Jennifer Laam

Yes, i'd heard of the Russian poet Pushkin, but never read any of his writings. So to read he died young, in a duel over his wife's honor added a bit of intrigue to his story.

I don't think Alexander felt worthy enough of Natalya's love. She, one of the great beauties of Russia, was torn between a rather shallow societal life of costume balls, and one of contentment with a devoted husband and children.
Shallow and a wee bit self-absorbed is how she comes across. I'd have liked to read more of Pushkins inner workings. And no matter how much i analyze it, i am totally baffled by the title!… (mais)

Thank you GoodReads FirstReads for a copy of this book for review.

I really enjoyed this debut novel from a new voice in historical-fiction. The writing was surprisingly good for a first-timer, especially the way she neatly shifted from one time period to another. There wasn't a lot of subtlety- I really don't need every. single. plot. point. s-p-e-l-l-e-d o-u-t for me. But last year's historical-fiction darling was Kristen Hannah and her first three novels aren't good enough to line a birdcage. So, for a first novel, Jennifer Laam nailed it.

The plot seemed (more than) a bit implausible at first, but considering the insanity of revolutionary Russia a century ago, maybe it's not. Most of the characters were likable and/or relatable. The two exceptions for me were Veronica, who I very much wanted to stop whining and 'grow a pair', as my nephew likes to say. And Grigori- that just went too far. But again, first novel.

With such a strong showing, this book gives me a lot of hope for Jennifer Laam's future novels.… (mais)