Published by William Morrow Genres: Historical Fiction, War
Format: ARC, eBook
Atmospheric – yes
Beautifully Written – Yes
Wonderfully researched – yes
Tale of struggles – yes
Spot on Descriptions – yes
Attention to detail – yes
Transports the reader to another time – yes
And yet, I felt this book went on and on and on – especially in the middle. I enjoyed News of the World and this was not as enjoyable as that book for me. Even with the research, the beautiful writing, and her attention to the harsh, dirty, gritty time that her characters lived in, I never felt a connection to the characters in this book. As Simon tried to free Doris, my attention was waning. Again, beautifully written and researched. This book describes the struggles and harshness of life. It also describes a man’s love of music, his struggle for survival, his use of his wits, a woman’s strength, and a journey not only to reach a destination but of the human spirit.
Twenty-three-year-old Simon can pass for a fifteen-year-old yet finds himself conscripted into the Confederate army where his fiddle playing gets him a position with the band. On the eve of the Confederate surrender, Simon and some of his band mates are playing for the officers and their families when Simon notices Doris Mary Aherne, an indentured servant sitting with the Union Colonel’s daughter.
They go their separate ways, but Simon cannot get Doris out of his head and vows he will find her. Music and Doris are Simon’s two loves. He is a musician and his love of music is deep and as he sets out to play to survive, he also sets about keeping in touch with Doris through correspondence.
Many are enjoying this more than I did. I encourage you to read their reviews as well I guess I am not the slow burn kind of gal. The middle really dragged on for me. It is strange to really appreciate a book for certain aspects and at the same time be continuously hoping and wishing this book would pick up the pace. This will not stop me from reading Jiles in the future. She is a gifted author but this one missed the mark for me. I still enjoyed it but would have liked a faster moving story line.
Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.