booksellersdiary's Reviews (246)

Disability slurs about 10mins in. Shocking to find that in a book published so recently. 

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.