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Didn’t Like It “I slogged through this historical fiction but it was really tough. Nothing like as good a read as Slammerkin.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I slogged through this historical fiction but it was really tough. Nothing like as good a read as Slammerkin.”
Barrie M wrote this review Tuesday, March 20, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I hate it when authors do this - attempt historical fiction with characters that are cliched stereotypes unaffected by the monumental historical changes occuring around them. At over 600 pages this was an excrutiatingly detailed and accurate representation of late 18th century England (and I learned a lot) but the main characters could have been from lifted from "The Great Gatsby" or any current Hollywood gossip rag for all the depth and relevance they had. Portrayals of shallow aristocrats boasting of revolutionary sympathies while literally stepping on the wretched poor on their way to the next ball gets old. I wonder why the author didn't just write a biography of these people instead of trying to make any of them sympathetic or interesting?
Rebecca L wrote this review Tuesday, November 22, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The whole lesbian subplot was long in coming and a big letdown; again, a huge cultural development that didn't invade the character's elitist bubble.
And why all the adoration (from very far away) for the French Revolution, even after it swallowed its ideals, with hardly a mention of the American one barely a decade before? Ideas and sentiments clearly lifted from the American struggle were attributed to the French one, like they were the first to overthrow a corrupt King and institute self-rule. Maybe cuz the author is from the UK? I don't know but it was a narrative choice that rubbed me the wrong way.
If I wanted to learn about spoiled rich idiots I'd watch TMZ. For a shorter, and much funnier but no less accurate take on this period, just watch "Blackadder III."”
“Very slow and boring. Couldn't get into it past a few chapter, therefore I did not finish it - which is a huge pet peeve of mine!! Will probably try to read it again in the future when I have nothing else to do.”
Chrystina S wrote this review Saturday, September 17, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“good book”
susan c wrote this review Wednesday, September 23, 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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Jenny Y wrote this review Tuesday, May 19, 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This novel is based on actual historical figures, and it’s set in England, around the time of the French Revolution. The protagonist is a sculptor, a rare occupation for women at that time, and there are rumors that she is a “Sapphist”. The novel is very well-written, but one does get frustrated with the slow pace at times. My feeling was that the author was being a little too scrupulous, making sure that everything jibed with the known facts. Only towards the end of the novel does her imagination carry her away, so it’s well worth persevering.
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“This tale revolves around a cast of characters who live in the spotlight of the World (aka the high society of late 18th century London), either by birth or by hard work and perseverance. Their friendships mature, die away, shrink and return, all the while with an eye to Reputation. I only realized upon finishing this novel that the main characters were true historic personages. This just made me even more entranced by the story. A VERY vivid portrayal of that life.”
Alethea wrote this review Wednesday, October 1, 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Easy, enjoyable read. I always enjoy historical fiction where I can learn more about the time period while reading a good book. Unpredictable in places, which was good.”
Nyla S wrote this review Friday, June 6, 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“hot chicks doin' it in the Beau Monde
zombrarian wrote this review Tuesday, November 13, 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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“I found "Life Mask" a bit slow going at first - not through any flaws in the writing itself, which is accessible throughout, but just because there doesn't seem to be much going on. But sticking with the book proved rewarding - Donoghue draws the reader into England's Beau Monde - a world rich in power, intrigue, and scandal. Her portrayal of the inhabitants of this world feels particularly true-to-life because she addresses the worlds of men and women (and the areas in which they overlap strongly), and offers realistic portrayals of several accomplished, intelligent, strong-willed women and the accommodations they must make in order to live within the constraints imposed on them by society. Donoghue steers away from depicting her characters as tragic victims of circumstance but does not whitewash the inequalities of class and sex that shape their lives. And it's very interesting to read historical fiction that not only acknowledges homosexuality but does not position it as a sideline to the main story. All of this, plus glimpses into thetheatre, art, and politics in 18th century England makes for a very satisfying read.”
Surfacing wrote this review Wednesday, October 3, 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ No problems of disbelief with this one. I was swept into the world of Georgiana, Lord Derby, Drury Lane theatre, and the politics of George III's reign and remained there until the final full stop. Highly recommended.”
hesadevil wrote this review Sunday, August 5, 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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