Reviews tagging 'Forced institutionalization'

A Rede de Alice by Kate Quinn

5 reviews

emwebz's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25


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himpersonal's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I should really stop reading Kate Quinn. I keep trying to like her books, but I'm consistently bored by them. I think it's because this and the other two I read (The Rose Code and The Diamond Eye) are all set around the same time - during, between, or after one of the world wars. I'm guessing this is her niche - world war historical fiction. I don't love the historical fiction around this time in general. I also have found myself failing to invest in any of the characters. I think I like the story arcs, but I don't feel connected to the people in the stories because I feel her storytelling is flat.

Unfortunately, I have one book of hers left to read - The Phoenix Crown, which I won in a Goodreads giveaway. At least this one is cowritten with Janie Chang. Maybe that'll be the one that I like. Nonetheless, I'll wait a while before jumping back into Kate Quinn.

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nikimorr's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“Women who couldn’t be beaten.”

This book is a true woman-power book spanning two wars. The ladies of this book were truly remarkable, especially learning that the WWI spy “Lilli” was a true war heroine and many of her stories were historically accurate. 

This book can get very dark, especially describing Eve’s time as a spy during the war and during prison. However, it added a layer of authenticity. The author’s ability to relay the horror of what was happening in this setting was incredible. It was palpable. 

It felt like multiple books in one book reading the lifetime of Eve and journey of Charlie, yet I never got bored or felt the book dragged. Everything felt necessary. 

This is definitely a book that will stay with me. The character of Eve was fascinating and memorable. Her journey with grief, self acceptance, and guilt gives a lot to reflect about. Charlie’s story of self acceptance, self forgiveness, and her taking control of her own life despite stigma and scorn is aspirational. 

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cadybooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark inspiring mysterious medium-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


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madmantha's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Beginning was a bit slow for me but once it really begins to pick up, it does not stop. 
Both narratives blend together seamlessly in the final arc; everything comes full circle.
One of my favorite epilogues ever written; really pulled on the heart-strings. 

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