I almost didn’t start this book or finish it. My daughter recommended it to me because she loved it but when I found out it was a western I didn’t wanI almost didn’t start this book or finish it. My daughter recommended it to me because she loved it but when I found out it was a western I didn’t want to give it a chance. I don’t like to read westerns. Other people suggested it so I decided to give it was try.
The beginning was such a slow start. The book moves very slowly and I immediately disliked Phil and didn’t know if I could endure reading more about such a hateful person but decided to trudge along.
My first thought was that the people in this novel are all so kindly passive that they allow themselves to be walked over. Why were there so many characters that just floated along avoiding Phil? Could this really happen. My second thought was, yes. Yes it could. There are people who are kindly passive that don’t want to rock the boat. In the end I stuck it out to see what the outcome would be. The shocking ending made me feel gratified! And afterward I realized the deep portrayal of each character and how, even though they seemed simple, they were complex between the words! The words not said.
It’s a sad novel. Not an uplifting read at all but one that makes you think how hard it is for some people to make it through life without a helping hand.
I’m glad that I went in blind. The story loses it suspense if you read the blurb. It’s unfortunate.
TW: detailed abuse and killing of animals. Suicide. ...more
Another awesome Conn Iggulden series started! I’m loving this one too, of course. Even though they aren’t exactly historically accurate, Iggulden explAnother awesome Conn Iggulden series started! I’m loving this one too, of course. Even though they aren’t exactly historically accurate, Iggulden explains where and why he deviates. It can be irksome if you know the facts but there are some stories that historians cannot prove. When this happens you have different camps each trying to prove their point. Iggulden lets you know what one he has chosen to represent.
I just love Conn Iggulden’s writing. I am swept away. It’s like watching an action film. It’s too bad that, even though it’s historical fiction, IggulI just love Conn Iggulden’s writing. I am swept away. It’s like watching an action film. It’s too bad that, even though it’s historical fiction, Iggulden has changed factual details to suit his story. I was excited to learn the history of Rome in such an engrossing way but apparently it’s way off base. It’s also apparently geared toward YA. I thoroughly enjoyed it though!
There are many suggestions for Colleen McCullough so I’m going to try her Masters of Rome series. ...more