A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, #1) in Aussie Readers

Jan 30, 2010 Amanda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is one of those series that you want to read forever but never seem to get around to, so it was about time that I finally checked one off the forever growing list. A Great and Terrible Beauty was a great read that mostly lived up to the hype. The beginning was really exciting and interesting. Then it pulled back a bit and immersed the reader in what life was like in the late 1800's. While this was interesting, it leaned on the over-descriptive side so I put the book down for a couple days. This is one of those series that you want to read forever but never seem to get around to, so it was about time that I finally checked one off the forever growing list. A Great and Terrible Beauty was a great read that mostly lived up to the hype. The beginning was really exciting and interesting. Then it pulled back a bit and immersed the reader in what life was like in the late 1800's. While this was interesting, it leaned on the over-descriptive side so I put the book down for a couple days. When I picked it up again this morning, I finished off the last 200+ pages easily.

Gemma leads a rather interesting life in India but wants the life of a normal girl in England. She acts like any teenager would and subsequently has to learn from her mistakes, though once her mother dies there is no going back. While this takes place over 100 years ago, the interactions between the girls are so similar to the way things are today, from wearing the right clothes to acting a certain way so that others will accept you. And as with any normal person, each has a secret that they wish to hide from those they feel they can't trust. Gemma's been dealt her fair share of blows already when she discovers bit-by-bit, that things may be even worse than they seem. Spirits and a magic of sorts become prevalent in her life.

Libba's writing style is solid and fluid, creating a mysterious world, similar and yet different to our own. The one thing that should have been worked on more is connecting the reader to the characters. While I felt for them, no strong emotions were brought forward in their misfortune. I seemed to always feel like I was looking in on their lives, not apart of it. Other than that though, this series is shaping up to become extremely interesting as a lot has been hinted at just enough to have me wondering but unsure of what is going to become of Gemma and her friends. Also what will become of Gemma and Kartick, the boy who follows her everywhere and seems to know more than he lets on. Love me some romantic tension!

Cover: I'm a fan of the original. The girl on here just looks kind of...dirty.

Gemma Doyle Trilogy

1. A Great and Terrible Beauty
2. Rebel Angels
3. The Sweet Far Thing ...more

Like · see review

Jul 09, 2011 snapp rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-fiction, period-drama, fantasy, magic, read-2011

Good read for teenage girls. It has enough mystery, magic and a bit of forbidden romance to keep people reading. The group of girls is also diverse enough that most will relate in some way. Really though it all seems to be about acceptance be that socially or personally and deciding which path to take. The whole otherworldly elements give the story a darker edge but isn't too scary for those that are easily frightened. ...more

Like · see review