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Kate Quinn
Oh, goodness, move on! Life is too short to finish books you aren't enjoying. :)
Jackie Robinson
I would follow Kate Quinn to the ends of the earth and would gladly read her shopping lists. That being said, I wasn’t as enthralled with her book “The Huntress” as I had been with “The Alice Network” so I was wary of “The Rose Code”.
Let’s just say that I spent a weekend frantically reading it and texting my sister-in-law who was reading it at the same time. While I found some elements of the decoding hard to imagine, I found this book to be riveting in its history, mysterious and lovely. Each to their own for personal taste, but this book had badass women, royalty and so much more. The dual storylines were super interesting and the vast array of characters were wonderful.
There were times I genuinely thought I would cry, and I laughed nearly every time Osla spoke. Kate Quinn is the real deal and it’s definitely worth the effort of finishing.
Let’s just say that I spent a weekend frantically reading it and texting my sister-in-law who was reading it at the same time. While I found some elements of the decoding hard to imagine, I found this book to be riveting in its history, mysterious and lovely. Each to their own for personal taste, but this book had badass women, royalty and so much more. The dual storylines were super interesting and the vast array of characters were wonderful.
There were times I genuinely thought I would cry, and I laughed nearly every time Osla spoke. Kate Quinn is the real deal and it’s definitely worth the effort of finishing.
Sharon Ruda
I recently stayed up until after midnight just to finish Rose Code. Then I sent messages to about 20 friends who are in numerous book groups across the country, telling them to get the book and start reading. It is one of the best books I have read. My husband, who does not normally read fiction, read it first and then suggested it to me. Love, hate, war, a royal wedding, a real prince charming, smart and independent women, great description, sense of place. Can't ask for more than that.
Linda Lassman
If you have no interest in Bletchley Park and the work done there during WWII, then this may not be the book for you. The code breaking and the analysis performed on the broken codes is discussed in great detail and for anyone not interested in the subject, this book is just not for them. There's nothing wrong with that. I personally have been fascinated with Bletchley Park and the people--particularly the women--who worked there for years, so I found this book to be fascinating. I did find the jumping back and forth between 1940 and 1947 a little confusing at first, and annoying, if I'm honest, but it didn't take long for me to caught caught up in Mab, Osla, and Beth and both their stories and the stories of their families and the others at Bletchley Park. I particularly liked that actual people "played themselves" in Quinn's book and that the main characters who were fictional were based on real people.
Kati Scott
I'm so sad you don't love it. I couldn't put it down and loved it so much!
Natalie Brown
I was also limping through the first part of the book, although since I started reading this at the time of Prince Phillip’s death the intersection of timing kept me coming back. At about page 180 I picked up speed, which coincided with a blustery & gray spring Saturday when I had the house to myself. Ended the day around p. 500 and finished the next morning. Very enjoyable romp through the secretive, behind the scenes work of WWII intelligence workers and the dedication and sacrifices required to gain the advantage over the Nazis. An inspiring representation of young women answering the call to serve and of their determination to not be undermined by demeaning cultural norms. Although I guessed accurately where it was headed in the end I don’t hold it against the story because we really do want to cheer the heroines on to the finish. So I recommend readers give the book the time and space it needs to blossom, just as you would give water to a rose in a vase, the story will unfold with fullness of bloom, scent, and colors that will not disappoint.
Sherrie74
Sorry you didn't like this book. I finished it in 48 hours. Wonder if it is the genre that didn't peak your interest or not of the age to appreciate the period of time .... just guessing!! But agree with many ...... after 75-100 pages and you are not interested ..... go on to another book. There are too many out there that will catch you for sure.
Andi
If its not for you.... move on. Me, I read it in 3 days and wsnted more!
Gitika Agrawal Goila
By far my favourite book of this year. But then to each his own.
Jackie C
I DNF at 30%. I love Kate Quinn books, but not this one. It just dragged and dragged. None of the characters captured me. Maybe it got better after 200 pages, but it was taking to long to get into anything "meaty".
Joan
I took quite a while to get into the book and then boom I loved it.
Kajoli Tankha
My favorite book of this year. That being said, life is too short to finish a book that u don't enjoy.
Steph
I understand what you mean, but I encourage you to stick with it. The ending does wrap up nicely with a surprising Epilogue.
Lisa Palumbo
I found this book to be confusing and boring. I'm over half way through and I've been reading for 2 weeks when it usually takes me 2-3 days to finish a book that I love. I also found the opening scene of the book with the man on the bus unnecessary to include and disturbing. I was very excited for the release of this book but I'm now very disappointed. I will stop reading.
Katharine Pelican
For me, it slowed down around page 200 and stayed slow until page 500. If it’s already dragging for you, I’d say ditch it.
Rae Marie
I found it long as well and set it aside as I had another book from the library due back and I was able to renew. I am glad I stuck with it but there were moments I just wish she would move on with the story.
Emily
Gah - I came here for this same answer. It is DRAGGING for me. I'm not really seeing any character development. Just super slow moving and I feel like entire chunks could have been left out.
Christine Donoghue
I loved this book, but I have a strategy when I get into a slow spot on a book, I skip a chapter or two, and see if I can get back into it. Then I go back and read those chapters at some point when I know I have missed something. I know it is a weird strategy but it works for me! I hope you finish the book because I loved it!
Dee
I agree with the author - but would add that my experience with this book was exactly the opposite! I devoured all 600+ pages in three days - could not put it down! And I'm recommending it to all of my "reading" friends as well. But we all have different tastes, so don't feel guilty if you don't like it!
Kate
I skipped numerous pages. I think I would have loved this book if it had not been so drawn out. The descriptions of events and relationships and the characters inner machinations could have been accomplished in fewer words and I think made the pace of the read more exciting.
Robin
Some parts were too dark for me and unnecessary
Finished it but not my favorite. The parts about the actual code breaking I enjoyed immensely
Finished it but not my favorite. The parts about the actual code breaking I enjoyed immensely
Nancy
Bail. I wish I had.
Julie Maldonado
I'm on page 268 and wondering the same thing. I keep waiting for the book to pick up and now feel committed to finish since I'm already halfway in.
Linda Still
You'll be sorry if you don't finish. Don't let the descriptions of the machines and what they do put you off, just skim over that.
Alfred G Jacques
While The Rose Code is not as action packed as The Alice Network or The Huntress, keep with it. Ms. Quinn does a superb job tying all the threads together in an outstanding climax. Not only do we have a well-researched background for three heroines at Bletchley Park, there is outstanding characterization throughout. I found the decoding fascinating and the cameos of some very famous people sprinkled judiciously and not distracting. Your heart will break and your heart will leap for joy. This is a romance (times three), as well as an important historical novel.
Carolyn Rowker
This book definitely is slow at the beginning, but it picks up and is well worth reading!
Shannon
It's gets soo good at the end - definitely worth continuing!
Diane
I really loved The Rose Code, loved everything about it. So much so that I have since read The Huntress, loved it, and am now reading The Alice Network. There is so much in Kate's books...spies, secret agents, codebreakers and, unfortunately, a lot of very damaged people. I really look forward to reading more of Kate's books. But then, if these books don't suit you, move on to something else. I love a book that totally engages my mind. These books do that for me but it isn't for everyone.
Lauren Gerard
I had a hard time in the beginning but then I had a hard time putting it down!
Benita Borrowman
Loved this book, it picks up a lot and I enjoyed it. She is so good at building up the story more and more as you go. Dont stop if you are interested at all. Point of interest that Prince Phillip passed away today as our book club is reading it.
Dont worry to much if you dont understand the code stuff, as you'll know more by the end.
Dont worry to much if you dont understand the code stuff, as you'll know more by the end.
Smash
Skip to chapter 68!
Context
To be honest, I was losing interest during the first 100 or so pages. But I persevered and what a reward I reaped.
I am a slow reader mainly because my professional life involved a lot of writing; speeches, white papers, annual reports, etc. So, I examine and often reread particularly well-crafted sentences, word choices, transitions, analogies, and the like. That said, I read this 853 page (the large print version because I'm old) book in about five days. In other words, once the scene was set I couldn't put the damn thing down.
This book is what the joy of reading and savoring a writer's craft is all about. I was invested in the characters, their fullness, uniqueness, and their unerring relevance; 853 pages and not a wasted word printed. It is a novel I may reread and I rarely entertain that idea.
I am a slow reader mainly because my professional life involved a lot of writing; speeches, white papers, annual reports, etc. So, I examine and often reread particularly well-crafted sentences, word choices, transitions, analogies, and the like. That said, I read this 853 page (the large print version because I'm old) book in about five days. In other words, once the scene was set I couldn't put the damn thing down.
This book is what the joy of reading and savoring a writer's craft is all about. I was invested in the characters, their fullness, uniqueness, and their unerring relevance; 853 pages and not a wasted word printed. It is a novel I may reread and I rarely entertain that idea.
Jill
I felt much the same but was very glad I persevered! The ending was well worth it.
Ruthpearson
It does pick up and is rather exciting halfway through. I read the entire book in 5 days. I admit it is a big book, over 6oo pages and the author's notes are very interesting as well. Since this book is historical fiction , there are pictures and explanations of how it all happened.
Doris Brogan
I found the Blechley story very interesting so I didn't think the book was slow at all. I thought the way the story unfolded was well done. The paranoia of the military and MI-5 was realistic and the events that caused the breakdown of the friendship between the three women was tragic. If you choose not to finish The Rose Codeyou'll miss one of the bet books I've read this year.
Jennifer K
This is one of my favorite books! I just finished it this morning after plowing through it for three days. Thank you Kate Quinn for a wonderful story, memorable characters and all the feels.
Ana Paula
Emily, I have the same feeling!!! I've been trying to read this book for weeks now and can't move on... After reading the comments I am assuming that this is just not for me, which is too bad since I've read great comments and recommendations about it.
Phyllis
I adored this book and have read it a number of times. I never found it to drag, but the sections "inside the clock" were almost physically painful. My first read through I read them to get the information that was needed and was always thankful they were short. After that I skipped them. I enjoyed the character growth of both Beth and Mab. If you continue be aware that Kate Quinn did not pull any punches and there are places you heart will heart. There are also places where you inner reader will sing with joy.
Sandra
I listened to the book and read parts as well. I've done that with a few books, listened and read. I liked it. Such a way of life.
Anne Haack
Stop! Just read the author’s note at the end.
Diane Laughlin
Please keep reading. At first I thought the 3 main characters were just silly, but as their work as codebreakers progressed, I became totally engrossed in the story.
Anne Slater
We are so different: I was absolutely rivetted.
I agree with Ms Quinn-- find somethin different if it has taken you so long to read 1/3 of the book
I agree with Ms Quinn-- find somethin different if it has taken you so long to read 1/3 of the book
Darshna Dave
I'm in the same situation. The book is dragging. There are parts that seem so long and unrelated to Bletchley Park. Agree author is doing character development but enough is enough. We don't need to know their daily lives. And, further the Audible narrator has the most nagging, disappointed and scared tone. All characters sound the same in her voice. They all sound quivering and crying. At times there is no reference to who said what. So, on audibles with a narrator that has the same tone for all 3 women it is hard to tell who is saying what to whom. Cannot wait finish another 5+ hours
Lois Winters
Read on, it is well worth it.
Wendy Hayes
I loved this book even though the beginning was a little slow. But that being said, I was young adult librarian for many years and I always told the kids that if the book didn't grab them after chapter one, put it down. Never force yourself to read something! My opinion.
Erika
Keep going! Once you get there, you'll know. And you won't be able to put it down.
Debrah Roemisch
I can't imagine thinking this books is slow--though it does get even more exciting towards the latter part. I could not put it down to sleep!
Libby
I couldn't put it down. Type of book I will need to re-read because I was flying through it at the end. Couldn't wait to find out how it ends but didn't want it to end.
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