Without a Summer by Mary Robinette KowalMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The very best comment I can make about this book is that Kowal perfectly interweaves Regency sensibilities and modern thought processes without ever making one intrude on the other. Everything I know about the Regency period in Britain meshes perfectly with what she has written but no language or cultural detail slows or obscures the plot. Having followed the author's blog commentary, I know that she has paid particular attention to getting period details of dress, etiquette, vocabulary, and culture correct and it pays of in an immersive reading experience.
Most importantly, it's a fun novel. Equal parts period fiction, fantasy, & mystery, Kowal demonstrates that a well told story is not confined to one genre. The character arcs of protagonist Jane, her husband Vincent, and her sister Melody show realistic growth as each learns about traits that are holding them back. Anyone who enjoys period details will love this novel, which describes dress and social etiquette by making it essential to an understanding of the social tensions within the plot.
This novel can be read on its own but I highly recommend the two previous novels. Watching Kowal develop as a novelist is a truly wonderful journey and I look forward to the concluding volume of this series with great anticipation.
View all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment