Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Revolution

by Jennifer Donnelly

Andi lives in New York and is dealing with the emotional turmoil of her younger brother's accidental death. Alex lives in Paris and is a companion to the dauphin, the young son of Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI, during the violent days of the French Revolution. When Andi is sent to Paris to get her out of the trouble she's so easily enveloped by in New York, their two stories collide, and Andi finds a way to reconcile herself not only to her past but also to her future. This is a heart-wrenchingly beautiful, evocative portrait of lives torn apart by grief and mended by love.

Reviewed by jeannamichel on

5 of 5 stars

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A music student, still mourns for her dead brother, is failing her classes in her private school. As punishment, Dad forces Andi, the student, to Paris to finish her senoir thesis so she can graduate. (What a punishment, right?) Where in France, she discovers a hidden compartment in a guitar case- uncovering a centuries-old diary by a young girl named Alex. Alex changes her life forever. So, do you want to start a revolution?

After reading this, I sure do! This book was FANTASTIC! Mind you, I have been a little obsessive over France and the French Revolution (I know everything about Napolean Bonaparte's teenage years) ever since I could walk. This book was not something for me to miss out on.

It can also be said that the length can be a little daunting, but it's worth every minute.

Andi revolves around her music. I loved how devoted she was and I loved how all she really cared about was her mom and her music. I respected her for it, even though at times (when she was trying to commit suicide) all I wanted to do was strangle her. Alex was amazing and very much like And- which was purposely done. Virgil was like the boyfriend, I'll never have. He was perfect, but flawed at the same time. And Amade was just adorable. (Spoiler ->) After hearing all about his history from her thesis and then actually getting to meet him... It was awesome. Who knew a famous composer could like music like Coldplay and Radiohead?

I cannot say how much I want to go to France now. The descriptions were tangible and lovely. Watching the sunrise at Sacre-Coeur was truly breathtaking! This book felt entirely real to me and if I wasn't already reading something else, I'd reread it over agin.

The ending was okay. I'm not going to praise it, but I enjoyed some of the ending and some I didn't. Some of that that included her dad and her mom's bad days was why I didn't like the ending. But Virgil was still dreamy and the book was still amazing. Anyone, want to start a revolution with me? I'll get the fireworks.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 17 February, 2011: Finished reading
  • 17 February, 2011: Reviewed