The story unfolds from three perspectives: Becca’s and Hazel’s in the 1930s and Nell’s in the 1970s. As you read, how did this structure change your understanding of the characters and their motivations?
Hearing the story from Hazel’s perspective completely changed my opinion of her character. I could not understand why she was so distant. I assumed she had good reasons for being secretive about the past, but the way she kept Nell and Evie at arms’ length was difficult for me.
Learning what she had gone through and the fear with which she had lived for so long helped me see why she built a wall of protection for her own heart. I felt much kinder towards her by the end of the book.
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It seems to be a trend these days for books to switch between characters perspectives and time periods - also to take us to the place where we are left with a cliff hanger and then to switch.
I suppose in some ways, it keeps the narrative moving faster than if the story were told from beginning to end and we can focus more clearly on each character when specifically featured.
I liked the 3 perspectives in the dual timelines. Although, it did make it a little harder to keep track of some of the minor characters in the beginning of the book.
I liked reading from the three perspectives. It did help me to understand each character and her motivations. However, as much as I liked this book, I felt the author did not handle the structure well. I guess I don’t want to need to take notes in order to understand, when I am reading fiction.
The structure allows the story to unfold at a different pace. The reader gains understanding as the story unfolds, as opposed to having events come together towards the end. I don’t think it changed my understanding of most of the characters. The exception was Hazel whose story was unveiled at the end. Like others I assumed there was a reason for her reticence.
Catheryne, I agree. It took me a little longer to understand the flow of the book, but once I did, I thought it was a good device. It helped to uncover character motivations and the significance of certain plot points. So, overall, I did like it.
I was glad that Hazel had a chapter at the end, it was helpful to hear her voice and her perspective. We did get hints along the way, but I found the author tied up all the loose ends in Hazel’s chapter. I really liked the way she answered all the lingering questions as a matter of perspective rather than just tying it all up with a nice bow.
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I loved the parallel construction in this novel, and I don’t always care for it in historical novels. But learning about how Evie came to Hazel changed everything I thought I knew about her. She was put in an impossible position and did the only thing she could for an unknown child in danger. She must have been so terrified and unsure. But her sacrifice touched me. She gave up so much to protect Evie, even being the person and mother she wanted to be. But I also understood Nell’s desire to know the truth. She’d had enough hints to know Evie’s backstory was dark and decided to bring it to light no matter the consequences. That too took courage. And poor Becca. What Mildred did to her was unconscionable.
Great comments. Especially since they would be mine as well. I did take notes and wished there had been more control over the structure. So glad to understand Hazel at the end but hated the wait
Good book and great storyline. Would only recommend it to a determined reader. I think many would quit reading due to confusion
I agree with you it’s the trend these days to switch time periods and characters. Personally I feel its being overdone. A little bit goes a long way. Currently too trendy. Would prefer a mix of in forms of writing and not the same old same old.
I loved the structure of the book! I drew me in like a spiral, as small pieces and clues are gradually revealed. I was hard pressed not to race through at the end to find out how it all fit together. The author di a GREAT job with this story.
I agree with Shirl about the notes—I didn’t take notes but wished I had. Because the stories were so complicated, I thought a change in structure might help, but I’m not a writer just a reader. The stories were all fascinating though, and I appreciated all the characters.
The story structure allowed this reader to grasp a better understanding of the 1930s and 1970s differences and the role these years played in each character’s behavior. The 30s people were faced with the loss of job opportunities and fragile economics while the 70s didn’t present such difficulties. Becca and Hazel certainly experienced more drama and fear while Nell in comparison had difficulties but not ones that were so traumatic.