Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It “good book” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“good book”
susan c wrote this review Wednesday, September 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“
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.
”
“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
”
“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
displaying 1-7 of 7
