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booksellersdiary 's review for:
Devotion
by Hannah Kent
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I truly wanted to adore this one. Kent is a master, truly readers are in very accomplished hands with any of her books. A sweeping, Gothic, historical QUEER romance set in the late 1800s? When DEVOTION dropped last year I felt as though it was written specifically for me. Like Kent had reached into my heart and written the exact book I needed.
The first half is brilliant. Engaging, thoughtful, beautifully written. The feelings and intensity of early female friendships, perfect. The first flush of young love, I’m there, I got it. Amazing.
The scenes during the immigration, while at sea - these were visceral and I felt ever lurch and roll of that boat.
The second half is slower, ethereal but not convincing. I did like the way devotion is woven through the narrative, both in the literal faith of Hanne and her family and community, and in her infinite devotion to Thea. I loved that Kent found a way to make this queer romance something beautiful, set in a time when this love would have been shamed and forbidden. Kent has a way of writing scenery with a vivid and accurate style that transports the reader into the moment.
Overall, it just didn’t quite get there for me. A worthy read, and just beautifully written, but not my favourite. I’m still searching for that BURIAL RITES thrill from Kent.
The first half is brilliant. Engaging, thoughtful, beautifully written. The feelings and intensity of early female friendships, perfect. The first flush of young love, I’m there, I got it. Amazing.
The scenes during the immigration, while at sea - these were visceral and I felt ever lurch and roll of that boat.
The second half is slower, ethereal but not convincing. I did like the way devotion is woven through the narrative, both in the literal faith of Hanne and her family and community, and in her infinite devotion to Thea. I loved that Kent found a way to make this queer romance something beautiful, set in a time when this love would have been shamed and forbidden. Kent has a way of writing scenery with a vivid and accurate style that transports the reader into the moment.
Overall, it just didn’t quite get there for me. A worthy read, and just beautifully written, but not my favourite. I’m still searching for that BURIAL RITES thrill from Kent.