Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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The Firebird
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Kearsley Susanna - The Firebird- Start Date December 2, 2013 (December 2013 Adult Anything Goes)
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Date Chapters Pages DQ's
Dec 2nd 01-06 003-62 Karen
Dec 3rd 07-11 063-125 Karen
Dec 4th 12-17 124-186 Karen
Dec 5th 18-22 187-253 Karen
Dec 6th 23-28 254-316 Karen
Dec 7th 29-34 317-385 Karen
Dec 8th 35-40 386-454 Karen
Dec 9th 41-End 455-526 Karen
This sounds so cool! Definitely in!
Y'all are going to love this book!! (sorry, couldn't resist!!)
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This one does intrigue me
I have the (audio)book. I will try to join in.
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If you'd like to volunteer for a day(s) discussion questions, please let us know!
This was my favotite book that I read this year! ...and if you didn't read The Winter Sea you're in for a treat♡
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From wikipedia
In Slavic folklore, the Firebird is a magical glowing bird from a faraway land, which is both a blessing and a bringer of doom to its captor.
The Firebird is described as a large bird with majestic plumage that glows brightly emitting red, orange, and yellow light, like a bonfire that is just past the turbulent flame. The feathers do not cease glowing if removed, and one feather can light a large room if not concealed. In later iconography, the form of the Firebird is usually that of a smallish fire-colored peacock, complete with a crest on its head and tail feathers with glowing "eyes".
The story of the Firebird inspired many literary works, including "The Little Humpback Horse" by Pyotr Yershov. The most famous production of the Firebird was by Sergei Diaghilev of Ballet Russe who commissioned composer Igor Stravinsky to create the enormously popular large-scale ballet score known as The Firebird.
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Chapters 1-6
1. Initial impressions of the book? Do you like the writing style?
2. Have you read The Winter Sea(Sophia's Secret in the UK)? This is the "sort of" sequel or companion book which the author describes as:
"I didn’t want to write a straight sequel to The Winter Sea. The problem with a sequel is that readers usually have to read the first book first, and I didn’t want to place that demand on a reader. I wanted to create a companion book instead—one that could stand completely on its own, so if a reader never read The Winter Sea, it wouldn’t really matter." (full interview is here)
3.Thoughts on Nicola and Rob? She clearly doesn't like to acknowledge her abilities whereas Rob is quite open about his. I wonder if that was a major reason for their break up?
4.Sebastian wants Nicola to go to St Petersburg to buy a Surikov. Are you familiar with art? Here are some examples I found images of:
Bronze horseman by Vasily Ivanovich Surikov in front of Saint Isaac's Cathedral in Saint Petersburg
Morning of Execution of Streltsy 1881
Laughing Girl 1890
Stenka Razin Sailing in the Caspian Sea 1906
5. The meeting with Margaret Ross kicks off the mystery/adventure in the book. Do you understand Nicola's compulsion to help her? What would you do?
6. The reading of the accents in Eyemouth I found a bit tough! I always struggle with Scottish accents, how about you? According to wikipedia;
"Eyemouth is a small town and civil parish in Berwickshire, in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It is 2 miles east of the main north-south A1 road and just 8 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. It has a population of about 3,420 people.
7. Thoughts on Rob's parents and their hospitality? How about the Sentinel ghost?
Well I hope I like this - high ratings and great reviews and now I just purchased the Amazon ebook - I am committed now.
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Chapters 1-61. My initial impression of the book is it is easy enough to read - the story is moving along easily - but nothing too exciting so far but a lot is set up to keep you wanting to read on to find out more. There seems a definite set up for some romance and sexual tension. And the idea of the psychic stuff is intriguing enough - but have to wait and see how that develops - hopefully into something exciting.
2. I have not read The Winter Sea, but if I like this one I will try more of Kearsley's books starting with The Winter Sea.
3. Yes - we will definitely have to find out more about Nicola and Rob's relationship. I think Nicola is not as comfortable with her gift/curse because of what may have happened to her grandfather and she was taught that it was something to be kept secret and hidden where as Rob probably had support by his parents and was able to share with his father and it was a gift that was nurtured.
4. I took Art History in college - loved the class - but am no expert.
5. I think Nicola is being a good samaritan. I would want to help.
6. Well I could make out enough what was being said - not too bad compared to some things/accents I have read.
7.The ghost is cool. The parents are cool too.
Susanna Kearsley is definitely a slow build kind of author. She almost lulls you into falling in love with stories. I love her prose style. But I do find that I have to have patience.While it helps slightly to have read Winter Sea, it is not necessary. There is some background that it would help with slightly. And you get to know more about the Sentinel ghost.
Comments and QuestionsChapters 1-6
1. Initial impressions of the book? Do you like the writing style? I like it, the writing style suits me, it was easy enough for me to find into the story and I am eager to continue ... That's a good sign :)
2. Have you read The Winter Sea(Sophia's Secret in the UK)? This is the "sort of" sequel or companion book which the author describes as:
"I didn’t want to write a straight sequel to The Winter Sea. The problem with a sequel is that readers usually have to read the first book first, and I didn’t want to place that demand on a reader. I wanted to create a companion book instead—one that could stand completely on its own, so if a reader never read The Winter Sea, it wouldn’t really matter." (full interview is here)
Nope. When I already had gotten the book from the library the nice lady told me thats the sequel and my mouth dropped open. Then I was rushing home and saw that it really was marked as #2 but thankfully google found me the article where it says the same as above that you don't have to read Winter sea before. Huh! Save. I put it on my TBR though.
3.Thoughts on Nicola and Rob? She clearly doesn't like to acknowledge her abilities whereas Rob is quite open about his. I wonder if that was a major reason for their break up?
I think of them both as likeable characters. When I think back of that paragraph with her grandfather, even that he might have been tortured for his skill, he might think now that it's a curse and therefore wants her hiding it. I can relate to the feeling, nobody wants to be different as in standing out, being stared at, poked at or worse being kidnapped, brought in some hideous labratory to have opened one's head to look what's inside. getting a bit side tracked ...
I don't know if they were a good match in terms of romance. But I think their break up was because of their abilities.
4.Sebastian wants Nicola to go to St Petersburg to buy a Surikov. Are you familiar with art? I had an art class in college but I've never heard of Surikov. His art seems somewhat depressing. I like Monet, with his flowers gardens for example. :)
5. The meeting with Margaret Ross kicks off the mystery/adventure in the book. Do you understand Nicola's compulsion to help her? What would you do?
I like that she took care of her aunts and mother until their death. The people who are in the nursing/caring for elderly have my admiration. I could not do it.
I pity her (but pity is maybe the wrong word, I think its sad that she did not have a lot of an own life) although we do not yet know enough about her. That scene in the office where "the guy"/her boss, I already forgot the name told her off.
It kind of reminds me of some tv shows where people come and art experts estimate the value of the items that have been in the family since generations. It's hilarous to see when the ugliest pot is worth a lot and sad when the more or less nice art piece is worth nothing.
I would definitely want to help her.
6. The reading of the accents in Eyemouth I found a bit tough! I always struggle with Scottish accents, how about you? According to wikipedia;
"Eyemouth is a small town and civil parish in Berwickshire, in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It is 2 miles east of the main north-south A1 road and just 8 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. It has a population of about 3,420 people. My copy is not in English so that question was lost on me.
7. Thoughts on Rob's parents and their hospitality? How about the Sentinel ghost? I think that was very nice that she was welcomed at once. Ghosts are cool.
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1. I feel similarly. It is an easy read, but quite slowly paced
3. Agreed. I think I prefer Rob's attitude, but it can't be easy for people to accept his 'gift'
7. yes :)
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@Leslie
The pace is very slow, but I'm not bored. I like your description of lulling you in :) I would like to know more about the Sentinal, so I guess if I enjoy this book I will go ahead and read The Winter Sea.
I respect her decision to not have a 'sequel', but a companion book. I detest series books where the author just seems to be cashing in, so this is a refreshing change
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@Christine
1. :)
2. haha. I did the same when this got voted as BOM because I knew I wouldn't have time to read "book 1", so I was very glad to see it wasn't really a sequel. I think GR's librarians have it wrong by marking it on this site that way
3. Yes I think her grandfather had some terrible experiences. My imagination didn't go as far down the path as yours - sounds like you have read alot of dystopia...lol ;)
4. It is very "real life" rather than "pretty" that's for sure!
5. yes it is sad. I really respect people that make decisions to be so selfless
6. oh interesting. I wonder if they just translate it straight from "usual" English then. Basically every time a Scottish person speaks in the book they use words that aren't used in other English speaking countries, or shorten words uniquely. I find it hurts my head a little reading it lol
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Chapters 7-11
8. I really like Rob! What a shame that Nicola got 'cold feet' and stopped seeing him. Do you smell a love story on the horizon? ;)
9. Urgh! Foiled in their plans to revisit the carving. The descriptions of Cruden Bay and Slains Castle really transported me there. What did you think?
Slains Castle
10. Rob has quite the gift. Do you like how this gives the reader an almost first-hand account of Anna's life? Will they discover more than just the origin of the Firebird on their journey?
11. Did you like how Colonel Graeme introduced himself to Anna and speaks to her as an adult?
I started late last night and got through chapter 4, so I'll come back later today to post my responses once I get through the rest of the section.So far, it reminds me in tone of a cross between A Discovery of Witches and Outlander.
If anyone wants to read more of Susanna Kearsley I highly recommend
and also
(This is actually the book that has the Sentinel in it. I got them confused!)
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Logan - I agree with that discovery of witches feel but without the endless descriptions! I haven't read Outlander, but I was at times reminded of The DaVinci Code
I'm little behind with my reading, I managed to read only the first section to chapter 7 yesterday, but so far I really like the story, it is intriguing and I love Rob as well, Karen, I really hope there is going to be something more again between him and Nicola. I love the Slavic, Russian climate in the story (and the trip to St. Petersburg ahead is really fascinating). I'm waiting impatiently to be able to come back to reading. The book has made me curious :)
Chapters 1-61. Do you like the writing style? Yes I love it. I'm really into it already which is great.
2. Have you read The Winter Sea, the sort-of prequel? No, not read but just bought it on kindle so will read it after this one
3. Thoughts on Nicola and Rob....there's got to be more to the break up than just her getting scared. They have such a strong bond. I think it's more than just that they share a psychological gift, there is obviously some real chemistry and it doesn't seem to have gone away.
4. The Surikov paintings....I didn't know him before, thanks for the examples. Bit bleak for my taste!
5. Margaret Ross - what would you do? I think if I had that sort of gift I would do exactly the same. She knows that the wooden statue is old and probably genuine and as she is going to Russia anyway it would make sense for her to look into it. The poor woman deserves a break I reckon, after having looked after all those sick people.
6. The accents in Eyemouth....it's weird to say I didn't even notice any until you mentioned it.
7. Rob's parents and the Sentinel Ghost...his parents were so friendly. It was weird that his dad has the same gift. It is odd that he suddenly started talking to a ghost and I have to admit I didn't expect him to be able to do that as well.
I will try to find time to read it! So many books so little time :)
@Karen - I can see the DaVinci Code too!Comments and Questions
Chapters 1-6
1. Initial impressions of the book? Do you like the writing style?
I am totally drawn in. I may end up buying this one after I'm done with my library copy! I like the psychic element and the glimpses into their shared past, and the mystery has me hooked.
2. Have you read The Winter Sea(Sophia's Secret in the UK)? This is the "sort of" sequel or companion book.
I haven't, though it's been on my TBR for ages. The Jacobite stuff appeals to the Outlander lover in me. :)
3. Thoughts on Nicola and Rob? She clearly doesn't like to acknowledge her abilities whereas Rob is quite open about his. I wonder if that was a major reason for their break up?
I like the struggle she feels, which is what reminds me of Diana in A Discovery of Witches. I love Rob and hope she can figure out how to be with him again.
4. Sebastian wants Nicola to go to St Petersburg to buy a Surikov. Are you familiar with art?
I wish I'd taken an art history class. I always wanted to know more about art. This was the first I'd heard of Surikov, but those paintings are stunning.
5. The meeting with Margaret Ross kicks off the mystery/adventure in the book. Do you understand Nicola's compulsion to help her? What would you do?
I think my curiosity would drive me more than pity, but I do feel awful for Margaret. I want her to have her trip!
6. The reading of the accents in Eyemouth I found a bit tough! I always struggle with Scottish accents, how about you?
It doesn't bother me too much, but when it's really thick it can get hard to understand. It does help me picture their location better though.
7. Thoughts on Rob's parents and their hospitality? How about the Sentinel ghost?
Is it just me or are his parents too good to be true?!
Comments and QuestionsChapters 7-11
8. I really like Rob! What a shame that Nicola got 'cold feet' and stopped seeing him. Do you smell a love story on the horizon? ;)
Yes! And I want them together forever!!!
9. Urgh! Foiled in their plans to revisit the carving. The descriptions of Cruden Bay and Slains Castle really transported me there. What did you think?
I agree! The descriptions were so amazing and detailed without being boring.
10. Rob has quite the gift. Do you like how this gives the reader an almost first-hand account of Anna's life? Will they discover more than just the origin of the Firebird on their journey?
It's a neat little device to allow us to watch the story unfold. So far I'm enjoying it. I'm wondering what kinds of secrets they'll dig up along the way!
11. Did you like how Colonel Graeme introduced himself to Anna and speaks to her as an adult?
I love when adults treat children like adults. His love for her is so true and honest. She was a lucky girl to have so many people care about her.
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Yes the location is great. St Petersburg is probably my favourite city from those I have visited in Europe
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@Clare
2. There may be a few of us reading the Winter Sea after this!
3. yes I think they have a nice bond
4. bleak is a great descriptor!!
5. she seems lovely and selfless
6. lol!
7. Rob's gifts seem pretty amazing thats for sure
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@Lady A
Hope you can join us :)
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@Logan
Although I think I prefer this to the DaVinci Code so far :)
2. I must read Outlander...I must read Outlander...I must read Outlander... it is just the length that intimidates me!!
3. I will be so disappointed if they are not together by the end. I'm not much of a romantic, but I really want them together!
5. I hope she gets that cruise too ;)
7. oh i hope not. I want them to be the real deal!
8. lol!!
9. Harkness can take a leaf out of her book I think
11. absolutely
1. Initial impressions of the book? Do you like the writing style?I really like the writing style. I also find here some echoes of The Discovery of Witches and Outlanders, but also The Historian by E. Kostova. I love these kinds of books, so this seems to be an ideal choice for me.
2. Have you read The Winter Sea(Sophia's Secret in the UK)? This is the "sort of" sequel or companion book which the author describes as:
"I didn’t want to write a straight sequel to The Winter Sea. The problem with a sequel is that readers usually have to read the first book first, and I didn’t want to place that demand on a reader. I wanted to create a companion book instead—one that could stand completely on its own, so if a reader never read The Winter Sea, it wouldn’t really matter." (full interview is here)
I haven't read The Winter Sea, but if The Firebird isn't disappointing in any way, I will definitely try this as well.
3.Thoughts on Nicola and Rob? She clearly doesn't like to acknowledge her abilities whereas Rob is quite open about his. I wonder if that was a major reason for their break up?
I'm afraid it was the main reason, but I really hope that Nicola due to this quest will start to accept her gift and thus she and Rob will have a future. They seem to be a couple bound by strong emotions.
4.Sebastian wants Nicola to go to St Petersburg to buy a Surikov. Are you familiar with art? Here are some examples I found images of:
I love the pictures you chose, Karen. I'm not very well aquinted with Russian art, but I really appreciate the atmosphere of these paintings. I'm looking forward to learn more through this book.
5. The meeting with Margaret Ross kicks off the mystery/adventure in the book. Do you understand Nicola's compulsion to help her? What would you do?
I think it was a very compassionate reaction. I hope I would feel similar need to help in any way, especially that Nicola has some means and opportunity to help!
6. The reading of the accents in Eyemouth I found a bit tough! I always struggle with Scottish accents, how about you? According to wikipedia;
"Eyemouth is a small town and civil parish in Berwickshire, in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It is 2 miles east of the main north-south A1 road and just 8 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. It has a population of about 3,420 people.
I'm also struggling with this accent, but I love it anyway. One of my travelling dreams is to go to Scotland and hear the accent with my own ears :). Reading this book seems to be a good practice LOL.
7. Thoughts on Rob's parents and their hospitality? How about the Sentinel ghost?
I really liked the visit in Rob's house. His parents are very hospitable, warm, loving people. I think that Nicola needs such safe environment to come to accept her gift. I wonder whether the Sentinel ghost will play any bigger role in the story.
Mod
Chapters 12-17
12. Rob is tutoring Nicola as they go on using her gift. I can't imagine being with someone who could read my thoughts. It would be very disconcerting!
13. Captain Jamieson becomes a lovely friend to Anna. Do you like their interactions? Will she be reunited with her mother?
14. The visions Rob and Nicola are receiving are extremely vivid and it seems to be tiring Rob. I wonder how using their gifts affect them?
15. Are you familiar with the history and period the book is exploring? Are you enjoying the historical aspect?
8. I really like Rob! What a shame that Nicola got 'cold feet' and stopped seeing him. Do you smell a love story on the horizon? ;)I really hope that this journey and quest will allow Nicola to accept her gift and thus fell for Rob without fear again. I keep my fingers crossed for them. Rob seems to be such a warm, gentle and masculine man. And definitely still has strong feelings for Nicola.
9. Urgh! Foiled in their plans to revisit the carving. The descriptions of Cruden Bay and Slains Castle really transported me there. What did you think?
I love this idea of pursuing the Firebird story and the history behind the carving. This part reminds me very much about The Historia by Kostova. I would love to visit this castle. The descriptions are very detailed and suggestive.
10. Rob has quite the gift. Do you like how this gives the reader an almost first-hand account of Anna's life? Will they discover more than just the origin of the Firebird on their journey?
I really hope so. I love this insight in Anna's life, instead of only raport from it. This makes the story more vivid.
11. Did you like how Colonel Graeme introduced himself to Anna and speaks to her as an adult?
I loved it. It was such a skillful way to explain a difficult story of her life and make her feel better. It seems that he has a great rapport with Anna. Taking into consideration their journey and its difficulties, it is very reassuring. Anna may have a great supporter and source of comfort in him.
message 35:
by
Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Dec 04, 2013 12:22AM)
(new)
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rated it 3 stars
Mod
1. Ah, yes. The Historian is another good one that this has a similar feel too
3. I agree
4. Thanks. Yes an interesting choice of artist by the author. As Clare said they are quite "bleak"
6. lol! A friend of mine is married to a Scot and I struggle to understand him. I keep asking her if she does... haha
7. I think you are right that it is a safe environment and could be good for her
9. I agree, it has that Historian feel (although no vampires I'm guessing!)
10. sure does
11. true :)
Starting this late. Sorry! I'm in the middle of trying to find housing to move into by New Year's. Day 1 Questions
1. Initial impressions: I wasn't sure about the ESP. My initial impressions were tempered by the narrator, one I like narrating certain books; this is not one of them. I ended up purchasing the e-book version BUT...found that I could not bring myself to stop listening in order to read a print version so.... I do like the writing style, I think.
2. Yes, I did read The Winter Sea. I liked the audiobook. I am disappointed that Rosalyn Landor isn't narrating this one.
3. Thoughts on Nicola and Rob: I am really rooting for Rob. I really like him. I can see why Nicola is as she is about her abilities. I think that perhaps this was a big reason for their break up.
4. Nope. Not familiar at all. Especially, listening to the audiobook, I find it more difficult to determine what exactly unfamiliar words or things are.
5. If I knew what Nicola felt and knew, I probably would feel the same compulsion to help Margaret Ross.
6. I'm listening to the audiobook with a narrator who uses what I am assuming is an Irish accent for any Celtic descendent and a French accent for all other nationalities! My struggles regarding accents are a bit different, I think! :D
7. Very hospitable! Interesting about the Sentinel ghost but I have to wonder whether it really was necessary to have Rob be able to see ghosts. :\
Day 2 Questions
8. I agree! It is such a shame that Nicola stopped seeing him - I think the way it was implied? I do smell a love story. (view spoiler)
9. Nice! Thanks for the picture of Slains Castle. That looks amazing.
10. I LOVE the historical parts, and I really like young Anna. The narrator does a pretty good job with her voice. I don't know. Maybe? Likely?
11. I did like how Colonel Graeme spoke to Anna. Desperate question from those who read The Winter Sea: Who WAS he again? I've forgotten! Also, I don't remember The Sentinel Ghost in The Winter Sea. Ack! - Edit: I see Leslie's response below. Whew! I did not forget about The Sentinel Ghost after all! Thanks for the update! Want to read The Shadowy Horses but it is not available on Audible in audiobook format. I plan on reading The Rose Garden after this one. :)
Chapters 7-118. I really like Rob! What a shame that Nicola got 'cold feet' and stopped seeing him. Do you smell a love story on the horizon? ;)
I too like Rob. Will Nicola overcome her fears and will there be a happy end between them?
9. Urgh! Foiled in their plans to revisit the carving. The descriptions of Cruden Bay and Slains Castle really transported me there. What did you think?I like that Rob is helping her & encouraging her to follow the path that enfolds before them through the visions.
10. Rob has quite the gift. Do you like how this gives the reader an almost first-hand account of Anna's life? Will they discover more than just the origin of the Firebird on their journey? This gift is awesome. The scenes are very well written, I almost feel like I was there myself :)
11. Did you like how Colonel Graeme introduced himself to Anna and speaks to her as an adult? I liked the scene with the chess board, reminds me of my Grandpa teaching me chess :) But poor Anna how she found out that her mother was not her mother.
I'm going to be so behind on this book because of finals coming up, but I will try.1. Initial impressions of the book? Do you like the writing style?
I really like the writing style, although it was kind of intimidating in the very beginning. But I decided to read slowly and try to process understand the details. After I did that it got much better.
2. Have you read The Winter Sea(Sophia's Secret in the UK)? This is the "sort of" sequel or companion book which the author describes as:
"I didn’t want to write a straight sequel to The Winter Sea. The problem with a sequel is that readers usually have to read the first book first, and I didn’t want to place that demand on a reader. I wanted to create a companion book instead—one that could stand completely on its own, so if a reader never read The Winter Sea, it wouldn’t really matter." (full interview is here)
No I haven't even heard of the book, but I'll definitely look it up if I end up liking this book.
3.Thoughts on Nicola and Rob? She clearly doesn't like to acknowledge her abilities whereas Rob is quite open about his. I wonder if that was a major reason for their break up?
I didn't like how in the first chapters she just referred to Rob as "him". And I still don't understand why she's kind of cold towards him and it makes me really want to know what happened. It really better not be anything stupid because the author is building the tension up a lot.
4.Sebastian wants Nicola to go to St Petersburg to buy a Surikov. Are you familiar with art? Here are some examples I found images of:
I'm not an expert but I really appreciate the art.
5. The meeting with Margaret Ross kicks off the mystery/adventure in the book. Do you understand Nicola's compulsion to help her? What would you do?
I think I would do the exact same thing, including buying the ticket without thinking that far ahead of the plan.
6. The reading of the accents in Eyemouth I found a bit tough! I always struggle with Scottish accents, how about you? According to wikipedia;
"Eyemouth is a small town and civil parish in Berwickshire, in the Scottish Borders area of Scotland. It is 2 miles east of the main north-south A1 road and just 8 miles north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. It has a population of about 3,420 people.
I hate the accents.
7. Thoughts on Rob's parents and their hospitality? How about the Sentinel ghost?
I like Rob's parents but I really didn't pay attention to them because I didn't think they would be a big part of the book. But I do want to know more about Nicola's grandfather. Also the Sentinel ghost surprised me because I didn't yet know how powerful Rob was, so it was kind of unexpected (because all of sudden Rob was like "yeah I'm nodding to a ghost" and I was like wait what). Basically I don't think I've fully gotten into the book yet. But so far it's very interesting and I can't wait how it goes.
Oh and also I didn't expect this book to be so focused on the psychic stuff. I thought it would be more subtle.
Yes I am waiting to get more into the book - it hasn't done much for me so far.
Day 3 Questions12. Rob is tutoring Nicola as they go on using her gift. I can't imagine being with someone who could read my thoughts. It would be very disconcerting!
I agree! It sounds as if might feel slightly intrusive. It's a wonder that the people in Eyemouth are fine with him reading their thoughts.
13. Captain Jamieson becomes a lovely friend to Anna. Do you like their interactions? Will she be reunited with her mother?
Yes, he has. I wonder at some of his tension though, especially regarding Anna's father. Does he know the truth and disapproves? Was their tension between him and Anna's father? I'm hoping that Anna will be reunited with her mother - or to at least meet her even once.
14. The visions Rob and Nicola are receiving are extremely vivid and it seems to be tiring Rob. I wonder how using their gifts affect them?
That is a good question. Nicola doesn't seem much affected although that may be because Rob is doing most of the work.
15. Are you familiar with the history and period the book is exploring? Are you enjoying the historical aspect?
Not very, no, but I do enjoy the historical aspects of historical fiction books.
Mod
Sorry to hear the narrator isn't very good. That can have a huge impact
3. me too :)
7. true. He seems so perfect!
9. yes it looks incredible. I love the descriptions too
12. I hadn't even thought of that. Oh how annoying to be his neighbour!
15. same here
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@Christine
8. I hope so!
10. It is pretty amazing
11. It was a tough way for her to find that out :(
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@Valerie
lol about the accents! I thought I was the only one that found it a bit irksome
7. I understand - Rob seems to be pretty amazing at everything. I didn't realise it would have such a strong 'fantasy' type element either
Mod
Chapters 18-22
16. Were you surprised when the nun told Uncle Maurice the truth of who Anna was? Do you think he will return to the story?
17. Father Archangel has to escape Anna after Christiane was disloyal. Did you expect that betrayal?
18. The way that Rob's gift is described would mean he can see and hear past/present/future and also speech/thoughts interchangeably. Would you like that kind of gift? I can't help but think everything would get muddled!
19. Did you agree with Anna's instinct to runaway and join Captain Gordon?
20. Nicola waking up and feeling Rob in bed was kind of nice, and creepy, all at once! What did you think?
Chapters 12-1712. Rob is tutoring Nicola as they go on using her gift. I can't imagine being with someone who could read my thoughts. It would be very disconcerting! I thought so as well. an eerie feeling ...
13. Captain Jamieson becomes a lovely friend to Anna. Do you like their interactions? Will she be reunited with her mother? Yes. At least it is hinted in the book that she will end up in Russia :) But I do not know if she really will live then with her mother and new family. I cannot imagine it at this moment.
14. The visions Rob and Nicola are receiving are extremely vivid and it seems to be tiring Rob. I wonder how using their gifts affect them? Beside that they are losing some ours of their life, maybe it drains them life force wise as well?
15. Are you familiar with the history and period the book is exploring? Are you enjoying the historical aspect? I wouldn't say that I am familiar with it, I can remember bits and pieces but I am very interested now and would like to read something afterward. I am enjoying the historical aspect very much.
Comments and QuestionsChapters 18-22
16. Were you surprised when the nun told Uncle Maurice the truth of who Anna was? Do you think he will return to the story?
I was, but then I thought that perhaps she figured since she knew him and because he was a relative, he would be less likely to betray Anna.
17. Father Archangel has to escape Anna after Christiane was disloyal. Did you expect that betrayal?
I did. I found Christiane's questions unsubtle and Anna was too open with her identity.
18. The way that Rob's gift is described would mean he can see and hear past/present/future and also speech/thoughts interchangeably. Would you like that kind of gift? I can't help but think everything would get muddled!
What seems odd is that his gift seems specific to the particular time period that he and Nicola are interested in. *grin* But yeah, I wonder how he can keep things straight and not go mad.
19. Did you agree with Anna's instinct to runaway and join Captain Gordon?
Yes. See above regarding Christiane. Same thing here.
20. Nicola waking up and feeling Rob in bed was kind of nice, and creepy, all at once! What did you think?
Definitely!
Chapters 7-118. Rob.....I really like him, he's very interesting. I wonder why they finished as it didn't sound as if their relationship got particularly serious. I hope they get together again. It definitely seems a possibility at the end of this section.
9. Descriptions of Slaine Castle....they did take me there but I guess I wanted them to get on with the next bit of their investigation...I was a bit impatient!
10. Rob's gift, will they see more than the Firebird's story? It is an amazing gift, to be able to see into the past in so much detail. This reminds me of Barbara Erskine novels as she switches from present to past like this.
11. Colonel Graeme....he seems very kind, we will have to see what he is like as time goes on
Chapters 18-2216. Were you surprised when the nun told Uncle Maurice the truth of who Anna was? Do you think he will return to the story? No clue. But, huh, a lot of uncles show up out of nowhere suddenly.
17. Father Archangel has to escape Anna after Christiane was disloyal. Did you expect that betrayal? No I didn't but somehow they had to get a move on, right?
18. The way that Rob's gift is described would mean he can see and hear past/present/future and also speech/thoughts interchangeably. Would you like that kind of gift? I can't help but think everything would get muddled! The way he foresaw that he needed a VISA for Russia was awesome, that left Nicola speechless and me too. What a surprise! I don't know what I would do with such a gift, if I would think of it as a curse or not.
19. Did you agree with Anna's instinct to runaway and join Captain Gordon?It kind of spooked me that Mrs. Oglieve (was that her name?) was super friendly with the Englishmen. That was fishy. I agreed with her to run away.
20. Nicola waking up and feeling Rob in bed was kind of nice, and creepy, all at once! What did you think? I did not think that he was someone who would crawl in her bed when she was sleeping so that she "felt" him on a psychic level was eerie. She has still feelings for him and he for her...
I think I am giving up and GONNA start something new. I also didn't like
, but only got to 150 pages. I usually finish.
I just finished it. Stayed up the night to.do. so, too. I couldn't stop and had to push through to the conclusion. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. I even ended up liking (to some extent) the different narration. I want to write some discussion questions for the next set but only got one down before I got caught up and...well, forgot about it. Sorry! I want to go back and listen to it all over again to see what I missed. I had a vague - very vague! - suspicion of certain things and so how things turned out did not exactly surprise me, I still felt ab excited startlement of recognition. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to try to convince my excited brain that it is very sleepy to take a short nap.
Comments and QuestionsChapters 12-17
12. Rob is tutoring Nicola as they go on using her gift. I can't imagine being with someone who could read my thoughts. It would be very disconcerting!
Totally agree. I think it would be exhausting constantly trying to guard your thoughts and be mindful of what you're thinking about. No thanks!
13. Captain Jamieson becomes a lovely friend to Anna. Do you like their interactions? Will she be reunited with her mother?
Jamieson is so sweet, and I'm glad they were able to get him patched up. The scene when Anna pretends to be asleep had me nervous!
14. The visions Rob and Nicola are receiving are extremely vivid and it seems to be tiring Rob. I wonder how using their gifts affect them?
That's a great point. The visions are long, too, but I wondered if real time passes the same as in the visions? It will be interesting to see if there are negative consequences for how much they are using their gifts.
15. Are you familiar with the history and period the book is exploring? Are you enjoying the historical aspect?
History is all in one ear and out the other for me - impossible to retain other than basic, well-known facts. It's one of the reasons I love reading historical fiction, because I feel like I'm learning as I go. Despite the fact that I will read anything set in the 18th or 19th centuries, I still don't have a good grasp on the monarchies and politics involved in any part of the world.
I loved this book. I have read almost all of Susanna Kearsley's books. The Winter Sea, The Shadowy Horses, and The Firebird are my three favorites and The Rose Garden brings up a close fourth. It's true that her books are more slowly paced but in my opinion, her style of writing is extremely engaging. I find myself turning the pages as eagerly as if I were reading a much faster paced story.I was not familiar with the history before picking up these books but I felt as if I were there as I was reading. I love to learn as I read and sometimes even find myself looking up information about something I found to be interesting.
My next book by this author is Marianna. It got great reviews so I am looking forward to it.
Laura
www.thebooknerd2013.blogspot.com
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Bronze Horseman (other topics)Outlander (other topics)
The Rose Garden (other topics)
The Shadowy Horses (other topics)
The Winter Sea (other topics)
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Be prepared for spoilers!
Synopsis:
Nicola Marter was born with a gift: when she touches an object, she sometimes glimpses those who have owned it before. When the gallery she works in receives a wooden carving she can see the object’s history and knows that it was named after the Firebird, the mythical bird that inspires an old Russian fairytale and was once owned by Russia’s famed Empress Catherine.
Nicola’s investigation into the Firebird’s origin draws her into the 1715 world of Anna Logan and leads her on a quest through Scotland, France and Russia, unearthing a tale of love and sacrifice, of courage and redemption