Reviewed by ladygrey on
Expectations aside, this wasn't a bad book for what it was. [a:Libba Bray|2526|Libba Bray|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1206563678p2/2526.jpg] captures Victorian lifestyle well. The book seems very authentic. She also explores women's place in that era which is interesting on its own but also reflects the place and attitude of women today in ways that I think would challenge girls to look at who they are and the choices they make. I think the most effective moment is when she's talking about being in the realms and the contrast that it is to their life, There's no one around to stifle us. No one to tell us that what we think and feel is wrong. It isn't that we do what we want. It's that we're allowed to want at all. (chapter 25).
But ultimately, I was disappointed. This is young adult fiction and so it's simple, straight forward, the concepts are touched upon and not delved into, interesting ideas are expressed in a sentence and never become a theme or anything more significant.
And, as young adult fiction, I didn't like the sex scenes, spare as they were. It isn't tawdry but it's more than I would want a 14 year old or even 16 year old reading.
It has glimmers of the possibility of interesting, but there is nothing great about it, nor terrible nor even beautiful. Nothing I liked enough to read the next two books (however much they keep trying to taunt me with their own alluring covers and titles like [b:A Sweet Far Thing|7641774|Sweet Moon Dreams (Moon, #1)|Rose Marie Wolf|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1300617118s/7641774.jpg|2126620]. I will not be drawn in.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 9 April, 2010: Finished reading
- 9 April, 2010: Reviewed