Grace Kelly was a Hollywood star, even winning an Academy Award, when she gave it all up for love and became the Princess of Monaco. In this historical fiction novel, author Kerri Maher uses research and her own imagination to fill in the gaps of what Kelly's life was like, from her beginnings as an actress until her untimely death. While I knew of Grace Kelly before I read this book, I feel like I know her so much better now. She was committed to her craft, but was willing to give it up for love and family, at least for a time. The story moves back and forth between her early twenties and her later life, as Princess. I really enjoyed both timelines - I loved the old Hollywood feel and famous names that pop up, and also getting more into Grace's mind about how she felt about being royalty. 4 stars
I've had this book on my shelf for awhile now and I finally decided to pick it up. It turns out there was so much to like about this book! In 1885, Colonel Allen Forester leads an expedition into the newly acquired Wolverine River section of Alaska. His group encounters many natives along the way, but there also seems to be a supernatural presence following them. Back at home, his pregnant wife Sophie awaits his return. The story is told mainly through the journal entries of Sophie and Allen, interspersed with news articles and present-day letters between a museum curator and a descendant of Allen's. While Allen's and Sophie's journal entries perhaps felt a bit too literary and wordy, Ivey's writing is without a doubt beautiful. It has an ethereal and haunting quality, and is definitely very atmospheric. I liked the way the book linked the old journal entries with the modern letters as their stories unfold. Sophie's sections move a little slowly, but I really enjoyed her character; she's clearly a woman before her time! 4 stars
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I really loved To the Bright Edge of the World as well. Discussed it with a book group. Different from my usual reads, but a nice change of pace.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely! I've been reading a lot of romance, so this was something different for me, too!
DeleteThe Girl in White Gloves sounds like an amazing read and the dual timelines sounds wonderful too. Just my kinda thing! To The Bright Edge of the World sounds like one I would probably enjoy as well. The cover is so pretty and Like that it's told through journal entries and stuff. Great reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stephanie!
DeleteGlad these were both a hit! I love the cover of To The Bright Edge of the World.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteGrace Kelly was a fantastic princess. Sounds like the book did her justice.
ReplyDeleteIt really did!
DeleteI really liked The Girl in White Gloves! Grace Kelly is a favorite of mine and her life was so interesting...and tragic. :( Glad to hear you enjoyed this book too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christina!
DeleteDefinitely adding The Girl in White Gloves to my list as well! I recently watched Grace of Monaco and I would love to know more of her story.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Hope you love it, Lori!
DeleteThe Grace Kelly story looks really good. And I like the sound of that second one too- wilderness expeditions with a possible supernatural element always get my attention!
ReplyDeleteI know, they can get pretty creepy!
DeleteI'm so glad to hear you enjoyed To the Bright Edge of the World. I loved her book The Snow Child and have been wanting to read this one too.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, Suzanne!
DeleteI really loved To the Bright Edge of the World, I'm glad you also enjoyed it! I agree about how atmospheric the writing is. And I've been curious about The Girl in White Gloves, I think I'll have to bump that one up to check out!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, I hope you enjoy it, Jordan!
DeleteI watched Nicole Kidman in her movie about Grace, and have been cunous about the kind of woman she was. This sounds promising!
ReplyDeleteIt was really good!
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