Author: Saundra Mitchell
Category: Young Adult, Paranormal, Historical
Published: 2011
Despite a rather confusing flash-forward scene at the beginning, The Vespertine is a beautiful little historical paranormal romance. There is just enough historical detail and frilly prose balanced with genuinely believable friendships and flirtatious boys. I liked the emphasis on calling card culture, mirroring more modern concepts of texting; it was a manual process back then, but the socializing aspect is still relatable.
I also enjoyed the mystical aspects. It didn't seem forced because the author tied in the spiritual movement of the late 1800s into what the characters experience. Thankfully, there is no tragic accident or extreme situation that caused Amelia to have visions. She just does, which I found refreshing.
I had to re-read a few parts toward the end to fully get what happened. The ending came swiftly, I almost felt like another 20 pages could have detailed the transition better. A worthwhile read if you are willing to put in a little effort with the Victorian language. And that cover! Beautiful.
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I like the idea of a flash forward, but I can see how that would be confusing, too. I guess I just tend to like when a writer tries something a bit different.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this review!
-Miss GOP
www.thewritingapprentice.com
Deirdra: your illustrating career sounds so cool! Very interesting to read about. Thanks for finding me.
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