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reemap's review against another edition
5.0
I truly FLEW through this book! I had been in a fiction shlump, and this was the first book in a while to grip me like it did! It's a good, fast pace, very emotional, and more than a little heart-wrenching.
ellekaye9's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
christenebs's review against another edition
3.0
This is a historical novel that sweeps from the royal courts of Spain, the streets of Havana, and the wonders of the 1893 Chicago’s World Fair. The story of Eulalia, a real life Spanish princess, was interesting but kind of left me wanting more. I recognize that her perspective was rebellious of her time but I wanted her to show more courage in her actions. As the author was working with true to life events she probably felt she could only assume so much writers freedom. I had not heard of Eulalia and it was fun to read about her. It reminds me that I really want to read Erik Larson’s “Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America.”
On a side note, the author spent time describing souvenirs that the prince and princess bought at the fair. I so hoped that she would mention a Stanhope bc I own a Stanhope from the 1893 Chicago World Fair! I had fun imagining Eulalia looking through my Stanhope. Lol.
When I looked up ratings for this book I noticed there were very few. I was curious as to why. The book is very well made. The reviews it did have were primarily praising the book. So I looked up the publisher. The following is copied from their website. I found it interesting. I’d like to check out other books published by Europa.
‘Europa Editions is an independent publisher of quality fiction. The company was founded in 2005 by Sandro Ferri and Sandra Ozzola Ferri, who are also the owners and publishers of the Italian press, Edizioni E/O. The idea behind the creation of Europa Editions was to capitalize on Edizioni E/O’s deep roots in European publishing to bring fresh international voices to the American and British markets and to provide quality editions that have a distinct look and consistently high levels of editorial standards. The Europa catalog is eclectic, reflecting the founders’ belief that dialogue between nations and cultures is of vital importance and that this exchange is facilitated by literature chosen not only for its ability to entertain and fascinate but also to inform and enlighten.’
On a side note, the author spent time describing souvenirs that the prince and princess bought at the fair. I so hoped that she would mention a Stanhope bc I own a Stanhope from the 1893 Chicago World Fair! I had fun imagining Eulalia looking through my Stanhope. Lol.
When I looked up ratings for this book I noticed there were very few. I was curious as to why. The book is very well made. The reviews it did have were primarily praising the book. So I looked up the publisher. The following is copied from their website. I found it interesting. I’d like to check out other books published by Europa.
‘Europa Editions is an independent publisher of quality fiction. The company was founded in 2005 by Sandro Ferri and Sandra Ozzola Ferri, who are also the owners and publishers of the Italian press, Edizioni E/O. The idea behind the creation of Europa Editions was to capitalize on Edizioni E/O’s deep roots in European publishing to bring fresh international voices to the American and British markets and to provide quality editions that have a distinct look and consistently high levels of editorial standards. The Europa catalog is eclectic, reflecting the founders’ belief that dialogue between nations and cultures is of vital importance and that this exchange is facilitated by literature chosen not only for its ability to entertain and fascinate but also to inform and enlighten.’
xenxenwithlove's review against another edition
5.0
A perfect piece of fiction. Reading it was as natural as dreaming.
bookynooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
suzettra's review against another edition
4.0
Finally had the time to sit down and read this one. What a joy. I particularly enjoyed the final section in Chicago.
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