Reviews

Quite gripping, but not my favorite Eva Ibbotson novel (this is my third, after A Countess Below Stairs [completely fabulous] and A Song For Summer [also excellent]). I felt that Harriet was a rather watery character (although Rom was quite a strong hero figure and convincing love interest, preferable to Rupert in "Countess", I think). It seemed like Harriet started out at least somewhat strong-willed (rebelling against her stringent father and running away to the Amazon took some backbone) but then her helplessness took a hairpin turn and actually increased as the story went on. Harriet's character actually became weaker, instead of maturing and coming into her own, which really bothered me. This book also crossed a moral line for me - I prefer the abstinence-until-marriage take on events - that I hadn't encountered in either of Ibbotson's other two novels I read. I have to say, though, that her characterization was fairly solid in regards to her secondary characters, such as Marie-Claude and Edward (whose escapades, may I say, were fairly hilarious, and whom I felt most sorry for for the majority of the book), and there were no loose ends or cliffhangers; the plot suspense was very strong (sometimes painfully so, especially when the characters become so tangled up in misunderstandings). Although not up to par with Ibbotson's other books, this was still an enjoyable read and it definitely won't stop me from checking out more of her works. Eva Ibbotson's prose and description are both lovely, no matter in which time period she weaves a story.

rachelcdm's review against another edition

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4.0

This was a re-read.

In all honesty I needed something a little bit more upbeat after gruelling through five of the ASOIF novels. This, my friend, is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Is it sappy? Yes.
Is it bordering sickly sweet? Yes.
Is it beautifully written? Yes.
Did I enjoy every minute of it? Hell to the yes.

I love Eva Ibbotsen's books and this one is no different.

Both of the central characters in this book are supposed to be "smart" yet a lot of the conflict is based on the fact that they don't communicate with each other and therefore make ridiculous assumptions, I don't care though, it added to the suspense and drama.

Overall, don't expect anything too deep to come from this book. Just appreciate it for what it is, a well-written romance set in 1912.

Beautiful :)

wintergirl94's review against another edition

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5.0

I have read this book many times and it always a 5* read for me.

I know that there are elements that have not aged well and are a product of their time, I'm aware of it's flaws. That being said, this book fills me with so much nostalgia and joy it is hard to write it down. The descriptions are so perfect and beautiful they still make me cry!

Also, as someone who LOVES a sex scene, the descriptions of love in this book are so pure and innocent, I wouldn't change a thing.

rachelstubbs19's review against another edition

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Okay, so this is definitely a me problem, not the book's problem. I need to be more committed when I start a book, because this is trademark Eva Ibbotson: charming, whimsical, romantic. I adore the ballet elements (totally fuelling my childhood dream there), and the humour. HOWEVER...
It is formulaic and therefore follows a pretty set pattern. There is also an extremely cringey non-seduction that is so problematic. Also, Harriet is infuriatingly perfect and wholesome.

honeypossum_reads's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful

Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

cimorene1558's review against another edition

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4.0

Charming, but so like all the others that are sort of adult. That's not bad, and I'm happy to have read them, but it's very hard to remember which one is which!

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