"Things in Jars" by Jess Kidd (BR)

[Alex]

Making this thread now, in case I forget. I may be heading out of town around March 18th.

[Meredith]

I put a hold on my library copy and I'm second in line, so I'll jump in when I can.

[Kaa]

I started reading yesterday. The writing style was very hard to get into, but the story itself is intriguing.

[Alex]

Just read the prologue today -- intriguing!

[Meredith]

Aaaand my library is now closed, so I’ll just plan to read this eventually. :(. (I do think it’s good they closed, my city has been kinda slow on the uptake)

[Kaa]

My library finally closed tonight, which for me means I don't have to return this book tomorrow.

[Alex]

There's a cheekiness to Kidd's prose, like she's winking at you as she hands you an amputated leg. I like it!

[Kaa]

I finished a couple days ago. The prose definitely grew on me as the story went along. (view spoiler)[I was just sad that the same couldn't be said about the plot - I was really intrigued by the set-up and the characters, but felt a bit let down and dissatisfied with where it went. I wanted more of the fantasy elements and less of the literary historical mystery, I think. (hide spoiler)]

[Meredith]

My library started doing curbside pick up so I am finally starting this. I read the prologue which was weird and creepy, so that’s a good start..

[Don]

Alex, I agree. Jess Kidd has some solid literary Chops.

[Meredith]

Finally finished! I enjoyed it. A very gritty take on aspects of Victorian London. I loved the characters and the relationship that develops between Bridie and Ruby. I definitely had a tough time with some of the violent aspects (view spoiler)[ including the violence against women and animals. I started to cringe when we shifted back to the parts about Bridie's youth, because I was afraid of what Gideon might do next. (hide spoiler)]