Lisa - (Aussie Girl)’s Comments (group member since Sep 26, 2012)

Lisa - (Aussie Girl)’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Finished . Enjoyed it. Probably quite a bit more than our BOM . Two threads past and present which run parallel and a satisfying ending tying both together. It's on the shelf and s/sheet. 4 stars

Like your ending thoughts, Alysa. You were pretty close with who the mystery enabler was. And I agree, Lyle and his family were great. Bess landed on her feet there.

I've reserved the YA Book of the month f rom our Library but can't volunteer for DQ's because I don't know if I will get it in time.

Stacey (friend)
748 books | 34 friends
see comment historyDQ Day 5: Chapters 19-end

20. Charlotte has a very bad reaction to being returned. Do you think this is normal? Why do you think she reacted so extremely?

I thought it was very odd when Bess took Charlotte and she didn't even seem to care that she was leaving the mother that had raised her for six years. I guess that showed the emotional impact Alexandra's personality had on her. Intergenerational trauma. So she couldn't regulate her emotions or a more typical response to what happened.

21. Do you agree with Alexandra's decision to not pay Ned? Do you think she was right in doing this?

Yes. Ned was a despicable character and Alexandra although using him for her own ends called him out on it. Life was tough in that era yes but to sell out his own sister... enough said.

22. Alexandra seems to be very affected by the events that have happened. She seems less afraid, although maybe more reactive. She also manages to go outside for a short time. Do you think it will last? Will she improve? Why?

Losing Charlotte has seemed to "wake" her up and come to terms with her emotions and face her demons. She has turned a corner as evidenced in her leaving the house to see Dr Mead and making some proactive decisions. She always will be an introverted personality but the ending of the book was more positive for her.

23. The two women come up with an interesting arrangement for Charlotte and came to understand each other better in the end. Do you think that this could have happened if Bess hadn't lied?

Probably not, Alexandra was forced to face what was going on and deal with it. If Bess had been honest Alexandra would probably have thrown her out without any sort of resolution at all.

24. The ending had lots of happy events. Did you like it? Do you think it was realistic?
It all was all resolved for everyone's benefit a little too neatly. I can't believe I didn't realize Ambrosia was the missing link in the whole drama. Makes perfect sense.. now. It was a very readable book but the story won't stay with me so I gave it a 3.5 stars.

I just read it also so I volunteered for . I'll check out for the YA is at my library.

Volunteering for DQ’s for Team Carrot.

DQ Day 4 - Chapters 14-18

15. Knowing how Alexandra's parents died and seeing her state of mind after being surprised by Dr. Mead, Eliza, and Charlotte in masks, has your perception of Alexandra changed in any way?

Trauma was one of the possible explanations for Alexandra's behaviour so it was a ah ha moment. But she also had a very introverted personality. Put the two together and it explains a lot. I feel very sad for what it has done to the relationship between Alexandra and Charlotte.

16. What do you think of Bess running away with Charlotte? Looking at her reasons do you think she is being selfish or doing what is best for Charlotte?

This is a difficult question. Yes, Charlotte had every material thing and comfortable life but emotionally life in that house was not normal. The escape plan is ill conceived and based on Bess' emotional response. It's not looking good.

17. What do you think of Lyle and his willingness to help Bess escape with her daughter? Do you think he will remain in Bess's life?

Lyle was a great character.. it seems like he is going to be the man in Bess' life moving forward.

18. Was anyone surprised by Ned's theft of Eliza's money or subsequent betrayal of Bess? What kind of deal do you think he made for himself in exchange for information about Bess?

I think we all knew Ned was up to something, betrayal by those closest is always a bitter pill to swallow.

19. Charlotte certainly went through a lot in a short time during this section. How well do you think she handled the reality of being on the run with Bess? What do you think her reaction will be to being returned to Alexandra?

One of the saddest things in the book is the lack of a close relationship between Alexandra and Charlotte. I really noticed how Charlotte didn't seem to worry about leaving the woman who she thought was her mother for six years! Alexandra's behaviour really impacted on her daughter and I'm guessing she won't want to go back willingly.

Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "I finished the BOM. . Now that I've finished I can't believe that I didn't work out what happened.. 3.5 stars"

haha
me either

[spoil..."

Yes, even me who enjoys a good HEA thought it all wrapped up conveniently for all. 😁

I finished the BOM. . Now that I've finished I can't believe that I didn't work out what happened.. 3.5 stars

Judith wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Y'all I read ahead through 14 and [spoilers removed]"

I think 'giving someone the whalebone' should become a new euphemism."

Hee Hee Judith. I like it.

Okay, now I'm really dating myself. My favourite childhood shows were Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. And who doesn't love Gilligan's Island.

DQ Day 3: Ch. 11-13

11. Do you think the author has been able to give Bess and Alexandra individual voices? Do you like books with multiple points of view?

I was really surprised when the POV switched to Alexandra. It works really well to get both sides of the stories and both women's background story from their own POV. Generally I really enjoy switching POV's although it can be problematic with a large cast of characters and can break the continuity of the story.

12. What do you think ‘Eliza’ and Agnes were talking about in the kitchen? Do you think either Agnes or Maria know that Charlotte came from the Foundling home?

I've read a bit past Chapter 13.. so (view spoiler)[ was Agnes gossiping about Alexandra and how Charlotte wasn't her biological child? (hide spoiler)]

13. I think that Alexandra will get much worse re her fears of the outside after the mask prank. Do you think her thoughts about ‘Eliza’ will suffer because of it?

I was really glad to get an understanding of Alexandra's mental health issues and that trauma was perhaps the start of it. It gave me empathy into her character but it definitely impacted Charlotte and what has happened further on in the story.

14. Do you believe that Dr Mead was telling the truth about not knowing about what happened to Alexandra’s parents? Why has he lied about who ‘Eliza’ is?

Not sure if he has ulterior motives or lives in his own world and really didn't know. I'm leaning towards the latter.

Jessica wrote: "On an extra note, I don't trust this Dr. Mead fellow. Why is he playing both sides of this field. He's got some motive going on here! I can feel it"

Yep, definitely agree Jessica. He's got something going on, not necessarily good.

DQ Day 2: Ch. 6-10

6. Were you surprised to find out Daniel had a wife? I personally was super surprised as I originally believed him when he said he was single. What do you think of the way Daniel died?

I wasn't surprised because really neither Bess or the reader knew all that much about Daniel. Anything was possible.

7. How do you think Alexandra Callard knew about Bess and her daughter?

It had to have something to do with the younger Dr Mead, he seems to have put them together so there is some mystery there. I still Bess's brother may have been involved.

8. What do you think of the way Alexandra and Charlotte live? Do you think Alexandra keeps Charlotte home to stop her from being recognized or because she is truly scared of the real world?

I'm thinking that Alexandra is on the autism spectrum. Or neuro diverse in some way. Could also be from some childhood trauma. Definitely mental health issues there.

9. "Eliza" has been fired on her first day. What do you think of Alexandra's reasoning for firing her? Do you think part of Alexandra knows that she is Charlotte's real mom?

Not sure about this one, whether she knows or her insecurities and mental health is affecting her decision.

10. Do you think Bess will find a way to still see her daughter? How?

No doubt about this.. but I think maybe Charlotte will plead with Alexandra for her to stay. So she won't have to go at this time.

Alysa wrote: "Jessi wrote: "Finished Interview with the Vampire.

I'm thinking Anne Rice just isn't for me. This is my second book by her and I didn't really enjoy this one at all."

Ah see, your mi..."

Ah yes, Alysa. Your comment made me smile. I was 14 when I read Interview with a Vampire. It sent me down the paranormal path. And I love The Witching Hour book although the series went in a strange direction for me. I've tried to read a couple of the latest Anne Rice books and struggled big time. I thinks she's lost her mojo somehow.

Jessi wrote: "Tina ❣ wrote: "@ Lisa - Do you have a link for the page count for Redemption? I've had a look online and can't find one for a kindle version. If not that's okay"

Looks like Amazon ..."

Yes, that's where I got the page count from.

s://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Brazen-Bull...

Yes, when reading these historical fiction books it's interesting (and horrifying sometimes) to see what was considered normal practice for the times. In some things society has debated, pondered and legislated for improvement but we still have a ways to go in other things. And where you live in the world also has huge bearing on a person's health and human rights unfortunately.

DQ Day 1 - Chapters 1-5

1. How are you liking the writing style ? Are you enjoying the story so far?

I haven't read Stacey Halls' other book but this one is exactly the kind of historical fiction I like. Easy reading and I really like the time period especially set in London. Great reading about places I have visited. Characters are engaging as well especially Bess and Keziah and her family. Strong female friendship is always a bonus.

2. After reading that opening scene, what do you think of the practice of the Hospital taking babies based on a lottery (the coloured balls in the bag) ?

In any time period this is horrible but even more so by our 21st standards. The number of babies that would have died or been mistreated in 18th century England would be high. One way of looking at it is that being accepted here which seems a lot better run than other orphanages might be fortunate for some.

3. At some point Bess says that "knowing she [Clara] could be anywhere instead of nowhere at all was torture even more exquisite." Implying that not knowing where her child is is worse than knowing she's dead. What's your opinion ? Or would you rather not know ?

Can't answer this question, both scenarios seem beyond awful. Thankfully have no personal experience but I have read people's accounts when their children are missing presumed dead that at least in knowing they can let them rest in peace. Just tragic.. shudders...

4. What do you make of the child's father, Daniel Callard ? Everyone keeps asking Bess if he's really dead. Do you suspect there's more to Daniel than we've been told so far ?

Mmmm, definitely seems that way... a mystery to be explored for sure..

5. Time for your theories ! Who do you think claimed Clara on the 28th of November 1747, the day after Bess gave up her baby ?

I'm guessing Daniel is more than a merchant (aristocrat or royalty) and his family has claimed the baby... or outside chance the brother Ned had something to do with it..

I finished my first book also. It must be the day for strange reads. . Nothing like I expected, just didn't get it at all.

Audrey Jane wrote: "Thank you, Sophie ! Really enjoyed this individual challenge (definitely a keeper)."

Oh yes.. let's do it again some time.