Duchess

WOW, just WOW!

Revisado: 03-09-23

How appropriate that I finished listening to this book on International Women’s Day! The strength of women theme is very prominent, not rammed down our throats but definitely voiced time and time again. I think I’m going to have to spend a credit on the Rose Code…something to look forward to rather than being sad that this gem (hah ha, Diamond Eye, get it?) has come to a close. Like The Nightingale, I consider it worth reading again, although there wouldn’t be the same intense level of intrigue second time around.
Everything gets 5 stars from me and I’m pretty picky about my favorite genre, historical fiction in general and WW2 in particular. I had strayed away briefly but am so glad Audible wooed me back with a bang (oops, sorry, did it again) to this book.
One my favorite things the author does is preface events with the “official” version, what we might call fake press, then give us the unofficial story which was how it really unfolded. Very clever way to keep the reader’s attention and help focus on the next chapter. I know I’ve read something else by Kate Quinn but don’t recall her being such a great author.

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YA material?

Revisado: 02-27-23

Hello, did I wander into the Young Adult section? Didn’t know Audible had one! The book was okay but geared directly towards a specific generation, definitely not mine. I had a difficult time attaining any closeness with the main character Josephine/Double 8/Phoenix. Maybe it was just me but something was lacking here, just can’t put my finger on it.
I did like the story/tale which had love, intrigue, mystery, evil, even a somewhat biblical theme; I just might have liked it to move along more quickly. The author was thorough to a fault when describing what people wore which did not add anything to the story line, in my opinion.
I think this might have been a first novel. Unfortunately another one in the series is on my Audible shelf. Think I’ll return to my favorite genre, historical fiction, especially WWII. Sorry to be so negative; usually I give rave reviews but I guess not everyone can write like Kristen Hannah.

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I loved it!

Revisado: 12-23-22

Susan Wiggs has captured me again with her poignant writing and wonderful story. The characters were perfect together but also held their own as individuals. My favorite was Grandy.

Thank you for the epilogue which wrapped up the story and left me with a smile on my face.

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Gripping and grim

Revisado: 06-20-21

A very riveting story based on fact; one that stands out in my go-to genre of WWII historical fiction. Love and kindness finally do outweigh hate and brutality, all of which are shown as part of extermination camp life. I felt all of those emotions, and more, through the writing and excellent narration, both so moving that I must take a breather!

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Family Dysfunction at its best

Revisado: 11-05-20

I’m so glad I didn’t return this book after being hit in the face with the first few chapters! Sticking with this family, always in trouble with an upper case “T”, was worth it. This was a huge departure from my usual genre of WWII historical fiction but I really grew to like the kooky characters. Of course, Henry was my favorite; he and the conclusion were both sweet.

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Great story

Revisado: 03-30-20

Well, I did have a bit of difficulty keeping all the characters in multiple generations straight but persevered because the story was so good. I could just imagine that sort of corrupt bankrolling went on all over Europe before and during WWII. The strong young females in this book were well portrayed. I also liked the Christian thread throughout. Excellent job, Melanie; keep writing!

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Good history

Revisado: 02-24-20

If I hadn’t been so interested in the subject of this book, I would have stopped listening on the first page. I absolutely abhor the affected speech of this reader, whom I have suffered through before. Please get someone who speaks the king’s English without sounding like Lord Haw Haw!

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Not what I expected

Revisado: 07-04-19

Oh dear, I was expecting a story like Lisa See would write. The part about Grandma was good but it was all downhill from there. Difficult to keep characters and time sequences straight as the plot got into the changeover to Communism. In fact, it was kind of boring there so I gave up and returned it, something I seldom do. Sorry. Thanks Audible for having such a great return policy.

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Well done!

Revisado: 06-15-19

A masterful interweaving of characters and countries during WWII. I had a little trouble with the male names but their stories were unique and poignant. The strength of the women, both young and old, came through consistently. Not your average war genre novel. Refreshing.

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Has it all!

Revisado: 02-13-19

This is a book that has everything you can have and lose in life: love, mystery, sex, nature, family, friends, and success. It is gently read in a soft Southern accent that only enhances the development of plot and characters. I more than liked the ebb and flow of marsh living; I felt it, relished every detail. Recommending this book to everyone.

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