A review by goatsrsexy
The Celestial Wife by Leslie Howard

challenging dark emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

This was a really interesting historical fiction novel set in BC Canada (where I live). I was interested in polygamy since I was a kid and read a book fairly similar to this one that stuck with me. I think it also took place in BC. I definitely thought this book was well researched and very entertaining, the juxtaposition of the hardcore Mormons against the free love culture of the 60s was a good choice.

I did feel there was almost a little bit too much crammed into the short book. The first 50% I read in a few hours but then the second half lost me a bit and I felt it went a little bit off course in some parts. Overall though it was definitely worth reading I just think it actually might have benefited from being a bit longer! I wanted to know more and it felt like things moved too quickly.

The prose of this book was very readable and accessible, I think this book would be appropriate for mature middle grade readers but also interesting for adults. Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me a digital copy of this book.

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