I have a back log of NetGalley reads so I thought I would do a Mini Review post.
Stolen Beauty by Laurie Lico Albanese
I am fascinated by the story of the Adele Bloch-Bauer painting by Gustav Klimt so I was very excited to read this book. I've seen the movie and a couple documentaries, read some books and even have some Klimt reproductions in my office. I enjoyed the discussion of fin de siecle Vienna and all the creative movements (artistic and otherwise) that were blossoming during Klimt's life. It was really interesting to read about how society was changing and art was changing with it. As a whole, I enjoyed the story but I think the characters were hard to relate to. At times, I really liked Adele's character and other times, she seemed very whiny and I had a hard time feeling sympathetic to her plight. The story also jumped back and forth between different time periods and that transition wasn't very smooth. It was an interesting story as a whole, there were just some things that bugged me a bit. 3 stars.
I am fascinated by the story of the Adele Bloch-Bauer painting by Gustav Klimt so I was very excited to read this book. I've seen the movie and a couple documentaries, read some books and even have some Klimt reproductions in my office. I enjoyed the discussion of fin de siecle Vienna and all the creative movements (artistic and otherwise) that were blossoming during Klimt's life. It was really interesting to read about how society was changing and art was changing with it. As a whole, I enjoyed the story but I think the characters were hard to relate to. At times, I really liked Adele's character and other times, she seemed very whiny and I had a hard time feeling sympathetic to her plight. The story also jumped back and forth between different time periods and that transition wasn't very smooth. It was an interesting story as a whole, there were just some things that bugged me a bit. 3 stars.
Daughter of a Thousand Years by Amalia Carosella
I'm not familiar with this period of history and because of that I was drawn to this story. It was nice to read something different. This was another book that bounced between past and present and I think it was pretty well done. Freydis was a very cool and complex character; I liked that she stuck by her beliefs even when it brought her grief. I also liked the emphasis on religious tolerance in both the past and present stories; it seemed to be very timely. Overall, a good book with an important message. 3 stars.
I'm not familiar with this period of history and because of that I was drawn to this story. It was nice to read something different. This was another book that bounced between past and present and I think it was pretty well done. Freydis was a very cool and complex character; I liked that she stuck by her beliefs even when it brought her grief. I also liked the emphasis on religious tolerance in both the past and present stories; it seemed to be very timely. Overall, a good book with an important message. 3 stars.
This was a really unique historical novel. The supernatural aspect to the story was compelling; Brette's ability to see spirits and her journey were my favorite part of the story. I enjoyed watching Brette learn more about her abilities, her family and herself. I liked the historical side of the story but it felt really rushed and more of an afterthought. It just didn't mesh well with the rest of the story. I did really enjoy the ending though. 3 stars.
I received all of these books from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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