loved it. I find what I enjoy the most about Donoghue's writing is the ambiance she creates and how extremely real the characters feel, one moment you are feeling sorry for Helen but then you want to kick her in the bum. Same with Harry and Fido. I adore fiction based on historical facts.
I have to say though, I didn't see the end coming... AT ALL.
rosasouki's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sophronisba's review against another edition
4.0
My expectations were low, but I ended up really enjoying this book. I liked it far more than I liked Room, in fact. The characters were well-drawn, and the milieu felt right. It's not a brilliant book, but it is a very solid, compelling, absorbing piece of historical fiction.
evewithanapple's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know that I'd ever read this book again for fun, since it can be a pretty gurelling, upsetting read at times. But it's gruelling and upsetting because it's supposed to be; it's a sign of Donoghue's talent, not a lack thereof.