January Book Wrap Up
The King's Daughter. A Novel of the First Tudor Queen by Sandra Worth (✬✬✬✬)
Although history doesn’t reveal much about Elizabeth of York, Sandra Worth has crafted a novel that delves deep into the past, from Edward IV to Richard III and Henry VII. Steeped in solitude and personal loss, Elizabeth of York is a tragic figure, “daughter of a king, sister to a king, wed to a king and mother of a king”.
I enjoyed the writing style of the book which has an intimate feeling because it is narrated by Elizabeth of York, the story flow, and the exceptionally detailed historical events. However, the book is very biased making almost a saint out of Richard III, telling hard to believe stories about the disappearance of the princes from the tower and making feeble excuses about so many of his actions such as usurping the crown. Also, the characters in the book are so black and white, either they are evil or good. The characters and events are described so vividly, and I learned so much about the reign of Henry VII.
Tides of War by Steven Pressfield (✬✬✬✬)
Brilliant historical fiction, obviously heavily researched combined with excellent storytelling. Glimpses of Socrates and early democracy give the book an intellectual aspect often not found in a war novel.
Sarum: The Novel of England by Edward Rutherfurd (✬✬✬✬✬)
Mr. Rutherford has done an amazing job of following the descendants of a handful of families based around Salisbury, England through time. Starting around 9000bc and progressing to 1980 and creating vignettes at important points in England's history showing how those historical events impacted the families at each point in time. Simply put, this book was magnificent.
The One Memory of Flora Banks by Emily Barr (✬✬✬)
The concept of this book was interesting and fostered an understanding of the lengths people go while living with amnesia; however, while the repetitive information and situations help to place the reader into Flora’s shoes, it was rather frustrating to keep getting stuck in a loop of past actions and lack any appreciable forward progress. I wasn’t too keen on the one memory that stuck with Flora and drove her to finally take some independent action in her life because although kissing a boy for the first time can be memorable, this reduces Flora to a cliché and she was such an intriguing character otherwise.
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton (✬✬✬✬)
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle was a complex story that is written as if it takes place in the late nineteenth century but is more probably in the future. It’s contained in a very narrow timeline that keeps repeating and you must pay attention to keep the storyline straight so you can appreciate the richness of the mystery. Well written and clever, this novel is well worth the read.
The World According to Garp by John Irving (✬✬✬✬)
John Irving is a spectacular writer and has a style that is gripping and unpredictable. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and was always impressed at his ability to flawlessly weave storylines together. I was also very entertained by how highly imaginative and original a lot of his characters are in this novel. It is a solid effort all around.
The Venetian Mask by Rosalind Laker (✬✬✬✬)
This spellbinding story of friendship and perseverance kept me riveted. The strength that Marietta exhibits throughout the story is inspiring and gives an interesting perspective on women of this time period. The city of Venice—with its extraordinary customs, political intrigue, and Carnival—serves as an exquisite stage, and I love how the author has woven the culture of Venice into the story itself.
Ecstasy by Mary Sharratt (✬✬✬)
This book did not do justice to Alma as portraying her as a female composer in a man’s world. Rather, it pays more attention to Alma’s love life than her accomplishments. I thought most of the characters were flat and lacking in depth. Despite these flaws, the novel was very well-written and heavily researched.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed (✬✬✬)
Since it was a true story and there were things I enjoyed reading about, I felt bored throughout the book. Was glad when I finally reached the end. I understand why she felt the need to do this, but I felt the writing of the story and the story itself drug on way too long. A lot of the things were just not that interesting.
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict (✬✬✬)
In the Other Einstein, I have lingering doubts as to the storyline that is provided by Marie Benedict. She uses the generally accepted reality of women being relegated to a second class life. One deprived of education and work opportunities. Mrs. Einstein is portrayed as a victim of these circumstances. Her physical disability is also used to point out the way people viewed others as unacceptable. In Ms. Benedict’s story, Mr. Einstein is portrayed as a selfish and dishonorable person. It was an interesting read and I would recommend it. The reader can decide just how much is probable and how much is conjecture.
Lady of the Roses by Sandra Worth (✬✬✬✬)
Sandra Worth’s Lady of the Roses tells the historically factual story of Lady Isobel, heiress of a Lancastrian house, and her love for and marriage to Sir John Neville, Yorkist son of her family’s political enemy. Anyone familiar with the War of the Roses will recognize that this was an unusual situation; this was a love match that was allowed despite political misgivings, and it flourished throughout a tempestuous period when family loyalties were of the utmost importance. Ms. Worth has taken the facts and brought them to life and given us insight into probable motivations and actions.
Worth has a gifted way of taking English history and not only bringing it to life but giving it a sense of immediacy and relevance. This is a gem of a historical novel and a rare look at crucial events in England’s history from someone who lived through them. Ms. Worth continues to give us quality historical fiction that is accessible and enlightening.
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