It’s time for my second book review report. You may remember that I’ve recently joined a fun little blogger book club with Cassie and Kirby. Last month we read The Forgotton Garden, and this month we read The American Heiress (which was picked by yours truly by the way).
Before I jump into my review, I want to let everyone know that if book reviews/ clubs aren’t your thing don’t worry because Our Fifth House is not turning into a book review blog. These book posts will only happen once a month on a Sunday, so if they’re not your thing feel free to skip them. However, if you love to read and would like to get in on the book club action, you are welcome to join us! We only read one book a month and review them on our blogs at the end of the month. If you’d like to get in on the reading action send me an email message.
Now that we’ve finished the business let’s get on with the review shall we?
So on a 5 star rating scale I would give it 3 1/2 stars. For me, this book was a major disappointment. I hate saying that though, because I loved it right up until the end. I’m not someone who thinks that every story needs a happy ending, but an ending to a book you loved reading that makes you want to throw the book across the room isn’t my idea of a great story.
In short, this book is about a young, rich American girl who travels to England with her mother, who is hoping/plotting to marry her daughter into British royalty. The story and characters are great; the ending…..not so much.
I’m not going to lie, I’m a blurb review reader…….blurbs matter to me……and are often the reason I decide whether or not I want to read a book. In another lifetime, I’d like to be a blurb writer. 😉 I was immediately sucked in with Allison Pearson’s “Anyone suffering Downton Abbey withdrawal symptoms will find an instant tonic in Daisy Goodwin’s deliciously evocative novel.”, which is right on the cover of the book. I love Downton! Maybe that enticing review blew up my expectations, but at the end of the book I felt a little jilted.
In fairness to the author, Daisy Goodwin, the story isn’t terrible. It’s quite the opposite. It’s truly a beautifully written period piece, and her writing is quite delicious. Her words paint a beautiful scene, and I very much enjoyed that aspect of the book. However, when you get wrapped up in a story only to be let down in the end it’s really disappointing.
I do think this book would be a great one to read in a typical book club where you meet in person to discuss. The ending alone would make for great conversation, so don’t discount this book just because you probably won’t like the ending. 😉
For the month of June, we’re reading a book chosen by Cassie, Bittersweet.
Feel free to read along and join the club!
Have you read The American Heiress? What did you think of the ending?
Totally agree. Felt like she gave up on the story at the end. I'm reading Consuelo vanderbilt's auto biography and it seems like the American Heiress was based on her story.