October '07 discussion thread: A Great and Terrible Beauty

[Caryl]

Here is our discussion thread for A Great and Terrible Beauty, our October group read. As always, be cautious of reading the posts below if you haven't finished, as they may contain spoilers.

[SusanH]

Oh, I can't wait to discuss this book! Caryl, hurry up and read it. I'll post some thoughts in the next day or two, when I'm not balancing a toddler on my lap.

[SusanH]

OK, I think the boys are occupied for a few minutes, so I'll try and post quickly. First, I'll just say, I LOVED this book. Such a gripping read. It wasn't perfect, but it was so fun to read.

My few quibbles: there were a few times when I thought the language or reactions seemed a bit too 21st century for an historical novel. In particular, the using. Periods. For. Emphasis., which she did once, really bumped me out of the historical feel. It's just too modern. There were a few other things like that which I think the editors should have caught.

But those are really minor complaints. Overall, I thought everything about the novel worked. The atmosphere, the mystery, the characters, the descriptions of the other realms, and the longing from these girls to break out of their prescribed roles. Pippa's choice was nicely poignant. I'm so eager to see what else will happen in the series!

She has a website which looks interesting, but my few minutes of very interrupted computer time seem to be over.

[Caryl]

I just finished! I'll post more later, but I just had to say wow. I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to read the other two in the trilogy.

[SusanH]

So glad you liked it, Caryl! I think I may have liked the sequel even better.

[carissanboys]

I'm a bit late in reading this one (I originally purchased it for the group read, but never got around to reading it.), but still wanted to give my thoughts. I'm disappointed there isn't more of a discussion.

I didn't find myself loving this book, although I think I came to appreciate it more in the end. I'm not really sure what I didn't love about it. My copy has a reader's guide at the end and an interview with Bray so I want to go back and read that. I think I may try the next one in the series and see if my feelings change.

One thing I wanted to mention that I thought was interesting is that I found a couple of similarities with the book The Tale of Despereaux, which I recently read aloud to the boys. There is a character in there called chiaroscuro and the book discusses how there is some light and dark in everyone. One of the themes in Despereaux is also forgiveness. I just found it a bit coincidental having just read both books.