4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). Alan Douglas is the minister at Rexton, and he loves the seashore nearby. One day on a solitary ramble he meets beautiful, my4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). Alan Douglas is the minister at Rexton, and he loves the seashore nearby. One day on a solitary ramble he meets beautiful, mysterious, chilly Lynde Oliver. A chance rescue introduces him to her suave scamp of a father, and from then on their friendship grows until out a clear blue sky, various trials reveal their love and the impossibility of a romance…
This is one of Montgomery’s tales that just fascinates you. It’s quite long, but the setting is wonderful and the story itself is just... fascinating. I love Lynde and Alan is such a nice fellow, and the twists don’t stop coming! Some of the story was later used in Leslie’s story in Anne’s House of Dreams, and I believe the rescue scene was repurposed in Emily of New Moon? Anyways, it’s splendid and so much fun.
3 stars. Anna Williams’s practically engaged to Gilbert Murray, but he’s gone off west, and Anna has no intention of waiting for him—or marrying him, 3 stars. Anna Williams’s practically engaged to Gilbert Murray, but he’s gone off west, and Anna has no intention of waiting for him—or marrying him, either. Alma can’t bear to believe it’s true, so to keep Gilbert’s love fresh she writes him letters under Anna’s name. Then Anna does the unthinkable and marries Charlie Moore…
Well, Anna saddened me. And Alma’s deception wasn’t right. It all turned out well, though… an interesting story, but not my favourite.
4,5 étoiles (4/10 cœurs). J'ai toujours été fascinée par les Tsiganes (« gitans ») et leurs manières intrigantes. Ce livre m'a tellement satisfaite. M4,5 étoiles (4/10 cœurs). J'ai toujours été fascinée par les Tsiganes (« gitans ») et leurs manières intrigantes. Ce livre m'a tellement satisfaite. Magali Favre a couvert le bon et le mauvais, le dur et le beau. Elle a suscité tellement de respect et de sympathie pour ce peuple et m'a fait réaliser comment ils ont été traités historiquement. C'était sans conteste ma partie préférée. L'ambiance était agréable.
Ensuite, j'ai adoré le fait que le MC soit québécois ! Et j'ai aimé explorer le sud (occitan) de la France à travers ses expériences. Personnellement, je n'étais pas sa fan numéro 1, surtout après les premiers chapitres - j'ai toujours du mal avec les personnages rebelles, et sa fuite en laissant sa famille terrifiée n'était pas juste. Pourtant, j'ai compris ses raisons, et sa famille était tout aussi injuste dans leur sévérité constante et inexpliquée, ainsi que dans leur tentative de transférer leurs préjugés et de cacher son passé. Aucun des personnages n'était particulièrement attachant, à moins que ce ne soit Fablo, mais ils étaient tous intéressants.
Enfin, j'ai profondément apprécié l'histoire. Rares sont ceux qui évoquent l’internement des Tsiganes pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Cette histoire est un hommage émouvant à ces pauvres âmes oubliées. C’est une histoire bien écrite et importante. J’ai hâte de la relire.
**Liste de contenu à venir quand je relis le livre**
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4.5 stars (4/10 hearts). I’ve always been fascinated by the Romani (“gypsies”) and their intriguing ways. This book satisfied me so well. Magali Favre covered the good and the bad, the hard and the beautiful. She raised so much respect and sympathy for this people and made me realize how they were treated historically. That was hands-down my favourite part. The atmosphere was lovely.
Next, I loved how the MC was québécois! And I enjoyed exploring the south (Occitan) end of France through his experiences. Personally I was not his no. 1 fan, especially after the first few chapters—I always have difficulty with rebellious characters, and his running away to leave his family terrified wasn’t fair. Still, I understood his reasons, and they were just as unfair in their constant unexplained severity, as well as their attempt to transfer their prejudice and hide his past. None of the characters were particularly loveable, unless it was Fablo, but they were all interesting.
Finally, I deeply appreciated the history. Few ever mention the internment of the Romani in WWII; this story is a moving tribute to those poor forgotten souls. It’s a well-written story, and an important one. I look forward to rereading it.
5+ stars (6/10 cœurs). J'ai adoré cette histoire. J'ai adoré l’écriture : c'est tellement descriptif et spirituel ! J'adore le décor : le New York des5+ stars (6/10 cœurs). J'ai adoré cette histoire. J'ai adoré l’écriture : c'est tellement descriptif et spirituel ! J'adore le décor : le New York des années 1920, vu du point de vue d'une préadolescente anglaise. J'adore les personnages : la petite Vita, intelligente, déterminée et courageuse ; Silk, forte, combattante et affectueuse; Arkady, optimiste, compréhensif et intéressant ; Samuel, gentil, courageux, et surmontant. Leur amitié était précieuse. Les parents et les autres adultes étaient tous gentils (sauf les méchants terrifiants) et j'adore les bonnes relations que Vita entretenait avec sa mère et son grand-père.
J'ai aussi adoré l'intrigue. Voir Vita rassembler les informations, essayer de négocier, créer son groupe, puis réaliser son plan était TELLEMENT amusant, surtout avec toutes les aventures qui se sont produites. J'ai vraiment adoré le fait que ce vol n'était en réalité pas un vol, étant donné qu'ils reprenaient simplement ce qui leur avait été volé. C’était tellement amusant de suivre un braquage moralement juste! (Si quelqu'un a des recommandations, faites-le-moi savoir, car j'ai découvert un nouveau genre préféré.) La fin climatique m'a cloué à mon siège. C'était INTENSE, et ne s'est jamais déroulé comme je l'espérais, mais la fin était tellement parfaite, même si c'était une surprise.
Et enfin, j'ai adoré les thèmes : l'amitié et le courage, bien sûr, mais aussi s'occuper de la famille ; le chagrin; prendre conscience de ses limites tout en ne les laissant pas contrôler sa vie… De plus, j’ai adoré les représentations subtiles du racisme, des préjugés et de la corruption monétaire/politique, toutes montrées mais jamais manifestes, ce qui est beaucoup plus efficace.
Est-ce réaliste ? Peut-être pas, mais parfois la vraie vie non plus. Comme l’a dit Mark Twain : « Cela est peut-être arrivé, cela n’est peut-être pas arrivé : mais cela AURAIT PU arriver. » Quoi qu’il en soit, c’est excitant, délicieux et charmant.
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5+ stars (6/10 hearts). I LOVED this story. I loved the writing—it’s so descriptive and clever! I love the setting—1920s New York, seen from the POV of an English preteen girl. I love the characters—clever, determined, brave little Vita; strong, struggling, affectionate Silk; optimistic, understanding, interesting Arkady; and kind, courageous, overcoming Samuel. Their friendship was precious. The parents and other adults were all nice (except for the terrifying villains) and I love the good relationship Vita had with her mother and grandfather.
I also loved the plot. Seeing Vita gather the information, try to negotiate, build her band, and then carry out her plan was SO much fun, especially with all the adventures that befell. I absolutely LOVED how this theft was actually no theft, given that they were just taking back what had been stolen from them. It was so, so much fun to follow a morally right/legit heist! (If anyone has any recommendations, let me know, because I have discovered a new favourite genre.) The climatic ending had me nailed to my seat. It was INTENSE, and never went as I expected, but the ending was so perfect, even if it was a surprise.
And finally, I loved the themes: friendship and courage, of course, but also caring for family; grief; realizing one’s limitations while simultaneously not letting them control one’s life… Also, I loved the subtle portrayals of racism and prejudice and monetary/political corruption, all shown but never overt, which is much more effective.
Is it realistic? Perhaps not, but then neither is real life sometimes. As Mark Twain said, “It may have happened, it may not have happened: but it could have happened.” Anyways, it’s exciting, delightful, and lovely....more
2,5 étoiles (2/10 cœurs). J'ai lu le tome 3 avant de lire celui-ci (c'était le seul que ma bibliothèque possédait), et même si je n’en raffolais pas, 2,5 étoiles (2/10 cœurs). J'ai lu le tome 3 avant de lire celui-ci (c'était le seul que ma bibliothèque possédait), et même si je n’en raffolais pas, j'étais suffisamment intéressé pour chercher les autres livres. Celui-ci était le suivant, et il expliquait beaucoup de choses sur lesquelles j'étais confuse dans le tome 3, mais cela m'a aussi déplu.
Tout d'abord, même si le tome 3 explique tout naturellement comment Jeanne veut devenir médecin et sa sœur mécanicienne, ces deux carrières allant à l'encontre des valeurs sociétales de l'époque, c’était sensé, il s'agissait d'une réflexion plus minime à laquelle il fallait se préparer, et ça n'en faisait pas grand cas. Ce livre insiste continuellement sur le féminisme, principalement parce que l'oncle et le cousin de Jeanne insistent haut et fort sur le « rôle des femmes » (c'est-à-dire un bon mariage) et refusent que leur fille et leur sœur, respectivement, soit pharmacienne, bien que la tante elle-même en est une elle-même (ledit oncle en étant un aussi). Je comprends bien la situation et l’irritation de Solange, mais j’aurais aimé qu’il y ait moins de discussions et plus d’exemples montrant qu’elle est une bonne pharmacienne. Cela a fini par être dur, même si j'apprécie la façon dont cela correspond à son caractère et à ses motivations, ainsi qu'à ses excuses à la fin.
En deuxième lieu, j’étais mécontent du courant sous-jacent anti-policier, de la désobéissance et des mensonges qui en résultaient. Je comprends que Jeanne ne veuille pas trahir Antoine mais… de toute façon, elle n'aurait pas dû s'enfuir pour attraper les voleurs elle-même. Même si les deux policiers étaient idiots et inutiles. J'ai cependant apprécié l'intégration des Pigeons Voyageurs. Leur situation et celle de leurs parents est déchirante, mais bien réelle, et même s’il est déplorable que les enfants soient contraints de voler, c’est malheureusement une réalité pour eux. J'espère qu'à mesure que la série continue, cette situation sera réparée. Et j'ai beaucoup apprécié les bonnes relations qu'entretiennent les enfants Loiseau entre eux et avec leur père.
Troisièmement, je n’avais pas besoin d’entendre parler de Kiki. Notre toute première rencontre avec elle a lieu lorsqu’elle est assise pour une peinture nue… et à partir de là, vous pouvez extrapoler quelle sont ses morales. C’est une fille sympa, mais son métier revient plusieurs fois, et je ne comprends pas pourquoi ce personnage historique est célébré et présenté comme une héroïne, jolie ou pas. La liberté et la licence sont deux choses différentes.
Donc non, je n’ai pas apprécié le livre et je ne le recommande pas. Mais je vais essayer le tome 4, car j'apprécie vraiment l'époque historique et le cadre de cette série, et comme le tome 3 était bien meilleur que les tomes 1-2 à mon avis, j'espère de bonnes choses du n°4.
Contenu : un poète fait une plaisanterie blasphématoire.
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2.5 stars (2/10 hearts). I read book 3 before reading this one (it was the only one my library had), and while I wasn’t crazy about it, I was interested enough to look for the other books. This one was next, and it explained a lot of the stuff I was confused about in book 3, but it also displeased me.
First off, while book 3 quite naturally discusses how Jeanne wants to be a doctor and her sister a mechanic, which both careers were against societal values of the time, it was sensible, had it as a more side thought to prepare for, and didn’t make a huge deal of it. This book continually harped on feminism, mostly because Jeanne’s uncle and cousin loudly insist on the “role of women” (aka a good marriage) and refuse to allow their daughter and sister, respectively, to be a pharmacist, though the aunt herself is somewhat one herself (said uncle being one). I quite understand Solange’s situation and irritation, but I wish there had been less talk and more examples of her being a good pharmacist. It ended up being heavy-handed, though I appreciate how it fits in with her character and motives, and her apology at the end.
In the second place, I was displeased by the undercurrent of anti-police, the disobedience, and the consequent lying. I understand Jeanne not wanting to give Antoine away but… she shouldn’t have snuck off to catch the thieves herself anyways. Even if the two policemen were idiotic and useless. I did however appreciate the integration of the Pigeons Voyageurs. Their situation and their parents’ is heartbreaking, but very real, and although it’s deplorable that the children are forced to steal, it is unfortunately a reality for them. I hope as the series continues this situation will be mended. And I did appreciate the good relationship the Loiseau children have with each other and their father, and even their aunt.
Third, I didn’t need to hear of Kiki. Our very first introduction to her is when she’s sitting for a n*de painting… and from that you can extrapolate how her morals are. She’s a nice girl, but her job comes up several times, and I don’t understand why this historical figure is being celebrated and held up as a heroine, pretty or not. Liberty and license are two different things.
So, no, I didn’t enjoy the book and I don’t recommend it. But I’m going to try book 4, because I do really appreciate the historical era and the setting of this series, and since book 3 was much better than books 1-2 in my opinion, I hope good things of #4.
4 étoiles. J’espérais une fin triomphale de la série, et je ne pense pas avoir été exactement déçu. J’étais un peu attristé par tous les conflits et l4 étoiles. J’espérais une fin triomphale de la série, et je ne pense pas avoir été exactement déçu. J’étais un peu attristé par tous les conflits et la duplicité dans le foyer et la situation de Josette. Mais j'ai adoré la façon dont les Loiseaux étaient tous eux-mêmes délicieux, la façon dont Jeanne ne s'enfuyait pas seule, la petite romance entre elle et Antoine, les olympiques et Johnny Weissmuller ! J'ai également apprécié de connaître Alice Milliat et d'en apprendre davantage sur les Jeux olympiques en général. Plutôt une finition solide finalement.
Contenu : quelques moqueries envers ceux qui trouvent que les tenues de bain ne sont pas pudiques ; de la violence domestique qui n’est pas entièrement traitée.
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4 stars. I was hoping for a triumphant finish to the series, and I don’t think I was disappointed exactly. I was a little saddened by all the strife and duplicity in Josette’s home and situation. But I loved how the Loiseaux were all their own delightful selves, how Jeanne didn’t run off alone, the tiny romance between her & Antoine, the olympic spotlight, and Johnny Weissmuller! I also appreciated learning about Alice Milliat and learning more about the Olympics in general. Rather a solid finish finally.
Content: some mockery towards people who think the swimming outfits aren’t modest; domestic violence that isn’t fully dealt with....more
4 étoiles. Je n'ai pas beaucoup aimé les livres #1-2 (en particulier tome 1) mais j'ai apprécié les personnages et je voulais donner une autre chance 4 étoiles. Je n'ai pas beaucoup aimé les livres #1-2 (en particulier tome 1) mais j'ai apprécié les personnages et je voulais donner une autre chance à la série, notamment parce que j'aimais livre #3 assez bien.
Je pense que celui-ci était le meilleur de la série jusqu'à présent. Jeanne ne s'est pas mise en danger, a écouté et obéi aux adultes, et n'a pas fait de détective seule, en plus d'être consciente des dangers d'accuser les gens et de divulguer des informations sans suffisamment de connaissances… donc je pouvais réellement l’apprécier ! Les autres personnages étaient très bien eux-mêmes… et j’ai aimé les professeures plus que je m’y attendais, notamment Mme M. C’était intéressant de rencontrer Sonia Delaunay, que je ne connaissais pas non plus.
En ce qui concerne l'intrigue, j'adore la partie empoisonnement du mystère ((view spoiler)[surtout la partie arsenic (hide spoiler)]) et l'aspect contrefaçon. J’ai également beaucoup apprécié le travail des femmes auprès des mères célibataires (même si je m’oppose à l’idée que la grossesse est toujours uniquement la faute du père) et leur résistance à la négligence et aux abus de la société envers ces filles et leurs bébés. C'était aussi amusant de voir certains personnages des œuvres précédentes de la série ! Mais j’étais vraiment ennuyé de revoir ces incompétents tyrans des policiers.
Dans l'ensemble, j'attends avec impatience une conclusion satisfaisante dans le tome 5 (et peut-être même un soupçon de romance ????)
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4 stars. I did not like books 1-2 very much (specifically book 1) but I did enjoy the characters and wanted to give the series another chance, specifically because I liked book 3 well enough.
I think this one was the best of the series so far. Jeanne didn’t cram herself into danger, listened & obeyed the adults, and didn’t do hardly any sleuthing on her own, besides being aware of the dangers of accusing people and giving away information without enough knowledge… so I could actually appreciate her! The other characters were very nicely themselves… and I liked the teachers more than I expected, specially Mme M. It was interesting to meet Sonia Delaunay, whom I didn’t know about, too.
As far as the plot was concerned, I love the poisoning part of the mystery ((view spoiler)[especially the arsenic part (hide spoiler)]) and the counterfeiting aspect. I also really appreciated the ladies’ work among unmarried mothers (though I object to the idea that the pregnancy is always only the father’s fault) and their standing up to society’s neglect and abuse to those girls and their babies. It was also fun to see some characters from the earlier works in the series! I was really annoyed at seeing those incompetent bullies of policemen again though.
Overall, I look forwards to a satisfying conclusion in book 5 (and maybe even a hint of romance????)...more
2,7 étoiles (3/10 cœurs). J'ai lu le tome 1 et le tome 3 de cette série ; même si je n'ai pas détesté le tome 3, je n'ai pas été extrêmement impressio2,7 étoiles (3/10 cœurs). J'ai lu le tome 1 et le tome 3 de cette série ; même si je n'ai pas détesté le tome 3, je n'ai pas été extrêmement impressionné, mais suffisamment intéressé pour essayer les autres livres ; et quant au tome 1, je ne l'ai pas aimé du tout. Ce livre se situe en quelque sorte à mi-chemin entre les deux émotions.
Commençons par ce que je n'aime pas. J'ai l'impression que le point central de cette série est de prêcher sur le féminisme et à quel point les femmes ont eu/ont du mal à accéder certains emplois, qu'elles veulent plus que simplement être épouses et mères, et que la misogynie et le sexisme sont un énorme problème. Certes, mais je déteste qu’on me fasse avaler des messages toutes les deux pages. Tout d’abord, j’ai l’impression que cela annule l’impact de l’histoire, car au lieu que les personnages se sentent naturels et intéressants, ils existent pour réagir à l’intrigue, qui transmet un message. J'aimerais bien plus que les personnages soient plus normaux au lieu de s'intégrer tous d'une manière ou d'une autre au message : le père consentant mais prudent, la pilote et la motocycliste qui défient la société, la future docteure et la future mécanicienne, le frère obsédé par la mode, l’ami qui s'en fiche si elle est une fille, l’ennemi mysogyne, le mysogyne réformé…
Maintenant, je comprends ce qu'ont vécu Mauricette et les autres premières femmes pilotes avec les pilotes hommes de leurs groupes ; mais je pense simplement que l'histoire aurait pu être bien plus efficace si ce message avait été subtil. Prenez le livre Madeleine Takes Command d'Ethel C. Brill, par exemple. Il s’agit d’une jeune fille de 14 ans qui prends la commande d’un fort plein de mâles. Ils ont protesté en disant qu’en tant que femme, elle ne devrait pas occuper cette position, mais elle a insisté et l’a maintenue. Son histoire suscite un profond respect envers elle et les autres femmes québécoises, en montrant ce qu’elles peuvent faire, mais sans constamment faire référence au fait qu’ELLE DÉFIE LA SOCIÉTÉ ET LES HOMMES PENSENT QU’ELLE NE PEUT PAS FAIRE CELA. Ce n’est pas que je ne pense pas que ce genre de choses ait existé et existe toujours, c’est juste que je déteste que cette histoire soit en fait une dissertation contre cela au lieu d’UNE HISTOIRE. Et je m'oppose à ce qu'on me rentre des trucs dans la tête. Montre-moi, laisse-moi le SENTIR, ne me le lance pas au visage.
Ensuite, j’ai vraiment été mal à l’aise avec la désobéissance constante. Dans le tome 3 (que j'ai lu en premier), j'ai noté que Jeanne entretenait d'excellentes relations avec son père, malgré le fait qu'elle ait finalement choisi de lui désobéir. Mais dans le tome 1 et le tome 2, elle désobéit encore et encore, et il semble y avoir un sentiment très subtil qu'elle sait mieux (et bien sûr tout s'avère qu'elle avait raison), et que son père est trop faible ou absent d’esprit ou ne comprend pas assez… ce que, personnellement, je déteste dans la fiction, car 9 fois sur 10 les enfants n'ont PAS raison si l'histoire était vraie. (Je veux dire, allez, tu veux que ton adolescent combatte des méchants dans les catacombes ou se cache dans une cave pour attraper des voleurs ou se faufile hors de l'hôtel à minuit pour empêcher un avion d'être saboté par une bande de pilotes en colère ??? Prenons les livres The Secret Seven d'Enid Blyton. Les parents des enfants savent qu'ils sont sur une enquête, les enfants ne vont jamais dans des endroits où ils ne sont pas autorisés, ils ne se mettent jamais dans des positions dangereuses (s'ils se trouvent dans une position dangereuse, c'est toujours un accident) et ils retrouvent toujours leurs parents ou la police pour s'occuper réellement des crimes – ce qui est tout très raisonnable.) De plus, Hélène Boucher faisait constamment référence à sa désobéissance à ses parents (même en prenant leur voiture et en la conduisant à leur insu) et aussi à sa désobéissance aux lois civiles… ce que Mauricette a également défiée en s'échappant de l'hôpital. En associant cela aux livres 1 et 3, qui décrivent le gouvernement et la police comme incompétents et stupides, j'ai globalement ressenti un message très subtil selon lequel la société/l'autorité est stupide, nous savons mieux et nous pouvons simplement aller de l'avant et faire ce que nous pensons est mieux - ce qui me dérange.
La seule chose que j'ai vraiment aimé, c'est l'histoire. Jusqu'à présent, cette série m'a beaucoup appris sur la France des années 1920, Paris, les avions, la Première Guerre mondiale et des femmes historiques comme Adrienne Bollard. J'aurais préféré que le mystère soit un peu plus étendu, mais j'ai trouvé qu'Hélène Boucher surtout, mais Adrienne Bollard aussi, étaient bien écrites et introduites (contrairement à Agatha Christie du tome 3, qui je trouvais très contrainte et idiote). Je ne me soucie pas assez des personnages pour continuer la série, mais je m'intéresse à cet aspect historique dont je n'ai pas beaucoup entendu parler, voire pas du tout. Ce livre en particulier a beaucoup parlé de la Première Guerre mondiale et l'a bien fait. Et j’aime la façon dont la série montre la dévastation de la guerre jusque dans les années 20. Et comme j’adore les avions et les pilotes… j’ai aussi apprécié cette partie-là ! Et la petite romance est tellement mignonne. ;)
En résumé : je ne recommande pas la série, surtout au public cible des enfants. Mais personnellement, j’essaierai le tome 4, au moins pour voir si son sujet historique m'intéresse.
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2.7 stars (3/10 hearts). I’ve read book 1 and book 3 of this series; while I didn’t hate book 3, I wasn’t hugely impressed, but interested enough to try the other books; and as for book 1, I did not like it at all. This book kinda straddles the middle ground between both emotions.
Let’s start with what I dislike. I feel like this series’ driving point is to preach about feminism and how hard women had/have it in not being able to get into certain jobs, that they’re for more than just being wives and mothers, and that misogyny and sexism is a huge issue. Granted, but I hate having messages shoved down my throat every other page. First off, I feel like it negates the impact of the story, because instead of the characters feeling natural and interesting, they exist to react to the plot, which drives a message. I’d like the characters way more if they were more normal instead of all fitting into the message somehow—the agreeing-but-prudent-father, the society-defying-pilote and -motorcycliste, the hopefully-someday-docteure and -méchanicienne, the fashion-obsessed-brother, the guy-friend-who-doesn't-care-if-she’s-a-girl, the mysogynist-enemy, the reformed-mysogynist…
Now, I understand what Mauricette and the other first female pilots went through with the male pilots in their groups; but I just think the story could have been so much more effective if that message had been subtle. Take the book Madeleine Takes Command by Ethel C. Brill, for example. That’s a 14-year-old girl who took command of a fortful of males. They protested that as a woman she shouldn’t been in that position, but she insisted, and held it. Her story raises intense respect for her and other québécois women, by showing what they can do, but without constantly referring to the fact that SHE’S DEFYING SOCIETY AND THE MEN THINK SHE CAN’T DO THIS. It’s not that I don’t think this stuff existed and still exists, it’s just that I hate that this story is actually a dissertation against it instead of A STORY. And I object to having stuff thumped into my head. Show me, let me FEEL it, don’t rub my face in it.
Next up, I really struggled with the constant disobedience. In book 3 (which I read first), I noted that Jeanne had a great relationship with her father, despite the fact that she chose to disobey him in the end. But in book 1 and book 2, she goes and disobeys again and again, and there seems to be a very subtle feeling that she knows better (and of course everything turns out that she was right), and her father is too weak or absent-minded or doesn’t understand enough… which, personally, I hate in fiction, because 9/10 times the kids are NOT right if the story was real life. I mean, come on, you want your tween fighting bad guys in the catacombs or hiding in a cellar to catch thieves or sneaking out of the hotel to stop a plane from being sabotaged by a bunch of angry pilots at midnight??? (Look instead at the The Secret Seven books by Enid Blyton. The kids’ parents know they’re on a case, the kids never go places they’re not allowed to, they never put themselves in dangerous positions (if they are in one, it’s always an accident), and they always find their parents or the police to actual deal with the crimes—all of which is actually sensible.) Also, Hélène Boucher constantly referenced her disobedience to her parents (even taking their car and riding it without their knowledge) and also her disobedience to civil laws… something Mauricette defied too in escaping the hospital. Pairing that with books 1 & 3, which portray the government and police as inept and stupid, I just overall felt a very subtle message that society/authority is dumb, we know better, and we can just go ahead and do what we think best—which disturbs me.
The only thing I actually liked is the history. So far this series has taught me a lot about 1920s France, Paris, planes, WWI, and historical women such as Adrienne Bollard. I would have preferred the mystery to be a little more stretched out, but I found that Hélène Boucher especially, but Adrienne Bollard too, were well written and introduced (unlike Agatha Christie from book 3, who felt very stilted and silly). I don’t care enough about the characters to continue the series, but I am interested in this historical aspect that I haven’t heard much of, if at all. This book in particular discussed WWI a lot, and did it well. And I like how the series shows the devastation of the war well into the ’20s. And since I love planes and pilots… I appreciated that part too! And the mini romance is so cute. ;)
Bottom line: I don’t recommend the series, especially to the target audience of kids. But I personally will check out book 4, at least to see if I’m interested in its historical topic....more
3,5 étoiles (3/10 cœurs). C'est le premier livre de Jeanne Loiseau que j’ai lu, et même si je n'en étais pas fou, j'étais suffisamment intéressé pour 3,5 étoiles (3/10 cœurs). C'est le premier livre de Jeanne Loiseau que j’ai lu, et même si je n'en étais pas fou, j'étais suffisamment intéressé pour découvrir les livres précédents de la série. Il y avait un mélange assez équilibré des choses que j’aimais et que je n’aimais pas.
Donc, tout d’abord, j’étais très confus quant à ce qui se passait avec la bande d’enfants orphelins qui erraient dans les catacombes. C'est de ma faute – cette série ne se lit pas bien hors d’ordre, pour votre information. Je n’étais pas non plus un grand fan de Jeanne qui rompu sa promesse et désobéis à son père, même si les circonstances étaient quelque peu atténuantes. Mais j'ai apprécié le fait qu'elle lui réponde honnêtement et immédiatement lorsqu'il l'interrogeait ainsi que les bonnes relations qu'elle entretenait avec lui et ses frères et sœurs.
Je n’étais pas non plus fan de la façon dont la police était traitée ; ni comment Agatha Christie a été présentée, même si c'est en fait la raison pour laquelle j'ai choisi le livre. J’étais très frustrée par son basculement constant entre le français et l’anglais (en tant que bilingue, je peux vous dire que ça ne se fait pas comme ça dans la vraie vie) ; et elle semblait parfois plutôt volatile, ce que je pense n’est pas tout à fait exact. J’ai cependant assez aimé le mystère, et j’ai vraiment aimé la manière dont le trouble de la parole de Marguerite était traité et la façon dont l’auteur discutait de ses nombreuses causes et conséquences. Et j'ai aimé découvrir Paris !
Je ne me souviens de rien d'autre, mais après avoir lu les tomes 1 et 2 depuis, j'espère que cette série continuera de s'améliorer au fur et à mesure qu'elle continue et je vais essayer le tome 4.
Contenu : une phrase où Jeanne et Marguerite disent quelques choses vulgaires sur ses tyrans d’école.
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3.5 stars (3/10 hearts). This was the first Jeanne Loiseau book I read, and while I wasn’t crazy about it I was interested enough to check out the earlier books in the series. There was a pretty even mixture of likes and dislikes.
So, first off, I was very confused as to what was going on with the catacomb-roving thieving band of orphan children. That’s on me—this series doesn’t read well out of order, for your information. I also wasn’t a huge fan of Jeanne braking her promise and disobeying her father even if circumstances were somewhat alleviating. But I did like that she answered him honestly and at once when he questioned her and the good relationship she had with him and her siblings.
I was also not a fan of how the police was treated; nor how Agatha Christie was presented, though she was actually why I picked up the book. I was very frustrated by her constant switch between French and English (as a bilingual, I can tell you it’s not done like that in real life); and she came across as rather flighty sometimes, which I don’t think is quite accurate. I liked the mystery well enough though, and I really liked how Marguerite’s speech impediment was worked in, and how the author discussed its numerous causes and consequences. And I enjoyed learning about Paris!
I remember nothing else, but having since read books 1 & 2, I hope this series keeps improving as it continues and I’m gonna give book 4 a shot.
Content: a sentence where Jeanne and Marguerite say a few vulgar things about her bullies....more
3 étoiles. Je pense que je suis un peu trop vielle pour ce livre. C’est plutôt simple dans son style et son histoire, même s’il y a eu des moments int3 étoiles. Je pense que je suis un peu trop vielle pour ce livre. C’est plutôt simple dans son style et son histoire, même s’il y a eu des moments intéressants. Noonah et sa famille étaient plutôt sympa, même si j'en ai assez du refrain constant du « Je suis une fille mais je vais prouver que je suis aussi bonne qu'un garçon et m'assurer que mon père ne souhaite pas en avoir un. » Ce ne serait pas si agaçant si ce n’était pas aussi répandu en littérature ! C’est devenu un cliché à ce stade. Au moins ce n’était pas une grande partie du livre. J'apprécie surtout les détails de la vie des Inuits et du Nord. Cela faisait vraiment ressortir toute la beauté de cet endroit étrange et difficile.
Contient beaucoup de croyances et de spiritualisme inuites, dont les sorciers, la réincarnation, etc.
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3 stars. I think I am a little too old for this book. It’s rather simple in style and story, though it had its interesting moments. Noonah and her family were quite nice—though I’m getting tired of the constant refrain of “I’m a girl but imma prove I’m as good as a boy and make sure my father doesn’t wish he had one.” It wouldn’t be so aggravating if it wasn’t so prevalent in literature! It’s gotten to be a cliché at this point. Still, it wasn’t a huge part of the book. Mostly I appreciate the details of Inuit and Northern life. It really brought out all the beauty of that strange, difficult place.
Content: lots of inuit beliefs and spiritualism, including sorcerers, reincarnation, etc....more
4.5 stars (4/10 hearts). Another middle-grade Sunday school book (8-12), but it still kept my interest. I enjoyed the simple, concrete way Savery talk4.5 stars (4/10 hearts). Another middle-grade Sunday school book (8-12), but it still kept my interest. I enjoyed the simple, concrete way Savery talked of Jesus being our tower, while also spinning an enjoyable story. Gilly and Jane were nice little things, and I appreciated their characters very much. And Savery’s writing really is awesome, even in this small book. Oh, and I loved the bit about King Uzziah’s towers!...more
I haven’t read much of Elisabeth Grace Foley’s works—unfortunately!—but I’ve read enough to know I’d love this… and I was right! It was the perfect miI haven’t read much of Elisabeth Grace Foley’s works—unfortunately!—but I’ve read enough to know I’d love this… and I was right! It was the perfect mixture of expected and unexpected, humour and spirituality, depth and lightness.
Dakota Clothesline - 1900s Dakotas 4.5 stars. This was one of the unexpected stories! To be honest, I’m not a fan of marriage-of-convenience, but this was well done (reminiscent of Love Comes Softly). Jonas was awesome, and I really liked Charlotte, and the classic winter blizzard was a great touch! Very The Long Winter-ish.
Once in her life she had known the experience of strong emotions, had known what it was to thrill, to be eager and passionate and vitally alive; but that was all in the past and it wouldn’t happen again. She had folded all that up and laid it away like an old garment, and found she could go on living and breathing and being content without it.
The Heiress & the Horse-Trade – 1890s New Mexico 5 stars. Ah, this was more along the lines of the Foley stories I know and love! It was pure delight from start to finish. Such sarcasm! Such humour! Cornelia was a hoot and I loved seeing Thad and the other guys scrambling after her brains. And Glendy Burke was the perfect accidental sidekick. ;) But my favourite part was this:
“[They] found the captive outlaw sitting in the Summerfields’ kitchen, not the man he once was. Thad was sitting astride a chair with the shotgun leveled over the back of it at his prisoner, but it had less to do with that and more to do with the fact that he had been studied intensely for the better part of an hour by three small children crowded together on a bench on the other side of the kitchen table, an experience that few men come through unchanged.”
TRUTH.
Sheep Need a Shepherd – 1900s Montana 5+ stars. Another unexpected, and another one I really, really loved! A pastor-shepherd going against a neighbourhood of ornery cowboys, one being very influential and very bullying in his ways. Donald was SPLENDID—so authentic, so human, and so temperate. Marguerite was the perfect helpmeet for him. I admired Mrs. Glenn immensely, and in the end couldn’t help liking Henry and Terry… I had no idea how this would end and I was hooked by the story, but also touched by the message. Excellently done.
”I’ve got to simply be who I am, in church and outside it. If anybody expects me to adapt my preaching for ‘wild Westerners’—whatever that means—they’ll have to be disappointed. That’s one thing I never want to find myself doing, Marguerite: trying to tweak or tamper with the message in order to ingratiate or impress anyone. If there’s one thing I’ve been convinced of—maybe believed more strongly than anything else, ever since I first felt called to preach—it’s just that one thing: the gospel is sufficient. If I ever tried to preach in any way apart from that, I wouldn’t be any good for anything.”
Professor Pruitt’s Circulating Concert Company – 1890s, somewhere in the middle West 5+ stars. YUSSSSS, pure comedy!!! This reminded me of the Goldwater Ridge duology for some reason. I. loved. it. I don’t even know what to say besides that it was just plain hilarious. Poor Joe… he really had one wild ride. Just read this, okay? It was side-splitting. I have no other words…
I don’t think it quite fair to blame the sheriff for anything that happened, because when you’re out looking for bank robbers and you come upon a man stuffing greenbacks into a gunnysack by the handfuls, it’s only natural you stop and ask him how he came by them. The Professor didn’t take that kindly. He insisted that the money was his own life savings, the money he’d put by a little at a time after each show[.] The trouble was, without his teeth in and when excited he was hard to understand, and the sheriff not knowing the speech as well as the Company did he was more than suspicious.… It was Mrs. Pruitt who saved the situation. She didn’t bother trying to argue with the sheriff; she just hurried off to get something from the red wagon and came back and tugged at the Professor’s arm until she got his attention and told him to put his teeth in, and practically forced them into his mouth herself. The Professor’s diction suddenly came clear (one of the possemen almost fell over with surprise), and he made the speech about his life savings over again without being interrupted, and wound up by saying he was going to put them away in the wagon now and would everybody who didn’t belong to the Company please go away. “But a bank’s been robbed,” said the sheriff. “What’s that to me?” said the Professor. “I didn’t do it.” The sheriff explained to him how circumstantial evidence happened to even the most respectable people (Tim agreed with him heartily about that)[.]The Professor said that he wouldn’t have his wife and daughter going back to town in chains, and the sheriff said testily that he had no intention of putting chains on any lady. Mrs. Pruitt explained what Jasper meant was that no member of the Circulating Concert Company had ever been arrested (though she couldn’t speak for what had happened to a couple performers who’d quit suddenly after they had left[.].
Lark’s Nest – 1860s Texas 5 stars. Of all the sweet, heart-tugging, soul-touching stories… The reality in this story almost brought me to tears. It can be so hard to keep life—and the home—pretty and try to instil manners and culture into one’s children and/or younger siblings. I related to Alice so much and she was such a great character. The message here was just amazing.
...it dawned upon Alice that one reason, at least, why she missed the pretty things of their old house was because to her those things had spelled home. She wanted the boys to have that same sense of home and belonging she had had as a child, and her striving to add the little touches that enriched life to the plain log house in the Texas brush was part of her trying to make it for them. Home was meant to be more than a roof to sleep under in the intervals of laboring for your bread—it was a place that fed you, taught you, strengthened you, welcomed you with open arms—a place you wanted to be. It was the thing you labored for.
Big Aspen – 1940s Wyoming 5 stars. Boy, I loved this. You don’t often get to see WWII Westerns, and the PTSD angle was superbly handled. Also, I loved the part about taking back the ranch and realizing Dan had grown up, and letting him be a man… and how Rex’s handicap didn’t break him as much as he thought. So many deep thoughts here. (Contains mild language)
As they turned their glances crossed. It was a new look from Dan: head up, eyes clear and direct, as if he too had just had a fight and won it. And Rex understood. Far from being disappointed in his brother’s weakness, for a moment Dan had been able to feel himself the strongest man in the situation, had helped to see it through, and had grown almost visibly in confidence with that feeling.
The Smoking Iron – 1880s New Mexico 5 stars. A cowboy whodunit, with plenty of humour but not a comedy. I admit I struggled to keep up with the explanation and final reveal—I’m not a cowgirl and got dreadfully mixed up about what was happening. But despite all that I hugely enjoyed the adventure, and the characters. Owen was my favourite, reminding me as he did of one of my favourite fictional sheriffs ever, Larry from the 1949 “Cover Up,” one of my favourite films (also a mystery!); but I also really liked and respected Dell, and Milt + Bud were a great team.
“Dwight Harrington, St. Louis upperclassman and his Uncle Tom’s millstone-about-the-neck during his summer vacations, was the only man in that roundup camp ignorant enough about cattle to overlook one important thing[.]” “Jupiter!” said Bud Cramer. “It’s ‘Eureka’ he’s after,” said McCreath. “I think I’m following you now. Go on.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). If you know me, you know I am a Titanic buff. I’ve aways been fascinated by it, and I’m always on the lookout for more info o4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). If you know me, you know I am a Titanic buff. I’ve aways been fascinated by it, and I’m always on the lookout for more info or reading material. So when I discovered B.M. Baker was writing a Titanic novel and releasing it on the anniversary of the sinking, I had to read it.
The plot is split into two parts—2023 and 1912. My favourite part was undeniably the 2023 part. I just didn’t connect with Renita very well… I found her too modern for 1912. I know, I’m a snob. I’m sorry. But I also found her a bit stilted and preachy? Maybe because we were less in her head than in her diary. I liked Daniel, though… although again, at times he was too perfect and wooden for me to really appreciate as a character. But most of all I liked Greyslin and Stanley a lot. They were such a cute friends-to-more couple! Stanley is so sweet and Greyslin is super relatable. And their friends + family are just amazing.
Without giving any spoilers, I love how the two plot lines paralleled each other and merged finally… (I never expected that final revelation!). I enjoyed getting to see G+S navigate college life and their emotions. Greyslin’s arc was particularly epic—I LOVE the message about fear and trust that she learned. And Stanley’s storyline was unexpected but awesome. ALSO, I love the whole part of the play about the Titanic, and Greyslin’s story for that, and how she found the diary, and alllll that part. It was splendid!
And that leads me to the Titanic. I really appreciate how B.M. Baker pulled this off. She clearly did her research and had so much respect for the people who perished in this disaster. She handled things very well. That last scene was pretty poignant. And I love the open-ended ending so much.
So, Titanic fans, definitely check this novel out. And people who aren’t Titanic fans, if you love musicians, school stories, slowburn but super cute moments, illness, deep messages, and anything else I mentioned in this review, you should give this a shot!
Content: mild mentions of attraction; a couple places where G&S almost kiss; G keeps thinking about kissing S.
A Favourite Quote: “You haven’t abandoned me. Forgive me, Jesus. You’re still here with me. You’re not just walking beside me, You’re carrying me in Your arms right now. Thank You for the reminder.” And just like the hymn writer said, Greyslin had not been promised a life of ease and free of sorrow but one where God would give her what she needed to face whatever came her way.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
This is my first full-length Elizabeth Camden novel. I loved her novella Toward the Sunrise and expected great things of this novel, especially beThis is my first full-length Elizabeth Camden novel. I loved her novella Toward the Sunrise and expected great things of this novel, especially because so many of my friends love her writing! Unfortunately, I didn’t feel that my expectations were justified… especially at first.
To start off, I loved the setting. NYC is, for some reason, absolutely fascinating to me. And I love early 1900s fiction, so that was a double gift. I really appreciated how the author presented the good side of NYC and especially the hard work of night workers. And it all tied into the title excellently. I was less charmed about the historic aspect, because I felt the book distinctly lacked in 1900s feel. That’s likely a me problem though, as I’m not very used to modern historical fiction. And I definitely enjoyed all the historical information, even if sometimes it seemed to be dumped and not woven in?? I did struggle a lot with the writing style. It felt very tell-y instead of show-y, almost forced at places. So often I felt like the author was summarizing things, trying to jump over time or from event to event too quickly. I particularly struggled with that in the first 10-20% of the novel. It seemed so difficult to get into the characters’ heads… specially Jonathan!
And yet that may have been intentional. Jonathan was SO not typical and I loved it. I don’t want to spill all his secrets but I assure you he has QUITE the story. I loved his uniqueness; I was not so thrilled about his personality. I have a really, really hard time with liars (more on that later). I was also super irritated by his rivalry with Gallagher. I know, I know, it’s part of the plot and it winds up well. But they acted like schoolboys instead of grown, professional policemen most of the time and it. drove. me. nuts! Katherine I liked more. She was very sweet. (Except I was furious about their sneaking into MW all those times and then getting mad at the chaperone for flipping out. THEY LITERALLY, DELIBERATELY, BROKE THE RULES. And him a policeman IN UNIFORM! I was just NOT impressed). Anyways, Gallagher was a super cool dude who deserved his own story. Also Katherine’s parents were THE BEST, and I loved Alvin & Jack so much.
Besides my dislike for the hero, I enjoyed the suspense and drama of the plot. Especially the portrait of 1900 police (you know my love for the blue) and also dentists, because that’s just cool. And the Martha Washington and the owls. And the whole side part about the Italians. As a MCK myself, I LOVE seeing different cultures in books. And the message was fabulous. I, personally, have a lot of trauma related to lying and deeply struggle to forgive people who lie. Seeing Katherine handle that very issue was excellent and something I happened to need to hear right now. And while it took him the whole book, our lying hero did eventually get his act together and fix his two glaring issues. So the end of the book did redeem the beginning for me. I appreciated the mystery a lot (so complex!), and I particularly liked the drama of the climax and the heroism of the police.
Overall, I’m not sure what rating to give this? Probably 3.5, not quite 4 stars. I’ll definitely try Elizabeth Camden again and might even reread this—but it just wasn’t fully a hit for me.
Content: kissing, mild violence; catholicism; mention of a very minor character having an out-of-wedlock affair. I was personally distressed by the interrogation scene. It’s nothing bad; just hurts my heart. Lindsey from Books for Christian Girls has a better content review. ;)
A Favourite Quote: “So-called easy roads can often become very hard,” he said gently. He stood, then leaned down and whispered in her ear, “The hardest step is usually the first one, but you can do it, Nance.” A Favourite Humorous Quote: “You’re lucky to have such a tidy husband,” a nurse complimented Lilian. Her father was within earshot, and her mother wouldn’t want the praise to inflate his ego. “You wouldn’t say that if you had to dust the walls of his house once a month for the past thirty years.” “Dust the walls?” the nurse asked in confusion. “It’s the only way to keep paint looking fresh,” her father defended. “Yes, but he also asks me to polish the bottom of his shoes,” Lilian added. “That was one time,” her father said. “I do it myself now.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). This is my first time trying Joanna Davidson Politano, but I’ve been wanting to read her books for quite a while because they 5+ stars (6/10 hearts). This is my first time trying Joanna Davidson Politano, but I’ve been wanting to read her books for quite a while because they sounded right up my alley; and this book, anyhow, didn’t disappoint.
First off, I love the 1903 setting, especially with the filmmaking! I learned so much about the early movies. I loved the garden and all its cool parts, and the beautiful beach… and the writing style complemented everything so so well. It was so unobtrusive and so beautiful! I don’t usually enjoy modern books’ style quite this much.
I also loved the characters! Peter was such an adorable hero. He reminded me of Peter from Kellyn Roth’s Chronicles of Alice & Ivy SO much. He was just so sweet and upright and clever, and yet not flawless, because what he started out half despising he learned to appreciate by the end. He was just amazing with Lily and he loved people SO much. As for Lily—wow, she was amazing. She was so deep and layered! I hugely enjoyed slowly seeing her peel things back and admit and explain, and she kept me guessing while simultaneously letting me like her more and more. They were a wonderful couple, and their romance was so sweet and simple. Roddy was a great sidekick, despite his dislike of Lily, and I love the gardener, and the villain was SO unexpected… and I haven’t time to get into the other characters but they just FIT IN so well. <3
The plot was delightful! It was mysterious, even suspenseful, but not scary or creepy, just fascinating. It was quite twisty and so, so interwoven. I just couldn’t put the book down. And oh my STARS, I adored how much storytelling was slipped into the story. The whole constant theme of fairytales, and how it related to Lily and her past, and the allegory about God the Father, was gorgeous. I did feel like the spiritual aspect was missing a little—it was so very subtle it wasn’t quite defined, and I wasn’t satisfied—but it was certainly lovely… lovely enough to have me say this! I loved the humour, and the ending was THE BOMB.
Yes, I loved this book. <3 And I can’t wait to read more by this author!
A Favourite Quote: “Why must adults trivialize fiction so?” “Because it’s a story.” “Children instinctively know its worth, but then they grow up and view stories as a mere indulgence, relegated to those elusive ‘spare moments’ that rarely come, and it’s a shame. A shame! The value of stories cannot be measured.” A Favourite Beautiful Quote: That tender face, the heartbreak streaked across every feature. The affection as he touched the looking glass that held the fairy he’d so lovingly nurtured into being. His head tipped to one side while she, played by me, danced and talked and laughed in the other world. Forgetting the gardens, forgetting him. He was important to her, but only a piece of her world. A small fragment. Yet his attention never strayed from her. How he watched her with such longing. Such affection. Then he scattered even more brightly colored petals in the bleak world, a reminder to the fairy of the world she’d forgotten about. An invitation to return. Little breadcrumbs back to where she belonged. Breadcrumbs. Small remembrances. Little nudges and coincidences. A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Peter. What are you doing here?” “At my own estate?” He grinned. “Oh.” I grimaced and stretched. “Right.” “I’m tempted to ask the same question, but I’m rather afraid of the answer.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*...more
4 stars. Evidently a Sunday school book for younger children (probably not even middle grade, I’d say, more around 6-10), but still a good little book4 stars. Evidently a Sunday school book for younger children (probably not even middle grade, I’d say, more around 6-10), but still a good little book. While the writing is quite simple, the theme of “lending to Jesus with a smile” was lovely and well expressed. I enjoyed meeting Mr. & Mrs. Enwonwu, and the Royal Caravan sounds delightful. ;)...more
4 stars. Again, a Sunday school book for children, this time with focus the Gospel and how to teach it in a nutshell. I appreciated how the children w4 stars. Again, a Sunday school book for children, this time with focus the Gospel and how to teach it in a nutshell. I appreciated how the children were realistic and not little prigs, but also had good characters. Alex’s shyness, in particular, was well touched on. I liked Long Wyn a lot—short Wyn too—and the ending was rather a twist!...more
**Featured on the historic fiction podcast The Gibson Girl Review! Listen as my cohost Amy Drown & I discuss this novel at https://www.gibsongirlrevie**Featured on the historic fiction podcast The Gibson Girl Review! Listen as my cohost Amy Drown & I discuss this novel at https://www.gibsongirlreview.com/seas...
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Silver Sandals is the story of Thornley Colton, a blind amateur detective in NYC. It opens in a crowded hotel restaurant, where a man and a woman walk in and request a table. The woman leaves soon after, and then it is discovered the man has been dead for hours… and so begins a very complex tale.
This novel was apparently written after a bunch of short stories that are referenced throughout the book and which I really want to read. It also starts with a prologue defending the author’s choice to have a blind detective, citing all sorts of evidence including a blind surgeon who was very active in NYC. Apparently Stagg also interviewed and researched with Helen Keller and the Association for the Blind for this novel. Absolutely fascinating information.
I really enjoyed the writing style here—unique and strong and vivid, and setting the atmosphere so well. There were times when it was a bit weak—the mystery was super complex, even a bit too much at times, and it was so hard to piece together all the clues, even if they were given, because they didn’t make sense or fit together. And the action scenes were a bit muddy sometimes—so much going on you have trouble keeping up. But those quibbles aside, I thoroughly appreciated the mystery and it definitely kept me hooked. As a Sherlock Holmes nerd, I definitely had strong Sherlock feels from this, especially in how Colton found his clues, got information, and kept everything to himself.
And speaking of the characters, as a huge fan of vintage mysteries, the first thing that stood out to me is how they’re old tropes stood on their heads. You’ve got the brilliant detective in the prime of health–who’s blind. You’ve got the devoted assistant… who ends up not being able to help much in the end. You have the beautiful girl… who’s not a love interest. You’ve got the wild young man who turns out to be not as as he seems. Every time I thought I knew a character and what they’d do and be, they surprised me. Over and over again! That’s what made it so hard to pick out the suspect, because everything kept twisting and changing radically. I think the girl actually surprised me the most, because her story is just SO complex and interesting. And as for REVLIS SLADNAS, the victim… he just kept pulling punches until you didn’t know if he was dead or alive, good or bad… a most unusual victim. The only character who stayed the same throughout was McMann, the bulldog policeman… and even he surprised me at the end when I had to grudgingly admire him. And finally, the actual bad guy/killer–I still have to wrap my head around that, because it is SO unexpected.
I know I stated above that the story was a bit too complex at times, but for the most part it was well done, and I loved the complexity. The victim was an archaeologist who was obsessed with Ancient Egypt and his death is steeped in Egyptian mythology, but the story takes place in bustling, modern New York. There are just so many layers and so many DIFFERENT layers going on at the same time. The author really builds his mystery into a full novel–it’s not just a mystery, it’s a real story. And another fascinating thing about this book is how much primary source info it holds about the early 1900s, from things like unaccompanied women not being allowed into restaurants, to the Egyptomania common at the time (long before King Tutu’s tomb was unveiled).
All in all, it’s a fascinating mystery, a fascinating bit of historic fiction, and a fascinating glimpse into the world of the blind in the 1900s. I look forwards to reading this again and reading more by the author!...more
5+ stars (9/10 hearts). You might have heard how much I adored book 1 in this series. And I mean adored. It was one of my top 5 favourite books ever, 5+ stars (9/10 hearts). You might have heard how much I adored book 1 in this series. And I mean adored. It was one of my top 5 favourite books ever, which… I can’t say higher praise than that, because there is STEEP competition. I never thought there would be a sequel, and when I found out book 2 was released, I was terrified of reading it. But when I reread book 1, I absolutely had to read book 2 because I wasn’t ready to leave the beloved world of Helen and Jedrick… so I did. And (spoiler alert) I loved it. Almost as much as book 1, which I didn’t think was possible.
This story is set a great deal in Poland, a little bit in France, another little bit in Germany, and another great deal in England. I LOVED it. You get some Polish from Jedrick in book 1 but I loved all the Polish history and culture and everything else found in this book through Jozef. I was always fond of Poland but now I really love and respect it. This is the epitome of historical fiction—letting history live in so many little ways. I love the atmosphere and aesthetic—woods and fields, dilapidated castles and cozy farms, war-wracked cities and noble embassies. While book 1 focusses mostly on how the war affected specific characters, this book focusses more on how the war affected many people and whole nations. Yet the deep, gentle, humorous writing style has not changed, nor the atmosphere of resolution and peace, hope and strength… and I love it.
Perhaps my favourite part of the novel is the characters. Josef is not Jedrick. He is his own wonderful self, sharp and swift and gentlemanly, more outgoing and more much more fiery. He is wonderful in the position of big brother/father/mentor to Iggy… and he is a great leader. I love both brothers very much—though Jedrick is still my favourite by a wee bit—and they’re both splendid and so brotherly. Iggy… dear me, where to start? He’s adorable and hilarious and all boy and delightful and the PERFECT addition to this book and the world of Lighten Our Darkness. (I love how both Ondaski brothers protected and cared for someone in their books, but in totally different ways). Dorota was not my favourite at first because I grudged the time spent away from the Ondraskis, but I very quickly made an about-face and loved her. She’s absolutely lovely. So big-sisterly and sweet and gentle and capable. And her family is wonderful. I’m so happy to meet Stan’s family at last! Finally, Eddy and Cousin W. and all the rest of the minor characters are delightful, and I was so happy to meet the old friends from book 1. <3 Did I mention this was the perfect sequel?
The plot was another of my favourite things. I love how Sarah Brazytis can speak honestly about bombing and genocide and all the other atrocities of war in a quiet, dignified way that says everything but not too much, and how she mixes it with laughter and beauty and simple, happy life experiences. Jozef’s escape was epic, and in his travels across Europe with Iggy, the moments succeed each other, fascinating, funny, saddening, beautiful—lifelike, yet perfect at the same time… I don’t know what to say about the plot. There is so much that happens—stopovers at farms, hairbreadth escapes, tramping through forest, fighting illness; and once in England, bombing and bureaucratic work and romance and the very unexpected of a particularly unpleasant person, who nearly ends everything for a few awful minutes. Also, LOTS of bilingual bits, which I NEED MORE OF IN FICTION. And did I say romance? Yes, there’s a romance, super cute and maybe all the more so because it’s so focussed on helping others together. Dorota and Jozef have the purest, most adorable romance ever and I love, love, love their scenes with the kids.
And then the themes of the novel! The message about endurance and hope, not allowing the darkness to pull us down and looking forwards to rebuilding; of accepting change gracefully; of clinging determinedly to what must not change; of seeking the treasures that come out of the darkness… of learning not to hate a group, whatever “they” do; of standing by each other in spite of every threat… It’s wonderful.
I don’t think I did a good job at all explaining why I love this so much, or how wonderful it really is. But I know that I wanted to reread it as soon as I finished it, and I still want to all these weeks after… and I remember it unusually well, nearly two months later. And I know it’s the perfect sequel, an absolutely favourite book, and one of the best literary worlds I’ve ever stepped into. <3
A Favourite Quote: “People talk of the war as darkness; you called it so to Mama that one day. But I like to think that there are precious things to be had even in the darkness, and that God will give them to us because we are his.” Jozef nodded slowly [and] found himself looking over his life and seeing the treasures in it that could not have come to him without the war. A Favourite Beautiful Quote: He was not thinking at all about the men lying dead in the forest, but his heart was with them there on the mossy ground, and a constant throb pulsed at his temples with the knowledge that they were no more. They had joined the silent battalion of the fallen that forever marched with him in his memory. A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Am I dead?” he asked hoarsely in French. “No, not dead–not yet,” said Sister Marie, quite innocent of sarcasm; but their visitor lifted his head in sudden alarm. “Where am I?” he demanded. “What is this place?” “You have intruded yourself into the garden of our convent,” answered Mere Hortense rather severely. Spots of hot color lit in his gaunt cheeks. “What?” he murmured. “You say–this is a–a convent? How did I…?” “That,” Sister Rebeka could not resist saying, “is what we hoped you could tell us.”...more
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