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The Freedom of Birds
Two French storytellers and a runaway girl travel through fairytale lands, Italian theatres, and the battlefields of France in search of a place to belong as Napoleon's Empire falls, from the author of Josephine's Garden.
Remi Victoire is the golden child among all the theatre orphans; he dreams of a life on a Paris stage. But when this future is stolen from him, Remi and his faithful friend Pascal turn their backs on Paris forever.
With Saskia, a runaway orphan girl, Remi and Pascal form a performing troupe, travelling through the fairytale lands that are home to the Brothers Grimm, before finding a safe haven in Venice.
As Napoleon's vast Empire crumbles, the French storytellers discover that Paris itself is now at risk of invasion and they fear for the loved ones they have left behind.
From picturesque villages to Italian theatres and on to the battlefields outside of Paris, this is a beautifully told story about the bonds of love and friendship, the importance of stories, and finding a place to belong.
Praise for Stephanie Parkyn:
'A luminous, enthralling tale of love, treachery, treason and friendship…full of unexpected twists and turns.' Kate Forsyth on Josephine's Garden
'Spellbinding, rich and an immensely enjoyable blend of fact and fiction.' Blue Wolf Reviews on Josephine's Garden
Remi Victoire is the golden child among all the theatre orphans; he dreams of a life on a Paris stage. But when this future is stolen from him, Remi and his faithful friend Pascal turn their backs on Paris forever.
With Saskia, a runaway orphan girl, Remi and Pascal form a performing troupe, travelling through the fairytale lands that are home to the Brothers Grimm, before finding a safe haven in Venice.
As Napoleon's vast Empire crumbles, the French storytellers discover that Paris itself is now at risk of invasion and they fear for the loved ones they have left behind.
From picturesque villages to Italian theatres and on to the battlefields outside of Paris, this is a beautifully told story about the bonds of love and friendship, the importance of stories, and finding a place to belong.
Praise for Stephanie Parkyn:
'A luminous, enthralling tale of love, treachery, treason and friendship…full of unexpected twists and turns.' Kate Forsyth on Josephine's Garden
'Spellbinding, rich and an immensely enjoyable blend of fact and fiction.' Blue Wolf Reviews on Josephine's Garden
432 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2021
2 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 2, 2022
Saskia and her mother arrived at the circus, where her mother said they would be safe. But before the night was out Saskia would be on her own, her mother abandoning her. She made friends and joined the circus folk, bending and twisting as she’d always been able to do. She had her own tent and would entertain the revellers each night – until the night she was kidnapped and raced away on the back of a horse. Her next years were horrific – would she ever escape?
Remi and Pascal performed in the theatre in Paris under Gianni’s guidance and they both felt like they were home. All of Gianni’s performers were orphans that he helped but the day that Remi and Pascal were enticed away from the theatre, Gianni was unable to help them. They escaped confinement and fled to the countryside, becoming travelling storytellers until one day a girl called Saskia joined them. The boys had been five years on their own; the company of Saskia was welcome. But they were hungry and had to keep away from the soldiers. It was 1812 and war was all around them. They needed to find safety – would Venice be their savior?
The Freedom of Birds is my first read by Stephanie Parkyn and I enjoyed it very much. The three characters needed to live by their wits, they needed to be constantly aware of what was around them. I didn’t much like Remi as his thoughts were only for himself. Pascal was one who followed, playing the lute beautifully and mending costumes. Saskia was a delight. There were moments - pages - of pure tension, and moments of happiness and love. I have no hesitation in recommending The Freedom of Birds highly.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Remi and Pascal performed in the theatre in Paris under Gianni’s guidance and they both felt like they were home. All of Gianni’s performers were orphans that he helped but the day that Remi and Pascal were enticed away from the theatre, Gianni was unable to help them. They escaped confinement and fled to the countryside, becoming travelling storytellers until one day a girl called Saskia joined them. The boys had been five years on their own; the company of Saskia was welcome. But they were hungry and had to keep away from the soldiers. It was 1812 and war was all around them. They needed to find safety – would Venice be their savior?
The Freedom of Birds is my first read by Stephanie Parkyn and I enjoyed it very much. The three characters needed to live by their wits, they needed to be constantly aware of what was around them. I didn’t much like Remi as his thoughts were only for himself. Pascal was one who followed, playing the lute beautifully and mending costumes. Saskia was a delight. There were moments - pages - of pure tension, and moments of happiness and love. I have no hesitation in recommending The Freedom of Birds highly.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2022
The Freedom of Birds is the story of Remi and Pascal who are orphans, and have been trained by the Theatre to be entertainers. As Remi and Pascal both come to age to perform their first acts, their dreams of being performs are ripped away from them by Remi's mother, who has resurfaced into Remi's life and attempts to hide both him and Pascal in lieu of being drafted to the war.
Remi and Pascal are released from their entrapment and spend their lives as travelling story tellers, they travel on horseback from town to town, telling the townfolk their story tales and fables.
Saskia was given to the Circus by her mother who no longer could care for her. Saskia was small in stature, flexible and naturally agile, she was an attractive girl with shocking red hair. When she was taken in by the circus she was trained as an entertainer who could bend and twist into any shape or form. One day during her performances, she was kidnapped by a priest and was imprisoned to a horrifically torturous life of slavery, imprisonment and abuse.
Saskia plots a plan to escape her life of imprisonment and joins forces with Remi and Pascal and a form a bond of travelling entertainers.
Saskia's story is one of courage, passion and love, it is a lovely story, one that will leave an imprint on your heart.
Thankyou to Allen & Unwin and Stephanie Parkyn for the copy in return I offer my honest review.
Rated 3 stars - It was a good book and well-crafted. I would be happy to recommend to the right person
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
Remi and Pascal are released from their entrapment and spend their lives as travelling story tellers, they travel on horseback from town to town, telling the townfolk their story tales and fables.
Saskia was given to the Circus by her mother who no longer could care for her. Saskia was small in stature, flexible and naturally agile, she was an attractive girl with shocking red hair. When she was taken in by the circus she was trained as an entertainer who could bend and twist into any shape or form. One day during her performances, she was kidnapped by a priest and was imprisoned to a horrifically torturous life of slavery, imprisonment and abuse.
Saskia plots a plan to escape her life of imprisonment and joins forces with Remi and Pascal and a form a bond of travelling entertainers.
Saskia's story is one of courage, passion and love, it is a lovely story, one that will leave an imprint on your heart.
Thankyou to Allen & Unwin and Stephanie Parkyn for the copy in return I offer my honest review.
Rated 3 stars - It was a good book and well-crafted. I would be happy to recommend to the right person
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
September 19, 2022
An entertaining, well-written story, though a little too aimless for my tastes.
I love the writing, and felt the same towards the author's previous novel, Josephine's Garden. The language is beautiful and invokes real feeling, drawing you into the story. It's easy to fall into the setting and see the world of this story come alive in the mind's eye.
The story, however, was a little too bland for my tastes. I enjoyed the wanderings but ultimately they felt a bit pointless, with no real goal for these characters. I was entertained enough reading about their travels, but wasn't ever sure what I was hanging onto them for.
The characters themselves were unique, and I particularly enjoyed following Saskia. She was a character I really felt for, and empathised with. Remi was too obnoxious for me to feel anything but frustration towards him, and Pascal was so easily manipulated that rather than feeling sorry for him or admiring his loyalty I was quite disappointed in him. I wish I'd seen more growth from these two, but they seemed the same deluded two at the end of the tale.
The war talk did lose me a little, but the characters did see me through to the end. So while I wasn't too sold on the slow, meandering story I did enjoy the writing very much and ended up quite attached to Saskia.
An entertaining enough read that lovers of historical fiction should enjoy; a little slow for my tastes but beautifully written in such a way that the setting really comes alive.
With thanks to A&U for an ARC
I love the writing, and felt the same towards the author's previous novel, Josephine's Garden. The language is beautiful and invokes real feeling, drawing you into the story. It's easy to fall into the setting and see the world of this story come alive in the mind's eye.
The story, however, was a little too bland for my tastes. I enjoyed the wanderings but ultimately they felt a bit pointless, with no real goal for these characters. I was entertained enough reading about their travels, but wasn't ever sure what I was hanging onto them for.
The characters themselves were unique, and I particularly enjoyed following Saskia. She was a character I really felt for, and empathised with. Remi was too obnoxious for me to feel anything but frustration towards him, and Pascal was so easily manipulated that rather than feeling sorry for him or admiring his loyalty I was quite disappointed in him. I wish I'd seen more growth from these two, but they seemed the same deluded two at the end of the tale.
The war talk did lose me a little, but the characters did see me through to the end. So while I wasn't too sold on the slow, meandering story I did enjoy the writing very much and ended up quite attached to Saskia.
An entertaining enough read that lovers of historical fiction should enjoy; a little slow for my tastes but beautifully written in such a way that the setting really comes alive.
With thanks to A&U for an ARC
November 29, 2021
The Freedom of Birds is loosely connected to Stephanie Parkyn’s previous two releases, Into the World and Josephine’s Garden, and indeed, we see at the end of this novel the life of Stephanie’s first main character from Into the World come full circle in line with the close of the French Revolution. I really loved The Freedom of Birds, the characters and their passions for their own beliefs and purposes, the history, the adventure, and all the tension holding everything together.
The story is told in shifting perspectives between Remi, Pascal, and Saskia, all three of whom I enjoyed travelling with. The author has used third person narration for Pascal and Saskia, but a first-person narration for Remi. I don’t think this is because the novel is more Remi’s story than the other characters, but rather, that it firmly allows the reader to distinguish between the voices of Remi and Pascal, who being the same age and from the same background, had natural similarities that may have been difficult to pick apart had the author just used third person narration throughout. I bring this up because first person narration doesn’t always sit well with me in historical fiction, there is something jarring about it, although in this case, I swiftly got used to it, perhaps on account of the use of third person narration with the other two characters combined with generally how good the book was.
Adventures abounded for these three characters and I enjoyed the travelling life they had, the storytelling, the performing, the creative and artistic lifestyle of centuries ago coming to life within these pages. Behind their artistic faces was a real pain though, as each was an orphan wrestling with their own pasts, attempting to come to terms with how this baggage translated to a viable future. This novel is also one of political history, and the author has done a particularly excellent job of broadcasting the resistance that spread across Europe as Napoleon plundered and conquered with zeal. The turning tide was well articulated. None of the main characters remained untouched by the French Revolution, each of their future paths set in a certain direction because of the unending war. One thing I really loved about the story was how connected to each other Remi, Pascal, and Saskia were, and yet, they were also each drawn to their own destinies, despite the knowledge that this may eventually force them apart. When Saskia joined Remi and Pascal, they become a family of sorts, but like all families, it was one that was not without its internal rumblings.
The Freedom of Birds has instant appeal on account of its majestic cover, yet be assured that within, the story itself is just as majestic. I enjoyed this novel so much and favour it over Stephanie Parkyn’s previous two releases – both of which I also enjoyed immensely. She has a notable talent for blending history with fiction and creating memorable characters – some of which endured across the three books without being a main character beyond the first. As her tales of the French Revolution appear to have come to a close with The Freedom of Birds, I look forward to seeing where Stephanie Parkyn takes us with her next release.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
The story is told in shifting perspectives between Remi, Pascal, and Saskia, all three of whom I enjoyed travelling with. The author has used third person narration for Pascal and Saskia, but a first-person narration for Remi. I don’t think this is because the novel is more Remi’s story than the other characters, but rather, that it firmly allows the reader to distinguish between the voices of Remi and Pascal, who being the same age and from the same background, had natural similarities that may have been difficult to pick apart had the author just used third person narration throughout. I bring this up because first person narration doesn’t always sit well with me in historical fiction, there is something jarring about it, although in this case, I swiftly got used to it, perhaps on account of the use of third person narration with the other two characters combined with generally how good the book was.
Adventures abounded for these three characters and I enjoyed the travelling life they had, the storytelling, the performing, the creative and artistic lifestyle of centuries ago coming to life within these pages. Behind their artistic faces was a real pain though, as each was an orphan wrestling with their own pasts, attempting to come to terms with how this baggage translated to a viable future. This novel is also one of political history, and the author has done a particularly excellent job of broadcasting the resistance that spread across Europe as Napoleon plundered and conquered with zeal. The turning tide was well articulated. None of the main characters remained untouched by the French Revolution, each of their future paths set in a certain direction because of the unending war. One thing I really loved about the story was how connected to each other Remi, Pascal, and Saskia were, and yet, they were also each drawn to their own destinies, despite the knowledge that this may eventually force them apart. When Saskia joined Remi and Pascal, they become a family of sorts, but like all families, it was one that was not without its internal rumblings.
The Freedom of Birds has instant appeal on account of its majestic cover, yet be assured that within, the story itself is just as majestic. I enjoyed this novel so much and favour it over Stephanie Parkyn’s previous two releases – both of which I also enjoyed immensely. She has a notable talent for blending history with fiction and creating memorable characters – some of which endured across the three books without being a main character beyond the first. As her tales of the French Revolution appear to have come to a close with The Freedom of Birds, I look forward to seeing where Stephanie Parkyn takes us with her next release.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
November 30, 2021
The Freedom of Birds by Stephanie Parkyn gave me goosebumps! It is a story rich in Napoleon era history that exhibits like a fine painting born from a colourful and detailed palette. Powerful word brush strokes transport you effortlessly to another realm and time.
This novel is about the longing for freedom, the desire to find a home: a place to belong. This is a journey of hope, friendship and love. At the heart of this novel also is the importance of story-telling but the characters find themselves facing other wars with Napoleon when he dictates ‘which arts he will allow to survive.’
When I finished reading Stephanie’s novel I hardly knew where to begin in discussing its merits. It is a story of such depth and haunting realism that it grips you in its strong emotional delivery and captures your attention with the agonies and ecstasies of the era. It was a time of conquering, plundering, loss, change, trials and traumas so vast and wide that it is hard to compare with the world of today. But Stephanie takes us back there to experience it through her own gift – the art of story-telling. And that journey is unforgettable and exhilarating through the fairy-tale lands of Brothers Grimm. Here we see the various sights, hear the unique sounds and breathe country fresh air sometimes infiltrated with cooking smells, smoke or even fear.
But we never lose sight of the fact that at the heart of The Freedom of Birds is the importance of storytelling and society’s need for it at all times— and even more during the dark days of war to give people hope. For without hope, people lose purpose and faith and the will to triumph over challenges. We see this played out in many of this book’s characters including Saskia, the runaway orphan girl (seen on the stunning cover). Her journey is moving even as she deals with the ragged sharp edges of death that cut into her heart and change her forever.
The novel is also about the search for parentage, the visitation and engulfment of grief, betrayal and sacrifice. Remorse felt by the characters at what they should have done in the past to change the present is evident. The view that rises from these travellers is that there is a time for stories and a time for truth, and for some it is not so much about where they belong but where they will go next. As these characters face the challenges of abandonment, abuse and abduction, their ideas change on the journey when experience teaches them some harsh lessons. This journey also embraces the meaning of family where loyalty, friendship and love coincide. Even finding what was lost and discovering what was waiting to be found.
I have often thought, and even more so with this story, that a story-teller delivering a historical novel is like HG Wells with his time machine. The vehicle is the page or stage or painting – any platform where we can tell a story --that takes us back in time (or forward) and provides endless possible scenarios, as many as our imagination can create for us!
Stephanie is a master at research and uses that knowledge creatively to deliver a believable tale. She helps us see what her characters saw, feel their emotions—their upheavals, the various seasonal stages in their lives and setting changes. They each learn how to tackle the ghosts of the past, to interpret the perceptions of the present and to conquer their visions of the future.
Written from three perspectives, we get a well-rounded picture of the dilemmas each character faces. I enjoyed the journey of Remi, Pascal, and Saskia. They each had a distinct voice with one point of view written in first person and the other two in third: a unique artistic angle in distinguishing one character from another.
Although I have tried to convey some of the things I saw and felt, (without giving away the plot) this novel defies description really. It must be read, realised, inhaled and absorbed through its words for it has obviously been lovingly created, masterfully written and poetically delivered in its vision and purpose.
Lovers of books by Kate Forsyth, Lauren Chater, Natasha Lester and Meg Keneally— to name a few— will be enraptured by this finely spun tale that begins with fact but then explodes into powerful fiction while it entertains, enlightens and inspires. As mentioned, this novel (particularly the ending) gave me goosebumps. I highly recommend The Freedom of Birds by Stephanie Parkyn and her first two novels, as there are some wonderful connecting threads between them all. 5 Stars for its Story-Telling Perfection. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Stephanie and the publisher Allen and Unwin for a copy to review.
This novel is about the longing for freedom, the desire to find a home: a place to belong. This is a journey of hope, friendship and love. At the heart of this novel also is the importance of story-telling but the characters find themselves facing other wars with Napoleon when he dictates ‘which arts he will allow to survive.’
When I finished reading Stephanie’s novel I hardly knew where to begin in discussing its merits. It is a story of such depth and haunting realism that it grips you in its strong emotional delivery and captures your attention with the agonies and ecstasies of the era. It was a time of conquering, plundering, loss, change, trials and traumas so vast and wide that it is hard to compare with the world of today. But Stephanie takes us back there to experience it through her own gift – the art of story-telling. And that journey is unforgettable and exhilarating through the fairy-tale lands of Brothers Grimm. Here we see the various sights, hear the unique sounds and breathe country fresh air sometimes infiltrated with cooking smells, smoke or even fear.
But we never lose sight of the fact that at the heart of The Freedom of Birds is the importance of storytelling and society’s need for it at all times— and even more during the dark days of war to give people hope. For without hope, people lose purpose and faith and the will to triumph over challenges. We see this played out in many of this book’s characters including Saskia, the runaway orphan girl (seen on the stunning cover). Her journey is moving even as she deals with the ragged sharp edges of death that cut into her heart and change her forever.
The novel is also about the search for parentage, the visitation and engulfment of grief, betrayal and sacrifice. Remorse felt by the characters at what they should have done in the past to change the present is evident. The view that rises from these travellers is that there is a time for stories and a time for truth, and for some it is not so much about where they belong but where they will go next. As these characters face the challenges of abandonment, abuse and abduction, their ideas change on the journey when experience teaches them some harsh lessons. This journey also embraces the meaning of family where loyalty, friendship and love coincide. Even finding what was lost and discovering what was waiting to be found.
I have often thought, and even more so with this story, that a story-teller delivering a historical novel is like HG Wells with his time machine. The vehicle is the page or stage or painting – any platform where we can tell a story --that takes us back in time (or forward) and provides endless possible scenarios, as many as our imagination can create for us!
Stephanie is a master at research and uses that knowledge creatively to deliver a believable tale. She helps us see what her characters saw, feel their emotions—their upheavals, the various seasonal stages in their lives and setting changes. They each learn how to tackle the ghosts of the past, to interpret the perceptions of the present and to conquer their visions of the future.
Written from three perspectives, we get a well-rounded picture of the dilemmas each character faces. I enjoyed the journey of Remi, Pascal, and Saskia. They each had a distinct voice with one point of view written in first person and the other two in third: a unique artistic angle in distinguishing one character from another.
Although I have tried to convey some of the things I saw and felt, (without giving away the plot) this novel defies description really. It must be read, realised, inhaled and absorbed through its words for it has obviously been lovingly created, masterfully written and poetically delivered in its vision and purpose.
Lovers of books by Kate Forsyth, Lauren Chater, Natasha Lester and Meg Keneally— to name a few— will be enraptured by this finely spun tale that begins with fact but then explodes into powerful fiction while it entertains, enlightens and inspires. As mentioned, this novel (particularly the ending) gave me goosebumps. I highly recommend The Freedom of Birds by Stephanie Parkyn and her first two novels, as there are some wonderful connecting threads between them all. 5 Stars for its Story-Telling Perfection. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Stephanie and the publisher Allen and Unwin for a copy to review.
November 12, 2024
An entertaining historical novel set towards the end of Napoleon’s empire set in Paris and also Venice and Milan. The story follows three abandoned children as they make their way across the continent. Remi and Pascal were children of the theatre in Paris, and Saskia was brought up in the circus. The Napoleonic wars aren’t the major focus of the story and aren’t described until the later parts of the novel. I enjoyed the read but certain parts of the novel didn’t quite work for me (Saskia’s Father and his treatment of her? Still a bit confused at the point of that plot line). Interesting bits about women’s rights, the treatment of out of wedlock children and the theatre made me keep reading.
May 8, 2024
This is the story of Remi and Pascal, two orphans from the theater where the characters are their only family.
They take to the road as storytellers to avoid being conscripted to the war taking place at the time. They are joined by another lost soul, Saskia, who has escaped from her captor.
It is an interesting storyline, very different from many other wartime stories.
Love, loss, desperation and determination are portrayed throughout.
Well worth reading.
They take to the road as storytellers to avoid being conscripted to the war taking place at the time. They are joined by another lost soul, Saskia, who has escaped from her captor.
It is an interesting storyline, very different from many other wartime stories.
Love, loss, desperation and determination are portrayed throughout.
Well worth reading.
January 21, 2022
The Freedom of Birds by Stephanie Parkyn is a brilliant new novel rich in words and descriptions of theatre life for three young orphans; Remi, Pascal and Saskia.
The story forms a unique tapestry of events and adventures for the travelling troupe.
From Paris to Venice this story is unique and captivating but it's the writer who captures it all making it vivid and picturesque in your mind.
Thank you, Stephanie Parkyn for another beautiful novel.
The story forms a unique tapestry of events and adventures for the travelling troupe.
From Paris to Venice this story is unique and captivating but it's the writer who captures it all making it vivid and picturesque in your mind.
Thank you, Stephanie Parkyn for another beautiful novel.
January 3, 2022
I had mixed feelings about this book. I found it a well-told story with vivid descriptions of the places and people and well fleshed-out characters with interesting motivations and believable conflicts. There was also something that didn't quite grab me and it took me a few false starts before I really got subsumed into the narrative.
I'm not sure if my lack of knowledge of 19th century Europe was a disadvantage or an advantage as I was never quite sure of what was going on around the characters but, of course, they were continually surprised and blindsided by the events as well. There was a strong sense of research and believability throughout and I have no doubt that the events of the narrative are as close to reality as the story would allow.
Telling the story through shifting perspectives of the three characters efinitely gave me more insight into their motivations and feelings but I was always having to remind myself which one of the boys was which, despite one of them narrating entirely in the third person.
I felt the book lacked an overall destination, both in terms of where the story went and what the characters were trying to do but once I got a certain momentum in the book, the story captivated me and it flew by. Definitely recommended but with a proviso for those that don't enjoy an ambiguous ending.
I'm not sure if my lack of knowledge of 19th century Europe was a disadvantage or an advantage as I was never quite sure of what was going on around the characters but, of course, they were continually surprised and blindsided by the events as well. There was a strong sense of research and believability throughout and I have no doubt that the events of the narrative are as close to reality as the story would allow.
Telling the story through shifting perspectives of the three characters efinitely gave me more insight into their motivations and feelings but I was always having to remind myself which one of the boys was which, despite one of them narrating entirely in the third person.
I felt the book lacked an overall destination, both in terms of where the story went and what the characters were trying to do but once I got a certain momentum in the book, the story captivated me and it flew by. Definitely recommended but with a proviso for those that don't enjoy an ambiguous ending.
December 5, 2021
Thank you Allen & Unwin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Historical fiction brings the Napoleon era alive in a magical tale of a journey of hope, a place to belong and freedom.
The art of story telling and circus theatre is overshadowed by war and death but not eliminated.
The notion of journey is explored in fullest and having three characters and their perspectives told highlight grief, betrayal and the search for family ties.
The journey of forming new family when all else is lost is paramount and portrayed through the tough times.
Saskia, the runaway orphan girl endures cruelty that is unimaginable at the hands of a depraved Priest and her story is the most harrowing and rewarding.
Forming a new family with her Crew, Pascal and Remi drawn together by destiny. Evoking imagery and teasing the senses of smell and sound are masterfully crafted in this cleverly written and researched story.
I found this fascinating once I warmed up to the era and the themes.
The lost souls that joined together in theatrical tribes was a component of history I knew little.
Merging this with traces of Folk Lore legends, the Brothers Grimm was very well done.
Story telling is a major source of imparting history and legacy especially in eras void of modern technology.
The very talented authors we are so lucky to have are modern day story tellers keeping the art alive.
Historical fiction brings the Napoleon era alive in a magical tale of a journey of hope, a place to belong and freedom.
The art of story telling and circus theatre is overshadowed by war and death but not eliminated.
The notion of journey is explored in fullest and having three characters and their perspectives told highlight grief, betrayal and the search for family ties.
The journey of forming new family when all else is lost is paramount and portrayed through the tough times.
Saskia, the runaway orphan girl endures cruelty that is unimaginable at the hands of a depraved Priest and her story is the most harrowing and rewarding.
Forming a new family with her Crew, Pascal and Remi drawn together by destiny. Evoking imagery and teasing the senses of smell and sound are masterfully crafted in this cleverly written and researched story.
I found this fascinating once I warmed up to the era and the themes.
The lost souls that joined together in theatrical tribes was a component of history I knew little.
Merging this with traces of Folk Lore legends, the Brothers Grimm was very well done.
Story telling is a major source of imparting history and legacy especially in eras void of modern technology.
The very talented authors we are so lucky to have are modern day story tellers keeping the art alive.
December 26, 2021
a powerful story of love, friendship, family, hope, and the struggle of finding somewhere you belong.
this story follows Rémi Victoire, his best friend Pascal, and a runaway orphan girl, Saskia. together they travel through fairytale lands, seeking a place to tell stories and perform for the people. however, war and conscription follow close behind, threatening to destroy the strong bonds of love and friendship that are formed along the way.
the storytelling and imagery in this novel are enthralling and while slow-paced at times, this book was never boring nor uneventful.
thank you to Stephanie Parkyn and Allen & Unwin for access to a copy of this text. i am extremely grateful.
this story follows Rémi Victoire, his best friend Pascal, and a runaway orphan girl, Saskia. together they travel through fairytale lands, seeking a place to tell stories and perform for the people. however, war and conscription follow close behind, threatening to destroy the strong bonds of love and friendship that are formed along the way.
the storytelling and imagery in this novel are enthralling and while slow-paced at times, this book was never boring nor uneventful.
thank you to Stephanie Parkyn and Allen & Unwin for access to a copy of this text. i am extremely grateful.
January 30, 2022
Set during the Napoleonic wars, Remi and Pascal are travelling story-tellers but life becomes even harder and more dangerous for them as the towns they travel through begin to fight back against the French. Along with Sophie, who was abducted from her circus family but managed to escape, they are always looking over their shoulders and in danger, even in the supposed safety provided by their theatre friends. The three main characters have no family except each other. Well written and with its focus on theatre and storytelling, this novel had a slightly different focus to others I'd read before.
March 16, 2022
Three theatre orphans trying to find a safe place in Europe in the time of the Napoleonic wars. Parkyn paints a vivid picture with her writing. The time and place comes through strongly. I thought the plot of this novel lacked some purpose, but it was a pleasant and engaging read. 3.5*
January 29, 2022
Rich in history a spellbinding tale of friendship during a turbulent time Very Enjoyable
January 11, 2022
The book begins by following the life of travelling storytellers from both theatre and circus backgrounds, and showing through them the power of sharing stories with other people. You accompany Rémi, Pascal and Saskia through their European journey- and while it took me a while to really get into the story and the characters, that changed after a while, with seeing them interacting and growing up.
I found it interesting to see how the Commedia dell’Arte and the Circus world share similarities, each using a lot of improvisation, making each performance unique and unrepeatable. A form of Art where there is no need to speak a language to communicate, and where the actors have a lot of power and influence into the final performance.
Throughout the book you meet different characters with a difficult past, abandoned or forgotten children. These common circumstances may explain why these characters are attracted to each other, and at the same time why they value so much their freedom of choice. They search for protection and security inside a menacing world, but they also want to keep themselves free and independent. There is who tries to get away from the past, who tries to find an explanation to the past, who finds answers that are not always what they expected. The story is kept lively by wars, conscriptions, betrayals, outlaws, dreams…
Sometimes it’s difficult to find out who is your protector and who is your enemy. The reality may be different from what it seems. The three main characters seem to follow a journey to find themselves and discover how their past has shaped them. Everything enveloped by the power of Art. A rather interesting book!
I found it interesting to see how the Commedia dell’Arte and the Circus world share similarities, each using a lot of improvisation, making each performance unique and unrepeatable. A form of Art where there is no need to speak a language to communicate, and where the actors have a lot of power and influence into the final performance.
Throughout the book you meet different characters with a difficult past, abandoned or forgotten children. These common circumstances may explain why these characters are attracted to each other, and at the same time why they value so much their freedom of choice. They search for protection and security inside a menacing world, but they also want to keep themselves free and independent. There is who tries to get away from the past, who tries to find an explanation to the past, who finds answers that are not always what they expected. The story is kept lively by wars, conscriptions, betrayals, outlaws, dreams…
Sometimes it’s difficult to find out who is your protector and who is your enemy. The reality may be different from what it seems. The three main characters seem to follow a journey to find themselves and discover how their past has shaped them. Everything enveloped by the power of Art. A rather interesting book!
December 21, 2021
http://jessjustreads.com
Set in Europe in the early 1800s, Stephanie Parkyn’s The Freedom of Birds is historical fiction centring around a trio of orphan children who band together to form a performing troupe. From France to Italy, and the battlefields in between, Saskia, Remi and Pascal must learn to survive on their own.
The Freedom of Birds brings disadvantaged and marginalised characters to the forefront. There’s an element of fairytales and folklore running as an undercurrent to the novel, which makes it feel oddly comforting and reassuring at a time like this.
I’ve since realised there is some connection between this book and Stephanie’s previous two works — luckily, you don’t need to read her first two books to follow this one, although I’m sure it’d help provide additional context to the historical setting.
“Did they wonder, the townsfolk, how Father had come to possess her? Had they questioned her sudden arrival to that desolate church? No doubt he had spun a convincing story. Perhaps he told them he had rescued her from wickedness and vice and delivered her into the lap of God.”
Strengths lie in the research and political turmoil captured in the book. Whilst a lot of the events happening in that time period — particularly those related to war — went straight over my head and waned my interest, I appreciate how much work has gone into writing this book and I acknowledge there’ll be a loyal readership who will find themselves in love with the time period and the setting of the book.
From the battlefields to the tension, to the hatred for their unjust treatment, The Freedom of Birds transports you to another time and allows you to feel completely enveloped in the early 1800s. Each of the core characters are unique in their journey and their role within the story — each are fighting battles both in their minds and their environments. Their journeys in the book reflect their pursuit for the truth, and for the family they’ve never known.
“The smell of hay, manure, piss — I woke with it filling my nose and mouth, face down and chewing on the stable scrapings. I rolled over slowly, not wanting to move my head, feeling the hammers strike anvils behind my eyes. I prised an eyelid open.”
There were a couple of things that I didn’t love about the book, and the main one was the perspective shift. We move between Saskia, Remi and Pascal, but two of these voices are in third person and one is in first person. I found this incredibly jolting and sometimes I got confused about which perspective we were now in. I wonder why the author wrote it like this, instead of writing all three of them in third person and perhaps including a header at the beginning of each chapter with their name, so we immediately knew who we were following.
And secondly, I struggled with the pacing of the novel. It’s very slow. Too slow. Events didn’t seem to hold the magnitude they needed for historical fiction. So, whilst plotting was present and things did happen, they never seemed to be building towards enough of a climax to keep a reader hooked.
“Hunger gripped Pascal’s stomach like a dog that would not relinquish a stick. It gnawed at him. He felt each bite like a sudden cramp. Hunger hurt. He was tired of the ache.”
Recommended for historical fiction readers. Readership skews female, 35+
Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Europe in the early 1800s, Stephanie Parkyn’s The Freedom of Birds is historical fiction centring around a trio of orphan children who band together to form a performing troupe. From France to Italy, and the battlefields in between, Saskia, Remi and Pascal must learn to survive on their own.
The Freedom of Birds brings disadvantaged and marginalised characters to the forefront. There’s an element of fairytales and folklore running as an undercurrent to the novel, which makes it feel oddly comforting and reassuring at a time like this.
I’ve since realised there is some connection between this book and Stephanie’s previous two works — luckily, you don’t need to read her first two books to follow this one, although I’m sure it’d help provide additional context to the historical setting.
“Did they wonder, the townsfolk, how Father had come to possess her? Had they questioned her sudden arrival to that desolate church? No doubt he had spun a convincing story. Perhaps he told them he had rescued her from wickedness and vice and delivered her into the lap of God.”
Strengths lie in the research and political turmoil captured in the book. Whilst a lot of the events happening in that time period — particularly those related to war — went straight over my head and waned my interest, I appreciate how much work has gone into writing this book and I acknowledge there’ll be a loyal readership who will find themselves in love with the time period and the setting of the book.
From the battlefields to the tension, to the hatred for their unjust treatment, The Freedom of Birds transports you to another time and allows you to feel completely enveloped in the early 1800s. Each of the core characters are unique in their journey and their role within the story — each are fighting battles both in their minds and their environments. Their journeys in the book reflect their pursuit for the truth, and for the family they’ve never known.
“The smell of hay, manure, piss — I woke with it filling my nose and mouth, face down and chewing on the stable scrapings. I rolled over slowly, not wanting to move my head, feeling the hammers strike anvils behind my eyes. I prised an eyelid open.”
There were a couple of things that I didn’t love about the book, and the main one was the perspective shift. We move between Saskia, Remi and Pascal, but two of these voices are in third person and one is in first person. I found this incredibly jolting and sometimes I got confused about which perspective we were now in. I wonder why the author wrote it like this, instead of writing all three of them in third person and perhaps including a header at the beginning of each chapter with their name, so we immediately knew who we were following.
And secondly, I struggled with the pacing of the novel. It’s very slow. Too slow. Events didn’t seem to hold the magnitude they needed for historical fiction. So, whilst plotting was present and things did happen, they never seemed to be building towards enough of a climax to keep a reader hooked.
“Hunger gripped Pascal’s stomach like a dog that would not relinquish a stick. It gnawed at him. He felt each bite like a sudden cramp. Hunger hurt. He was tired of the ache.”
Recommended for historical fiction readers. Readership skews female, 35+
Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2022
It is 1807 and Napoleon’s war is consuming everything. Conscription is rife and it’s a precarious time to be young, male and at an age to fight. Napoleon dictates what theatre is permitted and what is outlawed throughout Europe where the distaste for anything, or anyone, French has led to an underground uprising against Napoleon. The reader enters this world through Remi, Pascal, and Saskia who form a short-lived theatre troupe. Their stories and lives are interwoven with the changes that will defeat Napoleon, see him exiled to Elba and his empire divided.
Family, love, belonging and freedom are all themes that resonate in this story. Remi, Pascal and Saskia were disciplined, loved and educated by people in their troupes. They were safe, kept warm, and fed in the life of the stage/circus. Everything they needed was there. Each becomes disillusioned when the troupe is split.
The bond between Remi and Pascal was emblematic of brotherly love and, for Pascal, a deep, all-consuming love that would be shaken and rattled throughout the novel. I thought Remi’s cavalier attitude to everything, exemplified his being unaware of how to be an adult.
Saskia’s character is street-smart, wise and, in some instances, strangely mature. But she also betrays her age when her amour is presented.
Stephanie Parkyn has encompassed the history of Napoleon’s crumbling empire, with the lives of Remi, Pascal and Saskia, in a magnificent novel. The story entices the reader to become immersed in the lives of these three characters and the journey they travel to come home.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the advanced reading copy.
Family, love, belonging and freedom are all themes that resonate in this story. Remi, Pascal and Saskia were disciplined, loved and educated by people in their troupes. They were safe, kept warm, and fed in the life of the stage/circus. Everything they needed was there. Each becomes disillusioned when the troupe is split.
The bond between Remi and Pascal was emblematic of brotherly love and, for Pascal, a deep, all-consuming love that would be shaken and rattled throughout the novel. I thought Remi’s cavalier attitude to everything, exemplified his being unaware of how to be an adult.
Saskia’s character is street-smart, wise and, in some instances, strangely mature. But she also betrays her age when her amour is presented.
Stephanie Parkyn has encompassed the history of Napoleon’s crumbling empire, with the lives of Remi, Pascal and Saskia, in a magnificent novel. The story entices the reader to become immersed in the lives of these three characters and the journey they travel to come home.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for the advanced reading copy.
January 5, 2022
This is the third of three books that Stephanie Parkyn has written that are set in and around Paris in the early 1800's. Each book, although connected, is a standalone and you do not need to have read the other to understand what you are reading.
Saskia made the circus her home after being abandoned by her mother. The Circus folk became her family and she was happy until the day that she was kidnapped by a cruel Priest. She lived her life under his control until the day she sees two young storytellers in the town and she hatches a plan to escape from her controlled life and join the storytellers.
Pascal had always been jealous of Remi as they grew up as theatre orphans, but now they were on the road as traveling storytellers. When Saskia joins them, they both become protective of her as they struggle to hold on to the art of storytelling, now that The Brother Grimm are taking the stories and putting them into books that people can read for themselves.
Saskia, Pascal and Remi, although traveling together, each have their own journeys to find out the truths about their past and learn about their mothers. Who were they and why did they abandon their children?
I really enjoyed this story and learning about the life of a storyteller and how they felt at risk by books.
I have read Josephine Garden and enjoyed that book immensely. The Freedom of Birds looks at the same time in history from a different angle. I enjoyed The Freedom of Birds and now want to read 'Into the World' which covers the story of Remi's Mother.
Saskia made the circus her home after being abandoned by her mother. The Circus folk became her family and she was happy until the day that she was kidnapped by a cruel Priest. She lived her life under his control until the day she sees two young storytellers in the town and she hatches a plan to escape from her controlled life and join the storytellers.
Pascal had always been jealous of Remi as they grew up as theatre orphans, but now they were on the road as traveling storytellers. When Saskia joins them, they both become protective of her as they struggle to hold on to the art of storytelling, now that The Brother Grimm are taking the stories and putting them into books that people can read for themselves.
Saskia, Pascal and Remi, although traveling together, each have their own journeys to find out the truths about their past and learn about their mothers. Who were they and why did they abandon their children?
I really enjoyed this story and learning about the life of a storyteller and how they felt at risk by books.
I have read Josephine Garden and enjoyed that book immensely. The Freedom of Birds looks at the same time in history from a different angle. I enjoyed The Freedom of Birds and now want to read 'Into the World' which covers the story of Remi's Mother.
April 25, 2022
3.5 stars
Thank you to @allenandunwin for sending me a copy of this book to review!
Remi and Pascal are orphans who have been raised in the theatre in Paris at the time that Napoleon’s Empire is beginning to fall. Remi wants nothing more than a life on the stage. When his mother suddenly returns, it seems this future will be lost to him, as he and Pascal are forced to leave Paris and become traveling storytellers.
When they meet up with Saskia, a runaway orphan girl who grew up in a circus they form a traveling troupe before finding a safe haven in Venice. However as Napoleon’s Empire continues to crumble, Venice is no longer a safe place for French storytellers.
This is a lovely story about friendship and finding a place to belong. The historical elements were interesting, but the real stand out for me was the friendship between primarily Remi and Pascal, and later Saskia.
Remi was not always the most likeable character, but Pascal was his opposite: loyal, steadfast and the sort of character we all wish was our own friend. This book is quite slow moving, which doesn’t generally bother me, but even I struggled a little in places to keep the momentum going, so I don’t think this book will be for everyone. However if you enjoy a story about friendship and like an historical setting that you don’t often find books set in, this is definitely worth reading! ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thank you to @allenandunwin for sending me a copy of this book to review!
Remi and Pascal are orphans who have been raised in the theatre in Paris at the time that Napoleon’s Empire is beginning to fall. Remi wants nothing more than a life on the stage. When his mother suddenly returns, it seems this future will be lost to him, as he and Pascal are forced to leave Paris and become traveling storytellers.
When they meet up with Saskia, a runaway orphan girl who grew up in a circus they form a traveling troupe before finding a safe haven in Venice. However as Napoleon’s Empire continues to crumble, Venice is no longer a safe place for French storytellers.
This is a lovely story about friendship and finding a place to belong. The historical elements were interesting, but the real stand out for me was the friendship between primarily Remi and Pascal, and later Saskia.
Remi was not always the most likeable character, but Pascal was his opposite: loyal, steadfast and the sort of character we all wish was our own friend. This book is quite slow moving, which doesn’t generally bother me, but even I struggled a little in places to keep the momentum going, so I don’t think this book will be for everyone. However if you enjoy a story about friendship and like an historical setting that you don’t often find books set in, this is definitely worth reading! ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
February 11, 2022
I am a big fan of Stephanie Parkyn's books and this was no exception. I really enjoyed it and will be reading it again as that is the type of book it is.
This is the story of three people, of life on the road, in the theatre, living a fairytale, living the life of performers but also living a life that could at times be treacherous. A story of friendship, relationships and adventure.
This is a magical story with magical characters that kept me enthralled throughout with its descriptiveness, its emotions and vividness. It is all things a good historical novel should be and Stephanie Parkyn is one of the best storytellers of historical fiction.
A fantastic read and a highly recommended book.
The Freedom of Birds
Stephanie Parkyn
Allen & Unwin Australia Pty. Ltd.
This is the story of three people, of life on the road, in the theatre, living a fairytale, living the life of performers but also living a life that could at times be treacherous. A story of friendship, relationships and adventure.
This is a magical story with magical characters that kept me enthralled throughout with its descriptiveness, its emotions and vividness. It is all things a good historical novel should be and Stephanie Parkyn is one of the best storytellers of historical fiction.
A fantastic read and a highly recommended book.
The Freedom of Birds
Stephanie Parkyn
Allen & Unwin Australia Pty. Ltd.
June 15, 2022
A character driven story on the meaning and importance of "home" and "belonging". Based at the time of the Napoleonic wars, the author gives detailed descriptions of people, places and events. Not all characters are who they claim to be.
Two French storytellers and a runaway girl travel through fairytale lands, Italian theatres, and the battlefields of France in search of a place to belong as Napoleon's Empire falls, from the author of Josephine's Garden.
Remi Victoire is the golden child among all the theatre orphans; he dreams of a life on a Paris stage. But when this future is stolen from him, Remi and his faithful friend Pascal turn their backs on Paris forever.
With Saskia, a runaway orphan girl, Remi and Pascal form a performing troupe, travelling through the fairytale lands that are home to the Brothers Grimm, before finding a safe haven in Venice.
As Napoleon's vast Empire crumbles, the French storytellers discover that Paris itself is now at risk of invasion and they fear for the loved ones they have left behind.
From picturesque villages to Italian theatres and on to the battlefields outside of Paris, this is a beautifully told story about the bonds of love and friendship, the importance of stories, and finding a place to belong.
Two French storytellers and a runaway girl travel through fairytale lands, Italian theatres, and the battlefields of France in search of a place to belong as Napoleon's Empire falls, from the author of Josephine's Garden.
Remi Victoire is the golden child among all the theatre orphans; he dreams of a life on a Paris stage. But when this future is stolen from him, Remi and his faithful friend Pascal turn their backs on Paris forever.
With Saskia, a runaway orphan girl, Remi and Pascal form a performing troupe, travelling through the fairytale lands that are home to the Brothers Grimm, before finding a safe haven in Venice.
As Napoleon's vast Empire crumbles, the French storytellers discover that Paris itself is now at risk of invasion and they fear for the loved ones they have left behind.
From picturesque villages to Italian theatres and on to the battlefields outside of Paris, this is a beautifully told story about the bonds of love and friendship, the importance of stories, and finding a place to belong.
December 29, 2021
Set in Napoleonic France between 1807 and 1814, The Freedom of Birds tell the story of three orphans who form a travelling storytelling group to avoid Napoleon’s conscripters as well as their own pasts.
Remi and Pascal were both raised with other orphans in a Paris theatre. While travelling they come across Saskia, a girl who has runaway from the man who abducted her years earlier. Together they form a new family but as the war edges closer and secrets from their past are uncovered, are these bonds enough to keep the trio together?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Parkyn’s writing style. It shows us that sometimes the best families are not those we are born into but those we make for ourselves.
It is great as a stand-alone book but it’s also apparently connected to Parkyn’s two previous book, Into the World and Josephine’s Garden which I own but haven’t yet read. They’ll be on my 2022 reading list for sure and if they are as wonderful as this book then I may have another new favourite author.
Remi and Pascal were both raised with other orphans in a Paris theatre. While travelling they come across Saskia, a girl who has runaway from the man who abducted her years earlier. Together they form a new family but as the war edges closer and secrets from their past are uncovered, are these bonds enough to keep the trio together?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Parkyn’s writing style. It shows us that sometimes the best families are not those we are born into but those we make for ourselves.
It is great as a stand-alone book but it’s also apparently connected to Parkyn’s two previous book, Into the World and Josephine’s Garden which I own but haven’t yet read. They’ll be on my 2022 reading list for sure and if they are as wonderful as this book then I may have another new favourite author.
November 8, 2021
I Love Stephanie’s books and this third story did not disappoint!!
We pick back up the tale of Marie-Louise Girardin and her son Remi, now a strapping teenager!
We start in Paris where Napoleon is sweeping the city for men and boys, willing or not, to replenish his failing armies and to be conscripted would almost certainly end in death on the battlefield!
This exciting novel takes you through the other side of Napoleon’s campaign and the countries he sought to capture and rule.
But this is just the backdrop to a story rich in friendship and struggle, laughter and heartbreak. With some real edge-of-your-seat action thrown in!
I always learn so much of the history of the time while reading Stephanie’s novels, a born storyteller, she would have done well entertaining the masses of that time with her rich story telling and flawed but beautiful and robust characters!!
You won’t be disappointed, 5 stars from me!!
We pick back up the tale of Marie-Louise Girardin and her son Remi, now a strapping teenager!
We start in Paris where Napoleon is sweeping the city for men and boys, willing or not, to replenish his failing armies and to be conscripted would almost certainly end in death on the battlefield!
This exciting novel takes you through the other side of Napoleon’s campaign and the countries he sought to capture and rule.
But this is just the backdrop to a story rich in friendship and struggle, laughter and heartbreak. With some real edge-of-your-seat action thrown in!
I always learn so much of the history of the time while reading Stephanie’s novels, a born storyteller, she would have done well entertaining the masses of that time with her rich story telling and flawed but beautiful and robust characters!!
You won’t be disappointed, 5 stars from me!!
August 6, 2022
Parts of this novel I loved and sped through reading, other times I felt quite bored and the pace was slow and what I was reading seemed Rambo g and repetitive. So overall a 3.5 star read. I loved the three main characters and felt the reader got to know each of them very well. I learnt so much of the history of that time, of which I had limited knowledge. Most of the side characters were well written too and all had individual and unique characteristics. The parts of Europe travelled were also described in such a way the reader felt they were there. But often it just seemed the words went in and on for an unknown reason. Some times scenes seemed duplicated (they weren’t) and chapters seemed too long. But also often it was a fantastic and quick read, all the more disappointing when a ramble occurred again. Saying that I would definitely try another book by this author, she was highly recommended so I’m disappointed I had this feeling when reading.
November 29, 2021
The story starts in Paris during French revolution when Napoleon started sweeping the city for men and boys to replenish his failing armies.
Remi and Pascal are an orphan and loving with Comedie-Italiene, led by Gianni. At 16, both of them were forced into hiding to save them from the conscriptors recruiting men for Napoleon’s army. They then left Comedie-Italiene, and started their journey as wandering story teller. In Prusia, they met Saskia, an orphan girl, who was abducted by a priest from her St Petersburg circus family. These three becomes one performing troupe, travelling to Venice, where Remi and Pascal reunited with Gianni. But, once again they are forced to flee, during the rise of Italian nationalism, and they are back to where they start, Paris.
A story of three strong characters fighting for their own freedom, but also yearning to know of their own origins.
Remi and Pascal are an orphan and loving with Comedie-Italiene, led by Gianni. At 16, both of them were forced into hiding to save them from the conscriptors recruiting men for Napoleon’s army. They then left Comedie-Italiene, and started their journey as wandering story teller. In Prusia, they met Saskia, an orphan girl, who was abducted by a priest from her St Petersburg circus family. These three becomes one performing troupe, travelling to Venice, where Remi and Pascal reunited with Gianni. But, once again they are forced to flee, during the rise of Italian nationalism, and they are back to where they start, Paris.
A story of three strong characters fighting for their own freedom, but also yearning to know of their own origins.
December 1, 2024
Mostly, I enjoyed this. The political landscape and wars happen in the background so not much depth there other than how it affects the main characters, who have their own fictional arcs. However, I enjoyed following them more than I would have thought, and there is still much to mull over with general customs and the culture of the time period. I’m a reader who usually likes to immerse myself in completely fictional worlds so having the chance to get involved in our real world, but within a fictional story, and to be as immersed as I was, was pleasantly surprising.
November 20, 2021
This is a compelling story. Stephanie Parkyn has wonderful characters who you care about despite their flaws. So much beautifully described scenery and action. I'm in awe of the research that must have gone into the book. And although it is a historical novel, she doesn't make it seem primitive or less relevant.
March 24, 2023
Atmospheric writing and vivid characters. My favourite was Saskia, a delicate balance of vulnerability and tenacious strength. I loved being immersed in the world of theatre before being taken to the gutwrenching scenes of battle. The themes of freedom and control, the powerful versus the powerless all were woven cleverly into the narrative.
November 1, 2023
Really enjoyed this, the characters and setting were really interesting. Cool to think of the way stories have been told and collected over the years.
I listened to this as an audiobook which I found a little bit tricky to follow with the different perspectives within the same chapter. I think it would be better read in book form.
I listened to this as an audiobook which I found a little bit tricky to follow with the different perspectives within the same chapter. I think it would be better read in book form.
January 27, 2022
A rattling good read. Set during the Napoleonic wars, it tells of three young orphaned characters, each seeking to know more of their own histories. Curiously, it reminded me of Dickens, both in this respect and of its social commentary.
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