‘Love, as we know, is a form of madness.’

3.5 stars

4 stars

’Fear no more, says the heart, committing its burden to some sea, which sighs collectively for all sorrows, and renews, begins, collects, lets fall.’

This was not my cup of tea... I did appreciate the themes, but I guess I’m not enough of an intellectual to actually enjoy myself while reading this

4 stars

4.5 stars

It took some time for the story to really get me hooked, but my perseverance was rewarded. It was absolutely magical!

4.5 stars

“People who read are hiders. They hide who they are. People who hide don’t always like who they are.”

3.5 stars

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