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hsblechman's review
3.0
Definitely wish this book had been... Saucier. It's a bit too dry an historical for a book claiming to be from the author of "Lust for Life". And the Jacksons had such an exciting life... Not enough heaving bosoms, I guess is what I'm saying.
tranne30's review
4.0
Really enjoyed this book and learning more about this time in history. Before reading the book I thought Andrew Jackson was a great president...after visiting the Hermitage. After reading the book, I still think he was quite a man but I'm wondering what instilled that feeling within me of him being a great president. His life was fraught with disappointment and inspite of this he still became president. That is impressive. It's sad the toll and effect of the political bashing had on his wife. Politics hasn't changed much in the last 200 years. This is a great historical fiction and I am interested in reading more about this period of history and Andrew Jackson & JQA presidency.
scottyreadsstuff's review
3.0
2.8/5 stars
I was extremely disappointed with this "masterpiece". To me, the writing style was tedious and the plot too melodramatic. While Rachel did live a generally miserable life (I'm not unsympathetic), I thought that her character could've had so much more potential than Stone gave her. Also, I get that women weren't supposed to be as defensive as we are now. However, I still cringed while reading her thoughts and actions, especially in the scene near the end of the novel where the 2 unidentified ladies in the hotel parlor were discussing & insulting her. Instead of telling them off like anyone else in her position would do, she just "ran away". :(
Moving on, one thing I did like about this book was the way Stone made the characters, even the supporting ones (i.e. John Overton, Jane Hays, etc.), come alive. The development of not only the people, but the novel itself was quite extraordinary!! :)
I was extremely disappointed with this "masterpiece". To me, the writing style was tedious and the plot too melodramatic. While Rachel did live a generally miserable life (I'm not unsympathetic), I thought that her character could've had so much more potential than Stone gave her. Also, I get that women weren't supposed to be as defensive as we are now. However, I still cringed while reading her thoughts and actions, especially in the scene near the end of the novel where the 2 unidentified ladies in the hotel parlor were discussing & insulting her. Instead of telling them off like anyone else in her position would do, she just "ran away". :(
Moving on, one thing I did like about this book was the way Stone made the characters, even the supporting ones (i.e. John Overton, Jane Hays, etc.), come alive. The development of not only the people, but the novel itself was quite extraordinary!! :)
kaylynn's review
2.0
I'm not a big fan of historical novels that focus on real people. This book felt too much like a romance and not enough like a history.
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