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readymcreadleton's review
5.0
Best thing I have read in ages. No idea why the low star rating. I found this to be an absolute rip snorter. Full marks to ms Donoghue for creating such a believable and engrossing depiction of this fascinating series of events (codringham divorce)
emmajess's review against another edition
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
littlestarsandstories's review against another edition
I wanted to like this and I'm sure I would in another frame of mind but... I just wasn't engaging with any of the characters by 100 pages so have put it down
kecskestimi's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sweddy65's review
2.0
"It was OK" was a good assessment, but I think I just wasn't crazy about the genre. The writing was good, and Donoghue certainly did her research, which I appreciate.
ginnikin's review
This was not for me--nothing I particularly objected to, but over 100 pages in, I was getting less and less engaged by the story.
storytimed's review
4.0
Oops I forgot to write about this BUT this is a very gossipy book about a scandal in the Victorian-ish era! Has a bit to say about the women's movement, the unreliability of memory and toxic female friendships but is mostly a soap opera
I mean, I love that? Helen is soooo absurdly toxic it's almost funny
Sometimes she steers too far into the "scheming slut" archetype but her character is well-drawn enough that her selfishness and irresponsibility seem like... realistic if not flattering?
I like Emma Donoghue's historicals... her research is impeccable but the subject matter is wild af
I mean, I love that? Helen is soooo absurdly toxic it's almost funny
Sometimes she steers too far into the "scheming slut" archetype but her character is well-drawn enough that her selfishness and irresponsibility seem like... realistic if not flattering?
I like Emma Donoghue's historicals... her research is impeccable but the subject matter is wild af
megmcardle's review
1.0
I found this so boring and the characters so unappealing that I abandoned it less than halfway through.