Reviewed by Joséphine on
Initial thoughts:
Some positive points:
+ It's historical fiction, a genre rather overlooked in YA
+ Vivid setting with the Great Chicago Fire as backdrop
+ A father willing to see the error of his ways and who apologises when he is wrong
+ Friends who love each other like sisters
+ Good audiobook narrator
Some neutral points:
+ Love triangle quadrangle (I didn't care for it but you might)
+ Lots of to and fro about marrying for love or status (again, you might care for it more than I)
Some negative points:
+ I didn't care for the romance, which consumed at least 80% of the book
+ The Great Chicago Fire was merely a backdrop to the romantic plot (not nearly enough exploration of the impact of the fire itself)
+ Very self-entitled main character, so I didn't even care when she was backstabbed
As you can see, I actually listed more positives than negatives. However, I found the romantic conflict rather trite, and since that's the predominant plot line, that significantly reduced my enjoyment of the book. Some readers find romance and weddings and "will she/won't she?" stories exciting though, especially accentuated by the vivid historical setting, so I can see some merit in the book. Plus, I did enjoy the devotion Fiona had to Emmeline and the friendship that they shared, regardless of societal expectations between mistress and maidservant. Too bad Emmeline cared for herself first before others, which did get on my nerves at times. She's not exactly a protagonist I wanted to root for.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 28 October, 2018: Finished reading
- 28 October, 2018: Reviewed