I plowed through a lot of mostly mediocre books this past week and then slotted them into the 52 week reading challenge anyway!
One book I gave a 4 out of 5 rating. I haven’t given any 5s so far this year so that is high.
Prompt 27: Features a Magician
I found this book really clever and loved it being a gentle send up of mystery writers producing Christmas books plus other mystery writing common plot techniques. It is a quick and light read with a good story and characters. Turns out this is the 3rd in a series so I checked the other two out from the library.
Two books got 3 out of 5 stars although for very different reasons.
Prompt 21: Character’s Name in the Title
I admire how Marie Benedict is using historical fiction to shine a light on remarkable women. I have no idea how close her portrayal of Lady Clementine Churchill and other famous figures is to how they actually were in life. I’m sure she has researched it thoroughly so let’s assume it is accurate in this case.
I really couldn’t like Clementine although I admired her brilliance with strategy and her discipline and tactics in implementing it. Otherwise I found her annoying, overwrought and unwilling to face issues in her relationships with people outside the political influence circle including her children and family.
So overall, a very well written book but I couldn’t warm to the main character.
Oh dear, I do hope that your finding the female characters unlikeable is just these couple of books. However, when you think about it there are perhaps more unlikeable females around than we know.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
True! It was more that the character development was also weak at least in fiction situations. I like a very well done villain or conflicted character as much as the likable ones.
DeleteI have been interested in Marie Benedict's biographies but have only read one, The Personal Librarian. I found it interesting but I have no idea how accurate the information was. Like you, I assume the author did her research. And perhaps the fact that Clementine Churchill wasn't a particularly likeable person in Benedict's account of her life, indicates that the author did do her research?? Otherwise, I would think she would portray a character who would resonate or speak to readers.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the book club's January book of the month, The Memory Library and gave it 5 stars. Looking forward to seeing what the group selects for us in February.