Even though I quite enjoyed the whimsical writing style, I did have some trouble with the pacing of the story. I could only read a few chapters at a time before I got kind of bored with it, so I really had to pressure myself into finishing. Also, Hyacinth’s character annoyed me to no end, which didn’t help...

Nannerl’s tragic story however - her feelings of powerlessness, dependency and bitterness and ultimately, her resignation to being a woman of her time - moved me immensely and are what prompted me to keep reading.

3 stars