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When We Caught Fire
From the
New York Times
bestselling author of the Luxe series comes a lush, romantic novel about the love triangle that started Chicago’s infamous Great Fire.
It’s 1871, and Emmeline Carter is poised to take Chicago’s high society by storm. Between her father’s sudden rise to wealth and her recent engagement to Chicago’s most eligible bachelor, Emmeline has it all. But she can’t stop thinking about the life she left behind, including her childhood sweetheart, Anders Magnuson.
Fiona Byrne, Emmeline’s childhood best friend, is delighted by her friend’s sudden rise to prominence, especially since it means Fiona is free to pursue Anders herself. But when Emmeline risks everything for one final fling with Anders, Fiona feels completely betrayed.
As the summer turns to fall, the city is at a tipping point: friendships are tested, hearts are broken, and the tiniest spark might set everything ablaze.
Sweeping, soapy, and romantic, this is a story about an epic love triangle—one that will literally set the city ablaze and change the lives of three childhood friends forever.
It’s 1871, and Emmeline Carter is poised to take Chicago’s high society by storm. Between her father’s sudden rise to wealth and her recent engagement to Chicago’s most eligible bachelor, Emmeline has it all. But she can’t stop thinking about the life she left behind, including her childhood sweetheart, Anders Magnuson.
Fiona Byrne, Emmeline’s childhood best friend, is delighted by her friend’s sudden rise to prominence, especially since it means Fiona is free to pursue Anders herself. But when Emmeline risks everything for one final fling with Anders, Fiona feels completely betrayed.
As the summer turns to fall, the city is at a tipping point: friendships are tested, hearts are broken, and the tiniest spark might set everything ablaze.
Sweeping, soapy, and romantic, this is a story about an epic love triangle—one that will literally set the city ablaze and change the lives of three childhood friends forever.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published October 2, 2018
85 people are currently reading
6924 people want to read
About the author
Anna Godbersen
37 books3,196 followersAnna Godbersen was born in Berkeley, California, and educated at Barnard College. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
November 4, 2018
I have so many feelings for this book. I felt so many emotions while reading it. I just want to read it again!!!
Yes, there is a love triangle that is sure to end badly, but the Great Fire brings so many twists and turns in the story that you won’t be able to stop reading it.
Thank you so so much to HarperCollins Canada for my copy of this book❤️
Yes, there is a love triangle that is sure to end badly, but the Great Fire brings so many twists and turns in the story that you won’t be able to stop reading it.
Thank you so so much to HarperCollins Canada for my copy of this book❤️
September 22, 2018
bleh
boring as hell
boring as hell
October 15, 2018
I can't lie...the minute I saw Anna Godbersen had released a new historical YA , I ordered a copy. I barely even read the synopsis. Chicago fire! Love triangle! Maid! Boxer! Socialite marriage! All red flags for classic 19th-c soap. 😈
Edith Wharton's influence on the Luxe series is undeniable, but IMO this newest effort pushes that appreciation to the forefront. The Chicago fire provides a tangible threat, esp when combined with certain unnamed parties, but the era itself shares much of the blame. Like Wharton, these characters are inherently flawed products of their time: the rough survivors turned New Money, the push & pull of class difference, the love triangle that began in childhood, the carelessly spoiled Emmeline & her symbiotic (but not entirely parasitic) friendship with her maid Fiona. Fiona's angst is considerable, & rightly so --nobody likes being a third wheel -- but despite the power of wealth, Emmeline is flighty, selfish, & naive. She's almost painfully innocent (despite believing otherwise) & proud that her father's success has bought entrance to the upper echelon, yet desperate for something real & wholesome, which she clings to via Fiona & Anders.
Indeed, the first half+ is devoted to a portrait of snooty 1870 Chicago elite. There's little action until the second act; I was never bored, but I'm a reader who likes soap to examine the hypocrisy of high-class veneers. The aftermath of the Civil War & how it changed a developing country's pace; the arbitrary, frivolous rules that defined an unforgiving social ladder; the foundation of the Gilded Age & robber barons...
But that's primarily background. The core of this book is still the melodrama, which hits all the checkmarks of gorgeous clothes, anxious friendship, bending the rules, & long-suffering luuuurve, plus illegal boxing, abusive creepsters, semi-adulterous behavior, yada yada. AG's favorite themes -- you can't have everything you want, your first love isn't always your best love, choices have consequences & some consequences are irreparable -- are repeated here, with increased urgency thanks to the permanence of the Great Fire. I also liked how fire itself is a motif & metaphor throughout -- the title pun is completely intended.
The initial negative ratings make me roll my eyes, though they're not really surprising; audiences today have little patience for YA that's not devoted to a HEA romance with gag-worthy Mary Sues who know kung-fu or spout the virtues of Loving That Bad Boy. But please -- judge for yourself. This *is* a good book, & it's noticeably more mature than my beloved so-good-it-has-to-be-fattening Luxe series. Yes, there are a few minor gripes (pacing seemed slightly off in the climax, better characterization of Ochs Carter & Freddy) but overall I really enjoyed it. :)
Edith Wharton's influence on the Luxe series is undeniable, but IMO this newest effort pushes that appreciation to the forefront. The Chicago fire provides a tangible threat, esp when combined with certain unnamed parties, but the era itself shares much of the blame. Like Wharton, these characters are inherently flawed products of their time: the rough survivors turned New Money, the push & pull of class difference, the love triangle that began in childhood, the carelessly spoiled Emmeline & her symbiotic (but not entirely parasitic) friendship with her maid Fiona. Fiona's angst is considerable, & rightly so --nobody likes being a third wheel -- but despite the power of wealth, Emmeline is flighty, selfish, & naive. She's almost painfully innocent (despite believing otherwise) & proud that her father's success has bought entrance to the upper echelon, yet desperate for something real & wholesome, which she clings to via Fiona & Anders.
Indeed, the first half+ is devoted to a portrait of snooty 1870 Chicago elite. There's little action until the second act; I was never bored, but I'm a reader who likes soap to examine the hypocrisy of high-class veneers. The aftermath of the Civil War & how it changed a developing country's pace; the arbitrary, frivolous rules that defined an unforgiving social ladder; the foundation of the Gilded Age & robber barons...
But that's primarily background. The core of this book is still the melodrama, which hits all the checkmarks of gorgeous clothes, anxious friendship, bending the rules, & long-suffering luuuurve, plus illegal boxing, abusive creepsters, semi-adulterous behavior, yada yada. AG's favorite themes -- you can't have everything you want, your first love isn't always your best love, choices have consequences & some consequences are irreparable -- are repeated here, with increased urgency thanks to the permanence of the Great Fire. I also liked how fire itself is a motif & metaphor throughout -- the title pun is completely intended.
The initial negative ratings make me roll my eyes, though they're not really surprising; audiences today have little patience for YA that's not devoted to a HEA romance with gag-worthy Mary Sues who know kung-fu or spout the virtues of Loving That Bad Boy. But please -- judge for yourself. This *is* a good book, & it's noticeably more mature than my beloved so-good-it-has-to-be-fattening Luxe series. Yes, there are a few minor gripes (pacing seemed slightly off in the climax, better characterization of Ochs Carter & Freddy) but overall I really enjoyed it. :)
October 2, 2018
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
2.5*
Historical fiction is so fun, is it not? And the Chicago Fire... well, that's intense! This particular book was... less so. Not a bad read, but I suppose a tad underwhelming? It's basically a story of friendships and romantic relationships colliding in a big ol' love triangle that happens to get extra dramatic. One of the girls (Emmeline) is a newly-minted high society girl who's set to marry some rich dude that she doesn't care about. Fiona, her bestie-turned-maid, is in love with their childhood friend (and ex-beau of Emmeline) Anders. Emmeline.... is hard to stomach. She's pretty selfish, and so indecisive. Which look, I understand, I am hugely indecisive too, but when you combine it with selfishness, it gets pretty hard to feel sympathetic toward her.
Fiona, on the other hand is incredibly sympathetic. Easy to root for. Unfortunately, there were too many rich people shenanigans to wade through, and those I sort of didn't care about. Now. I liked watching how the girls' friendship was impacted by all of their choices. That was probably my favorite part of the story. But when it got closer to the end, it felt really predictable.
The book, at one point, straight up tells you how it's going to end. Which, is a little bit of an odd choice, because it takes away some of the intensity. Plus a few of the other twists are just easy to see coming from a mile away. Still, the emotional aspect was there for me. Probably because I cared about Fiona, and kind of about Anders too, probably just because Fiona did, but still.
Bottom Line: Liked Fiona, liked the focus on friendship, but could have done with a bit more excitement and less predictability.
2.5*
Historical fiction is so fun, is it not? And the Chicago Fire... well, that's intense! This particular book was... less so. Not a bad read, but I suppose a tad underwhelming? It's basically a story of friendships and romantic relationships colliding in a big ol' love triangle that happens to get extra dramatic. One of the girls (Emmeline) is a newly-minted high society girl who's set to marry some rich dude that she doesn't care about. Fiona, her bestie-turned-maid, is in love with their childhood friend (and ex-beau of Emmeline) Anders. Emmeline.... is hard to stomach. She's pretty selfish, and so indecisive. Which look, I understand, I am hugely indecisive too, but when you combine it with selfishness, it gets pretty hard to feel sympathetic toward her.
Fiona, on the other hand is incredibly sympathetic. Easy to root for. Unfortunately, there were too many rich people shenanigans to wade through, and those I sort of didn't care about. Now. I liked watching how the girls' friendship was impacted by all of their choices. That was probably my favorite part of the story. But when it got closer to the end, it felt really predictable.
The book, at one point, straight up tells you how it's going to end. Which, is a little bit of an odd choice, because it takes away some of the intensity. Plus a few of the other twists are just easy to see coming from a mile away. Still, the emotional aspect was there for me. Probably because I cared about Fiona, and kind of about Anders too, probably just because Fiona did, but still.
Bottom Line: Liked Fiona, liked the focus on friendship, but could have done with a bit more excitement and less predictability.
January 7, 2019
2.5 stars
The whole premise and plot of this novel was so entrancing but when it came to the execution, I was disappointed.
The love triangle was not much of a love triangle in my eyes because I didn’t become invested in any of the couples involved. This was mostly due to some of the decisions that were made early in the novel. Some of the decisions and actions from the characters made it hard to believe that it was true love beyond the love of friendship or lust.
Additionally, similarly to that, I don’t think any of the characters were meant to be unlikable but....I didn’t like them. Again, this was mainly due to the “laissez faire” attitude from each of the characters in the beginning of the story. I could not get beyond that and it ruined the characters for me.
The one thing that I’m confused on is the ending. What? Huh? I don’t know if it was meant to be left open ended and open to interpretation or if I’m just lost. Either way, I have no idea what the result of that ending meant for a certain character...
If anything, this novel somehow gave me vibes of “Downton Abbey” and since reading, I’ve decided to rewatch the show. I have no idea why it reminded me of “Downton Abbey” but alas.
***Thank you to HCC Frenzy for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
The whole premise and plot of this novel was so entrancing but when it came to the execution, I was disappointed.
The love triangle was not much of a love triangle in my eyes because I didn’t become invested in any of the couples involved. This was mostly due to some of the decisions that were made early in the novel. Some of the decisions and actions from the characters made it hard to believe that it was true love beyond the love of friendship or lust.
Additionally, similarly to that, I don’t think any of the characters were meant to be unlikable but....I didn’t like them. Again, this was mainly due to the “laissez faire” attitude from each of the characters in the beginning of the story. I could not get beyond that and it ruined the characters for me.
The one thing that I’m confused on is the ending. What? Huh? I don’t know if it was meant to be left open ended and open to interpretation or if I’m just lost. Either way, I have no idea what the result of that ending meant for a certain character...
If anything, this novel somehow gave me vibes of “Downton Abbey” and since reading, I’ve decided to rewatch the show. I have no idea why it reminded me of “Downton Abbey” but alas.
***Thank you to HCC Frenzy for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
November 28, 2018
I know very little about the Great Chicago Fire, other than the rhyme about Mrs. O'Leary and her cow, and I actually didn't know that this book was about the fire until after I got it from the library! I was just very excited about a book by the author of the Luxe series (I know, she did a series set in the 1920's, and I need to read it, too). I loved the Luxe because it was the equivalent of Gossip Girl but set in the 1890's, and I got really into the characters' lives and their terrible mistakes and their amazing gowns, so I was looking for that here . . . and didn't find it. I didn't connect to any of the characters because there wasn't time! Not only is this just one book, but it's a very compressed timeline, taking place over a week. I barely started to care about a couple of the characters and then, whoops it was over!
I also don't have a good sense for Chicago's geography (or, actually, any sense for it) so saying that the fire was moving toward this neighborhood or that bridge was meaningless to me. I really could have used a map! I feel like this is a great idea that needed so much more to really bring it to life.
I also don't have a good sense for Chicago's geography (or, actually, any sense for it) so saying that the fire was moving toward this neighborhood or that bridge was meaningless to me. I really could have used a map! I feel like this is a great idea that needed so much more to really bring it to life.
April 2, 2019
3.5
this would've been so good if it was gay but alas... mind-numbingly Straight...
this would've been so good if it was gay but alas... mind-numbingly Straight...
March 21, 2019
Sigh. I was excited for this book based on exactly 2 reasons: my obsession with the Luxe series by Godbersen and the topic of the Chicago Fire. But alas, the overall storyline was not at all cohesive or anything resembling the amazingness of the Luxe books and the fire came way late in the book and was covered almost as separate from the rest of the story. I couldn't buy into ANY of the romance and overall I was just left feeling flat and disappointed that what could have been an amazing book by an amazing author.........wasn't. Too much stuff packed into one book, not tied together well enough and with characters I couldn't root for. 3 stars rather than 2 simply because the writing itself (but not the story) was good and my affection for Godbersen as the author of my fave Luxe.
October 20, 2018
4.2 Out 5 "Incendiary" STARS
Despite having less than likable characters (with Fiona as the exception) this was still an engrossing listen. The backdrop of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was what made this story stand-out for me. I could see how others found this to be slow in the beginning, with its soap-opera-like feel and melodrama of the elite high society of the times, but on Audio, those parts fly by fairly quickly. Once the fire starts burning, the unceasing flames and the lives at stake make this unputdownable. The way the author takes the truth about the actual fire and plays it out with her cast of characters is quite the tale. I found this exert from here about the Great Chicago Fire.
With the ending the irredeemable characters become redeemable and the love triangle that takes the center of the stage throughout this story has its inevitable outcome.
๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏
~~~~~MY RATING~~~~~
☆4.2☆STARS - GRADE=B+
๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏
๏๏๏~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~๏๏๏
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters~ 3.8/5
Secondary Characters~ 3/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~ 4/5
Theme or Tone~ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4.5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4.7/5
Originality~ 4.2/5
Ending~ 4.2/5 Cliffhanger~ Nah…
๏๏๏
Book Cover~ It's incendiary…
Narration~ ☆4.5☆ for Suzanne Elise Freeman, she was perfect for this story and she switched from one pov to another quite seamlessly.
Setting~ Chicago 1871
Source~ Audiobook (Library)
๏๏๏
Despite having less than likable characters (with Fiona as the exception) this was still an engrossing listen. The backdrop of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was what made this story stand-out for me. I could see how others found this to be slow in the beginning, with its soap-opera-like feel and melodrama of the elite high society of the times, but on Audio, those parts fly by fairly quickly. Once the fire starts burning, the unceasing flames and the lives at stake make this unputdownable. The way the author takes the truth about the actual fire and plays it out with her cast of characters is quite the tale. I found this exert from here about the Great Chicago Fire.
The Chicago Fire of 1871, also called the Great Chicago Fire, burned from October 8 to October 10, 1871, and destroyed thousands of buildings, killed an estimated 300 people and caused an estimated $200 million in damages. Legend has it that a cow kicked over a lantern in a barn and started the fire, but other theories hold that humans or even a meteor might have been responsible for the event that left an area of about four miles long and almost a mile wide of the Windy City, including its business district, in ruins. Following the blaze, reconstruction efforts began quickly and spurred great economic development and population growth.
With the ending the irredeemable characters become redeemable and the love triangle that takes the center of the stage throughout this story has its inevitable outcome.
๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏
~~~~~MY RATING~~~~~
☆4.2☆STARS - GRADE=B+
๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏๏
๏๏๏~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~๏๏๏
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters~ 3.8/5
Secondary Characters~ 3/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~ 4/5
Theme or Tone~ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4.5/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4.7/5
Originality~ 4.2/5
Ending~ 4.2/5 Cliffhanger~ Nah…
๏๏๏
Book Cover~ It's incendiary…
Narration~ ☆4.5☆ for Suzanne Elise Freeman, she was perfect for this story and she switched from one pov to another quite seamlessly.
Setting~ Chicago 1871
Source~ Audiobook (Library)
๏๏๏
October 3, 2018
This review originally appeared on Novel Ink.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I went into When We Caught Fire with high hopes– I mean, you all know how much I love YA historical fiction by now, right? Plus, I absolutely devoured Anna Godbersen’s previous two series– The Luxe and Bright Young Things– when I was younger, and I was excited to see how her writing held up for me as an adult. However, I’m sorry to say that this one ended up being a huge disappointment.
We follow our main character, Emmaline, during the week leading up to her wedding to one of Chicago’s most sought-after bachelors. Emmaline and her father have come from nothing and, over the past couple years, have steadily climbed the social ladder. Finally, with the impending wedding, they are becoming part of Chicago’s elite. However, Emmaline decides that, before she marries Freddy, she needs to pay a visit to her old flame, Anders, in her old, poorer neighborhood. Why, you might ask? Because *gasp* she still loves him. After seeing Anders again, Emmaline realizes what she has given up on her rise to the top and decides to run away on her wedding day to once again be with Anders.
Complicating this matter further, however, is Emmaline and Anders’s other best friend, Fiona, who– another shocker– has also always been in love with Anders. Emmaline took Fiona on as her lady’s maid when her father became wealthy and they moved out of the old neighborhood, so there are some shitty power dynamics at play in their friendship from the start, tbh. Fiona is (rightfully) frustrated that Emmaline is pursuing Anders at the last minute like this… because, you know, SHE IS ENGAGED TO SOMEONE ELSE. I honestly felt bad for Fiona throughout this book because she inadvertently got caught up in Emmaline’s web of lies and selfishness.
So, yeah, the romantic plot was a bit of a mess. Plus, it’s been done before. Many times. In a much better way.
Also, can we please do away forever with the trope of two girls who are best friends being in love with the same boy, and that tearing their friendship apart? It’s overdone, it’s misogynistic, and I’m tired.
Without getting spoilery, one of the things that frustrated me most about When We Caught Fire was how, despite all the tension the narrative built (I mean, we’re leading up to the Great Fire of Chicago!), it didn’t deliver on any of that tension. It felt like the author attempted to make me care about these characters and their problems, but I never understood why I was supposed to care. I haven’t read many non-diverse historical fiction books in quite a while, and this is one of the whitest, straightest, most privileged perspectives I’ve ever read. That definitely detracted from my enjoyment of WWCF quite a bit, because I just could not relate to or sympathize with any of these characters’ frivolous problems. They all felt like problems the characters created for themselves, and while I’m here for characters making mistakes in YA– they’re teenagers, after all; I never expect protagonists to be perfect, or even likeable– I’m not here for them when a character’s selfishness ends up causing one of the most destructive fires in American history and said character never has to atone for their mistakes.
Overall, I don’t think this is a *bad* book. The prose itself is good– beautiful, even, at some points. I just think these characters and their privileged problems made for a frustrating reading experience, especially because I don’t feel like Emmaline ever showed any kind of growth or learning due to her mistakes. When We Caught Fire just didn’t deliver on its potential, and ended up severely disappointing me.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I went into When We Caught Fire with high hopes– I mean, you all know how much I love YA historical fiction by now, right? Plus, I absolutely devoured Anna Godbersen’s previous two series– The Luxe and Bright Young Things– when I was younger, and I was excited to see how her writing held up for me as an adult. However, I’m sorry to say that this one ended up being a huge disappointment.
We follow our main character, Emmaline, during the week leading up to her wedding to one of Chicago’s most sought-after bachelors. Emmaline and her father have come from nothing and, over the past couple years, have steadily climbed the social ladder. Finally, with the impending wedding, they are becoming part of Chicago’s elite. However, Emmaline decides that, before she marries Freddy, she needs to pay a visit to her old flame, Anders, in her old, poorer neighborhood. Why, you might ask? Because *gasp* she still loves him. After seeing Anders again, Emmaline realizes what she has given up on her rise to the top and decides to run away on her wedding day to once again be with Anders.
Complicating this matter further, however, is Emmaline and Anders’s other best friend, Fiona, who– another shocker– has also always been in love with Anders. Emmaline took Fiona on as her lady’s maid when her father became wealthy and they moved out of the old neighborhood, so there are some shitty power dynamics at play in their friendship from the start, tbh. Fiona is (rightfully) frustrated that Emmaline is pursuing Anders at the last minute like this… because, you know, SHE IS ENGAGED TO SOMEONE ELSE. I honestly felt bad for Fiona throughout this book because she inadvertently got caught up in Emmaline’s web of lies and selfishness.
So, yeah, the romantic plot was a bit of a mess. Plus, it’s been done before. Many times. In a much better way.
Also, can we please do away forever with the trope of two girls who are best friends being in love with the same boy, and that tearing their friendship apart? It’s overdone, it’s misogynistic, and I’m tired.
Without getting spoilery, one of the things that frustrated me most about When We Caught Fire was how, despite all the tension the narrative built (I mean, we’re leading up to the Great Fire of Chicago!), it didn’t deliver on any of that tension. It felt like the author attempted to make me care about these characters and their problems, but I never understood why I was supposed to care. I haven’t read many non-diverse historical fiction books in quite a while, and this is one of the whitest, straightest, most privileged perspectives I’ve ever read. That definitely detracted from my enjoyment of WWCF quite a bit, because I just could not relate to or sympathize with any of these characters’ frivolous problems. They all felt like problems the characters created for themselves, and while I’m here for characters making mistakes in YA– they’re teenagers, after all; I never expect protagonists to be perfect, or even likeable– I’m not here for them when a character’s selfishness ends up causing one of the most destructive fires in American history and said character never has to atone for their mistakes.
Overall, I don’t think this is a *bad* book. The prose itself is good– beautiful, even, at some points. I just think these characters and their privileged problems made for a frustrating reading experience, especially because I don’t feel like Emmaline ever showed any kind of growth or learning due to her mistakes. When We Caught Fire just didn’t deliver on its potential, and ended up severely disappointing me.
December 18, 2018
Emmeline's family rose through the ranks and now are in "high society" in Chicago. The year is 1871 and since Emmeline needs a lady's maid, she employs her best friend, Fiona. After all. Fiona's family definitely needs the money. Fiona and Emmeline grew up with Anders, whom both girls still have feelings for. This is problematic as Emmeline is engaged to Freddy, the son of a wealthy banker. Emmeline has it all, but why can't she stop thinking about Anders? Anders isn't in Emmeline's social circles anymore; in fact, he is boxing in a bad section of Chicago, which pretty much makes him the opposite of a possible suitor. Since Emmeline is engaged, shouldn't this mean Fiona is free to pursue him or is Emmeline not quite ready to let go of her former life? When We Caught Fire is a soapy and romantic YA historical novel that fans of romance will savor.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
July 2, 2018
Anna Godbersen has done it again!!! I was fully captivated and feeling all kinds of emotions, and maybe I’m biased because I love her work, but she just kills it when it comes to sophisticated writing, vivid details, and of course, historical research.
November 17, 2018
Here is my more generic little blurb/summary about this book I used as my review for the bookstore I got it from, then I'll say a couple words about why I ranked it below. I don't think this is a bad book, it just wasn't good for me.
*****
Lovers of love triangles will enjoy this 1871 historical romance about 3 childhood friends, now the newly wealthy and engaged Emmeline; her best friend Fiona; and Anders, the boy who Emmeline can’t let go of and Fiona secretly longs for. The constant and a little over-the-top drama builds and ignites a fire, literally: the catastrophic Great Chicago Fire. The combo of the usual love triangle trope with history and a deadly and destructive disaster created an interesting read.
*****
Like I said before, if what is above sounds like your cup of tea, then great! If you have read this book already and loved it, you don't need to read my review. I can understand why someone would like this book, I just didn't. And I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings with my opinion.
*****
But I'll say this right off: if you are someone who hates love triangles, you won't be a fan of this book. I am actually not one of those people, I've read good, bad, and in between as far as love triangles go. I'll keep it brief, but I just did not. Like this book. I'm a sap and a shipper but oh my goodness this book was c h e e s e y, at least for me.
About the 3 characters....Anders is okay, I don't understand why Emmeline and Fiona make such a fuss over him. Emmeline acts like a brat for a lot of the book, and I just don't understand why she acts the way she does. I think I was supposed to sympathize with her a little but I didn't. Fiona is annoying too, because she just goes along with whatever Emmeline does. I think I was supposed to sympathize with her too? I didn't because, once again, why are they making such a big fuss over this dude? Their thoughts are expressed a lot and it's so aggravating. I was not concerned with their issues at all.
I was literally saying out loud "When is the city going to light on fire?"
And also (this was actually pretty funny) but somewhere early in the book I was thinking about how the back/front of the book said "a love that made the world burn" and "the love triangle that started Chicago's infamous Great Fire and wondered for a second, "What does that mean???" and then right away I thought
(Thanks to Brazos Bookstore Young Reader's Program for allowing me to read an advanced reader's copy, or ARC, of this book.)
*****
Lovers of love triangles will enjoy this 1871 historical romance about 3 childhood friends, now the newly wealthy and engaged Emmeline; her best friend Fiona; and Anders, the boy who Emmeline can’t let go of and Fiona secretly longs for. The constant and a little over-the-top drama builds and ignites a fire, literally: the catastrophic Great Chicago Fire. The combo of the usual love triangle trope with history and a deadly and destructive disaster created an interesting read.
*****
Like I said before, if what is above sounds like your cup of tea, then great! If you have read this book already and loved it, you don't need to read my review. I can understand why someone would like this book, I just didn't. And I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings with my opinion.
*****
But I'll say this right off: if you are someone who hates love triangles, you won't be a fan of this book. I am actually not one of those people, I've read good, bad, and in between as far as love triangles go. I'll keep it brief, but I just did not. Like this book. I'm a sap and a shipper but oh my goodness this book was c h e e s e y, at least for me.
About the 3 characters....Anders is okay, I don't understand why Emmeline and Fiona make such a fuss over him. Emmeline acts like a brat for a lot of the book, and I just don't understand why she acts the way she does. I think I was supposed to sympathize with her a little but I didn't. Fiona is annoying too, because she just goes along with whatever Emmeline does. I think I was supposed to sympathize with her too? I didn't because, once again, why are they making such a big fuss over this dude? Their thoughts are expressed a lot and it's so aggravating. I was not concerned with their issues at all.
I was literally saying out loud "When is the city going to light on fire?"
And also (this was actually pretty funny) but somewhere early in the book I was thinking about how the back/front of the book said "a love that made the world burn" and "the love triangle that started Chicago's infamous Great Fire and wondered for a second, "What does that mean???" and then right away I thought
(Thanks to Brazos Bookstore Young Reader's Program for allowing me to read an advanced reader's copy, or ARC, of this book.)
January 7, 2026
This YA book has been on my TBR for years and I’m so glad I finally got around to reading it! Set during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the story follows two young ladies , friends that become servant and mistress and the young man that both love. Hard decisions must be made and no one gets out of this with their hearts intact. This was such a clean book, with the very out of place exception of one weirdly descriptive sexual encounter, that thankfully only lasts for about half a page(pages 237-238)There were only 4 cuss words in the whole book.
October 22, 2018
I love this author and was excited for this story but it fell short in every regard. I am not a fan of love triangles anyways. I didn't get Anders, I really could not stand Emmaline, and felt a little bad for Fiona. It was rich privileged people dealing with rich privileged problems.
FRTC
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Full review can be found here: https://agingerlyreview.wordpress.com...
Before I start my post, I want to take a small moment to admire the cover. It is gorgeous. Beautiful covers make me even more excited to read a story because they have to match, right? Sadly, that was not the case here.
Short recap: Emmaline has finally found a way to secure her spot among the wealthy, influential, and sought after list – she is to marry one of the most eligible bachelors in town. Emmaline did not come from wealth and privilege, but she did teach herself how to appear so. While Emmaline is ready to marry her fiance, she feels she needs to find her first love and explain why she will not be marrying him. Things become far more complicated after that. Can Emmaline go through with her wedding into the elite group or will she give it up for her first love?
This seems alright but here is what I left out (because I wasn’t sure how to fit it in to that description): Emmaline’s housemaid, Fiona, has been madly in love with Emmaline’s first love, Andres. You read that correctly. These two girls are in love with the same man but Fiona never tells her friend about her feelings. But wait! There’s more! As if that was messy enough, once Emmaline meets up with Andres, she realizes that she is still in love with him! She decides that she will forgo marrying a very influential man who can give her a secure future to marry a man that has fighting matches in back alleys.
I’m going to let that sink in for a moment.
I know that a person needs to follow their heart wherever it leads but this felt like far too much. The entire story felt like it was trying too hard to make me believe the feelings everyone had for everyone else were real but they felt fake and forced. The chapters were told in alternating POVs of Emmaline and Fiona. I did not like Emmaline’s character at all. She came across as a petulant child. It was not a becoming characteristic. She was like that throughout the entire story. Fiona was okay, but I never connected with her. Reading of how she was constantly pining for Andres grew old real fast. To make this all worse, it appeared that Andres held feelings for both females! He knew they were both attracted to him and he encouraged it. What a hot mess he was. I didn’t like him any further than I could throw him.
The big disappointment I had with this story, other than the inability for me to feel the tension that was supposed to be coming from these characters, was that this centered around the Great Fire of Chicago. I was so fascinated with that concept! Sadly, it never delivered on what was promised. This read like a bunch of spoiled white teenagers having spoiled white teenager problems. I could not care about what was happening to anyone or anything. Not only where the characters shallow, the world building did not work for me. There were lavish paragraphs/chapters that talked about nothing more than dress designs and food. I. Don’t. Care. It all was fluff because it went nowhere.
Now while I have attempted to make my points about why I did not enjoy this story, it was not necessarily a bad book. There were some very well written scenes, but those few scenes alone were not enough to save this story overall. No character showed growth, nobody had to pay for what happened because of the fire, nobody was held accountable for their actions. I’m not a fan of those stories. Be cautious if you give this one a go.
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Full review can be found here: https://agingerlyreview.wordpress.com...
Before I start my post, I want to take a small moment to admire the cover. It is gorgeous. Beautiful covers make me even more excited to read a story because they have to match, right? Sadly, that was not the case here.
Short recap: Emmaline has finally found a way to secure her spot among the wealthy, influential, and sought after list – she is to marry one of the most eligible bachelors in town. Emmaline did not come from wealth and privilege, but she did teach herself how to appear so. While Emmaline is ready to marry her fiance, she feels she needs to find her first love and explain why she will not be marrying him. Things become far more complicated after that. Can Emmaline go through with her wedding into the elite group or will she give it up for her first love?
This seems alright but here is what I left out (because I wasn’t sure how to fit it in to that description): Emmaline’s housemaid, Fiona, has been madly in love with Emmaline’s first love, Andres. You read that correctly. These two girls are in love with the same man but Fiona never tells her friend about her feelings. But wait! There’s more! As if that was messy enough, once Emmaline meets up with Andres, she realizes that she is still in love with him! She decides that she will forgo marrying a very influential man who can give her a secure future to marry a man that has fighting matches in back alleys.
I’m going to let that sink in for a moment.
I know that a person needs to follow their heart wherever it leads but this felt like far too much. The entire story felt like it was trying too hard to make me believe the feelings everyone had for everyone else were real but they felt fake and forced. The chapters were told in alternating POVs of Emmaline and Fiona. I did not like Emmaline’s character at all. She came across as a petulant child. It was not a becoming characteristic. She was like that throughout the entire story. Fiona was okay, but I never connected with her. Reading of how she was constantly pining for Andres grew old real fast. To make this all worse, it appeared that Andres held feelings for both females! He knew they were both attracted to him and he encouraged it. What a hot mess he was. I didn’t like him any further than I could throw him.
The big disappointment I had with this story, other than the inability for me to feel the tension that was supposed to be coming from these characters, was that this centered around the Great Fire of Chicago. I was so fascinated with that concept! Sadly, it never delivered on what was promised. This read like a bunch of spoiled white teenagers having spoiled white teenager problems. I could not care about what was happening to anyone or anything. Not only where the characters shallow, the world building did not work for me. There were lavish paragraphs/chapters that talked about nothing more than dress designs and food. I. Don’t. Care. It all was fluff because it went nowhere.
Now while I have attempted to make my points about why I did not enjoy this story, it was not necessarily a bad book. There were some very well written scenes, but those few scenes alone were not enough to save this story overall. No character showed growth, nobody had to pay for what happened because of the fire, nobody was held accountable for their actions. I’m not a fan of those stories. Be cautious if you give this one a go.
October 29, 2018
1.5 stars. I read most of this book and I did like it until Anders joined the story, but even then it was almost exactly like dozens of other books I have read set in the 1800's or early 1900's.
I have lived in Chicago my entire life so the story taking place in Chicago really spoke to me. I enjoyed reading all the luxurious details the author included, but could have done without the long winded paragraphs above each chapter.
Emmeline was just like every other rich girl you find in these types of stories, the only exception was that she was not born rich. I found it hard to believe that a young man from a family like Frederick Tree's would have been fine with his marrying a girl who'd lived on the bad side of town until two years earlier.
Before Emmeline was to be married she decided that she must see Anders from the old neighborhood one last time so she can break off their "engagement." Emmeline hadn't seen or spoken to Anders in two years, so it was doubtful that she would suddenly start thinking about him to the point that she did.
While the golden-haired Emmeline is pining away for a guy she no longer knows, her faithful childhood friend and current servant is by her side, willing and ready to do anything that is asked of her, though Emmeline rotated between treating Fiona with respect and being downright disrespectful if she felt it was necessary.
The "romance" involving Anders was convoluted and melodramatic. One second he acted as though Emmeline was everything he wanted, next second he would turn to Fiona and have moments with her.
By the end of the book, I was wishing that every character outside of Fiona's family would burn to death. I do hate to say such an awful thing, but that is how I felt.
I think maybe I have outgrown some of the nonsense I used to enjoy, or maybe it's that writers no longer appear to be trying to bring something fresh to the table. You either get a rich girl who hates being rich and wants to have a life with some poor guy, a rich girl who likes being rich, but wants to have a life with some poor guy, or a poor girl in love with a rich guy and maybe a poor guy too. Ho hum.
I have lived in Chicago my entire life so the story taking place in Chicago really spoke to me. I enjoyed reading all the luxurious details the author included, but could have done without the long winded paragraphs above each chapter.
Emmeline was just like every other rich girl you find in these types of stories, the only exception was that she was not born rich. I found it hard to believe that a young man from a family like Frederick Tree's would have been fine with his marrying a girl who'd lived on the bad side of town until two years earlier.
Before Emmeline was to be married she decided that she must see Anders from the old neighborhood one last time so she can break off their "engagement." Emmeline hadn't seen or spoken to Anders in two years, so it was doubtful that she would suddenly start thinking about him to the point that she did.
While the golden-haired Emmeline is pining away for a guy she no longer knows, her faithful childhood friend and current servant is by her side, willing and ready to do anything that is asked of her, though Emmeline rotated between treating Fiona with respect and being downright disrespectful if she felt it was necessary.
The "romance" involving Anders was convoluted and melodramatic. One second he acted as though Emmeline was everything he wanted, next second he would turn to Fiona and have moments with her.
By the end of the book, I was wishing that every character outside of Fiona's family would burn to death. I do hate to say such an awful thing, but that is how I felt.
I think maybe I have outgrown some of the nonsense I used to enjoy, or maybe it's that writers no longer appear to be trying to bring something fresh to the table. You either get a rich girl who hates being rich and wants to have a life with some poor guy, a rich girl who likes being rich, but wants to have a life with some poor guy, or a poor girl in love with a rich guy and maybe a poor guy too. Ho hum.
October 23, 2018
I LOVED this book! Victorian Chicago is so deftly rendered, I felt like I was there—I could see the city as I read, even though I’ve never been to modern-day Chicago, and have certainly never been to Chicago in the 1870s. I burned through this novel with romance that sizzled on every page (pardon the puns). The story of two women, one who fate favoured, the other who fate forgot, this novel delivers friendship dynamics right out of Downton Abbey. Fans of historical fiction, romantic fiction, glamour, and betrayal will not want to miss this book!
*Thank you to Indigo and Harper Collins Canada for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you to Indigo and Harper Collins Canada for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
July 22, 2019
DNF @ 27%
"Emmeline looked up.
Ander's put his hand on his hip.
Fiona remembered blank.
They all three felt blank blank blank. "
I can take no more of this. This is all tell and no show. There is higher level more quality YA out there for my time.
It's a shame, because 'this could have really been good', is what I kept thinking every page I read. I came after this book because for writing research purposes I was hunting and looking for an example of this very specific YA trope and love triangle situation. The premise sets it up nicely to be so dramatic and soapy and addictive, but the writing ruins it.
"Emmeline looked up.
Ander's put his hand on his hip.
Fiona remembered blank.
They all three felt blank blank blank. "
I can take no more of this. This is all tell and no show. There is higher level more quality YA out there for my time.
It's a shame, because 'this could have really been good', is what I kept thinking every page I read. I came after this book because for writing research purposes I was hunting and looking for an example of this very specific YA trope and love triangle situation. The premise sets it up nicely to be so dramatic and soapy and addictive, but the writing ruins it.
May 5, 2018
This totally reminded me of the romances I devoured in my teens and it was a pure fluff read--love triangle, good guy does the right thing, rich guy turns out to be a bastard, some typical tropes...but a fun read and escape for a quick weekend romance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
June 19, 2018
January 20, 2019
Another very good historical fiction/romance novel by Anna Godbersen. It’s set in the days right before and through the aftermath of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Godbersen writes interesting characters and relationships. The plot is nicely paced and, as in The Luxe series, the author uses extensive period research to make important points about social status and economics in 19th century America.
Godbersen writes interesting characters and relationships. The plot is nicely paced and, as in The Luxe series, the author uses extensive period research to make important points about social status and economics in 19th century America.
June 8, 2018
Edelweiss granted me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. And honest is what I will offer you.
A Very Well Deserving 3/5 Stars
The fire had sometimes leapt over buildings, over whole blocks, leaving safe patches in its wake. But they were not really safe–the fire was often blown back, thus consuming what it had missed the first time.
Anna Godbersen wrote a generally enjoyable story I consumed in less than four days. The synopsis sounds like the classic gag-filled love triangle, but I can assure you this story is more enjoyable than any love triangle I've read thus far.
The writing was beautifully imaginative, carrying metaphors and descriptions that transported you into the story and the characters. Suddenly the hours of the clock seemed like a strange way to measure the contents of a day. Based on the infamous Chicago Fire, the writing achieves the effect of taking you into the lives of our characters as they are tackling the flames.
So, the characters.
I couldn't enjoy Emmeline as a person at all because the majority of her spoken lines were, literally, "Oh." and she consistently got away with saying only that. It never made sense how the characters talking to her just brushed that off their shoulders. Also, she is the very definition of entitled. She's supposed to be. She believes her friends are at her beck and call (soon finding out how utterly wrong she is), and her growth is all the way at the end of the story. It sort of goes in a downward drop of annoying little child before shooting back up into a mature-ish lady of understanding. I really did not like her as a character until the end. She redeemed herself. And the relationship between her and her father was something I kept reading in the hopes that it would mature and grow into a healthy and admirable give and take. I’ll let you read and decide for yourself on this one.
Fiona. My dearest Fiona. She faced the door, and the door faced her back. In a matter of seconds, she had said out loud a thing she’d forced herself not to say for half a year, and in speaking it, she had become a new person. But she hardly knew what this person should say, what this person should do. She had all the best lines, all the best growth, and I thoroughly enjoyed her POV every time the chapter turned to her. I was rooting for her since page 1 when we see she is one very capable woman. She is the lady's maid to Emmeline, and honestly deserves all the love in the story.
Then we have Anders, whom I hardly found likeable, more so tolerable. I didn't understand his emotions, ever. He, as a character, didn't feel as flushed out as anyone else. His line, Yesterday, I didn't think my life was worth very much. I would have given it away for any price. Not anymore. It all seems bigger now, and sweeter. When I look in your eyes, I see my own goodness. Do you understand? I know what it's all for. was his best line and yet it felt kind of empty and forced at the time. His timing for his little monologue didn't make sense. I was sitting here screaming at him to move his ass. His love for Emmeline didn't ever make sense to me, as he was very understanding of how he was treated, and just. Ugh. He was ight.
The plot had enough suspense toward the middle that kept me reading and desiring to know what would happen, it kind of kept me on my toes even though it’s historical fiction. I don’t really have much criticism for all the actions and consequences of the decisions made in this story. It was honestly a precious and cute book that was lighthearted enough to enjoy at face value.
Anyway, the three stars are for the beautiful writing and Miss Anna’s ability to keep me up at night wanting to find out who survived and what was to happen to Chicago. In her explanations, Anna states the romance of the book was influenced by her maternal grandparents who met and fell in love in Chicago! So cute!! This story was really enjoyable. It was a relatively fast read and hooked me from the halfway point.
Any quotations included in this review are subject to change upon release date.
A Very Well Deserving 3/5 Stars
The fire had sometimes leapt over buildings, over whole blocks, leaving safe patches in its wake. But they were not really safe–the fire was often blown back, thus consuming what it had missed the first time.
Anna Godbersen wrote a generally enjoyable story I consumed in less than four days. The synopsis sounds like the classic gag-filled love triangle, but I can assure you this story is more enjoyable than any love triangle I've read thus far.
The writing was beautifully imaginative, carrying metaphors and descriptions that transported you into the story and the characters. Suddenly the hours of the clock seemed like a strange way to measure the contents of a day. Based on the infamous Chicago Fire, the writing achieves the effect of taking you into the lives of our characters as they are tackling the flames.
So, the characters.
I couldn't enjoy Emmeline as a person at all because the majority of her spoken lines were, literally, "Oh." and she consistently got away with saying only that. It never made sense how the characters talking to her just brushed that off their shoulders. Also, she is the very definition of entitled. She's supposed to be. She believes her friends are at her beck and call (soon finding out how utterly wrong she is), and her growth is all the way at the end of the story. It sort of goes in a downward drop of annoying little child before shooting back up into a mature-ish lady of understanding. I really did not like her as a character until the end. She redeemed herself. And the relationship between her and her father was something I kept reading in the hopes that it would mature and grow into a healthy and admirable give and take. I’ll let you read and decide for yourself on this one.
Fiona. My dearest Fiona. She faced the door, and the door faced her back. In a matter of seconds, she had said out loud a thing she’d forced herself not to say for half a year, and in speaking it, she had become a new person. But she hardly knew what this person should say, what this person should do. She had all the best lines, all the best growth, and I thoroughly enjoyed her POV every time the chapter turned to her. I was rooting for her since page 1 when we see she is one very capable woman. She is the lady's maid to Emmeline, and honestly deserves all the love in the story.
Then we have Anders, whom I hardly found likeable, more so tolerable. I didn't understand his emotions, ever. He, as a character, didn't feel as flushed out as anyone else. His line, Yesterday, I didn't think my life was worth very much. I would have given it away for any price. Not anymore. It all seems bigger now, and sweeter. When I look in your eyes, I see my own goodness. Do you understand? I know what it's all for. was his best line and yet it felt kind of empty and forced at the time. His timing for his little monologue didn't make sense. I was sitting here screaming at him to move his ass. His love for Emmeline didn't ever make sense to me, as he was very understanding of how he was treated, and just. Ugh. He was ight.
The plot had enough suspense toward the middle that kept me reading and desiring to know what would happen, it kind of kept me on my toes even though it’s historical fiction. I don’t really have much criticism for all the actions and consequences of the decisions made in this story. It was honestly a precious and cute book that was lighthearted enough to enjoy at face value.
Anyway, the three stars are for the beautiful writing and Miss Anna’s ability to keep me up at night wanting to find out who survived and what was to happen to Chicago. In her explanations, Anna states the romance of the book was influenced by her maternal grandparents who met and fell in love in Chicago! So cute!! This story was really enjoyable. It was a relatively fast read and hooked me from the halfway point.
Any quotations included in this review are subject to change upon release date.
October 14, 2018
I've only read a few of Anna Godbersen's previous books but this one caught my eye when I discovered that the story was an imagining of events leading up to the Great Fire of Chicago. Although I don't read a huge amount of historical fiction now, this used to be one of my favourite genres so I thought I would give it a try. I read it in one sitting but finished with mixed feelings about it.
Godbersen has crafted a love triangle which takes centre stage in the book. Emmeline, Fiona and Anders are childhood friends whose paths have taken them in different directions. Emmeline is now engaged and has risen through the ranks of Chicago high society, while Fiona is employed as her maid and Anders has been left behind in the old neighbourhood. It was always a given that Anders and Emmeline would one day be wed but that all seems behind them now. That is until Emmeline decided that she must see Anders one more time and a terrible sequence of events is set in motion.
I'm not a big fan of love triangles so that was a mark against the story from the start. It's well written but I felt like it wasn't hugely original and has been done so many times before. I really liked Fiona who at times seemed like the only sensible character in the book but I wasn't keen on Emmeline at all and the way that she only ever thought about herself and what she wanted. She didn't seem to care that in the process she was ruining other peoples' lives. She was also rather shallow and flighty and constantly changed her mind which grated on me.
The best part of the book was the last third. Although it was almost a given what was going to happen, there were still some surprises in store and instead of meandering along, as it had done for the start of the story, the pace of the plot picked up and there was a lot more action to enjoy.
A bit of a mixed bag for me unfortunately, although I liked the original concept.
Godbersen has crafted a love triangle which takes centre stage in the book. Emmeline, Fiona and Anders are childhood friends whose paths have taken them in different directions. Emmeline is now engaged and has risen through the ranks of Chicago high society, while Fiona is employed as her maid and Anders has been left behind in the old neighbourhood. It was always a given that Anders and Emmeline would one day be wed but that all seems behind them now. That is until Emmeline decided that she must see Anders one more time and a terrible sequence of events is set in motion.
I'm not a big fan of love triangles so that was a mark against the story from the start. It's well written but I felt like it wasn't hugely original and has been done so many times before. I really liked Fiona who at times seemed like the only sensible character in the book but I wasn't keen on Emmeline at all and the way that she only ever thought about herself and what she wanted. She didn't seem to care that in the process she was ruining other peoples' lives. She was also rather shallow and flighty and constantly changed her mind which grated on me.
The best part of the book was the last third. Although it was almost a given what was going to happen, there were still some surprises in store and instead of meandering along, as it had done for the start of the story, the pace of the plot picked up and there was a lot more action to enjoy.
A bit of a mixed bag for me unfortunately, although I liked the original concept.
July 13, 2019
This was a train wreck.
I don't even want to talk about it. It was just that bad. Honestly, I can't even coherent a review right now but I understand why the overall rating is so low.
Think about these three characters.
Emmeline - spoiled, selfish, abusive, and gets everything she desires.
Fiona - loyal to a fault, is essentially a rug to be stepped on
Anders - a spineless love interest who lets the two other girls fight over him
And then there is the great Chicago fire...started because of a love triangle.
Now the way this book ends affirms a couple things:
1. Fiona doesn't deserve happiness with the boy she loves. She's very happy with Emmeline. Emmeline who's actions caused the fire, who's actions led to Fiona and Anders being caught, who essentially killed hundreds of people. Fiona is a rug for Emmeline to step on and Fiona should feel guilty when Emmeline treats her like shit.
2. Emmeline's actions are justified because she turns out okay in the end. Even though people died to save her, she can be forgiven because she married a bad, bad man. It doesn't matter that she destroyed her "best friend's" one shot at happiness. Because girl power. Fiona don't need her man. It's okay for Emmeline to want him, but Fiona can just deal with the scraps.
3. Anders doesn't need a personality or an opinion because he only stands to service the plot. He's in love with Emmeline because plot and then in love with Fiona because plot and can't just put his foot down and go "Fuck this, I'm in love with this person and it doesn't matter about our history."
This book was the best example of character driven plot gone wrong. Every single thing the characters did was to bend over backward to make sure the ending is an impactful and sad as possible. It ended up contrived and extremely painful to read.
Emmeline is a horrible character who doesn't genuinely grow at all and to be honest this entire thing is her fault. Gonna bleach this from my mind now, bye.
I don't even want to talk about it. It was just that bad. Honestly, I can't even coherent a review right now but I understand why the overall rating is so low.
Think about these three characters.
Emmeline - spoiled, selfish, abusive, and gets everything she desires.
Fiona - loyal to a fault, is essentially a rug to be stepped on
Anders - a spineless love interest who lets the two other girls fight over him
And then there is the great Chicago fire...started because of a love triangle.
Now the way this book ends affirms a couple things:
1. Fiona doesn't deserve happiness with the boy she loves. She's very happy with Emmeline. Emmeline who's actions caused the fire, who's actions led to Fiona and Anders being caught, who essentially killed hundreds of people. Fiona is a rug for Emmeline to step on and Fiona should feel guilty when Emmeline treats her like shit.
2. Emmeline's actions are justified because she turns out okay in the end. Even though people died to save her, she can be forgiven because she married a bad, bad man. It doesn't matter that she destroyed her "best friend's" one shot at happiness. Because girl power. Fiona don't need her man. It's okay for Emmeline to want him, but Fiona can just deal with the scraps.
3. Anders doesn't need a personality or an opinion because he only stands to service the plot. He's in love with Emmeline because plot and then in love with Fiona because plot and can't just put his foot down and go "Fuck this, I'm in love with this person and it doesn't matter about our history."
This book was the best example of character driven plot gone wrong. Every single thing the characters did was to bend over backward to make sure the ending is an impactful and sad as possible. It ended up contrived and extremely painful to read.
Emmeline is a horrible character who doesn't genuinely grow at all and to be honest this entire thing is her fault. Gonna bleach this from my mind now, bye.
October 28, 2018
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Initial thoughts:
Some positive points:
+ It's historical fiction, a genre rather overlooked in YA
+ Vivid setting with the Great Chicago Fire as backdrop
+ A father willing to see the error of his ways and who apologises when he is wrong
+ Friends who love each other like sisters
+ Good audiobook narrator
Some neutral points:
+ Lovetriangle quadrangle (I didn't care for it but you might)
+ Lots of to and fro about marrying for love or status (again, you might care for it more than I)
Some negative points:
+ I didn't care for the romance, which consumed at least 80% of the book
+ The Great Chicago Fire was merely a backdrop to the romantic plot (not nearly enough exploration of the impact of the fire itself)
+ Very self-entitled main character, so I didn't even care when she was backstabbed
As you can see, I actually listed more positives than negatives. However, I found the romantic conflict rather trite, and since that's the predominant plot line, that significantly reduced my enjoyment of the book. Some readers find romance and weddings and "will she/won't she?" stories exciting though, especially accentuated by the vivid historical setting, so I can see some merit in the book. Plus, I did enjoy the devotion Fiona had to Emmeline and the friendship that they shared, regardless of societal expectations between mistress and maidservant. Too bad Emmeline cared for herself first before others, which did get on my nerves at times. She's not exactly a protagonist I wanted to root for.
Initial thoughts:
Some positive points:
+ It's historical fiction, a genre rather overlooked in YA
+ Vivid setting with the Great Chicago Fire as backdrop
+ A father willing to see the error of his ways and who apologises when he is wrong
+ Friends who love each other like sisters
+ Good audiobook narrator
Some neutral points:
+ Love
+ Lots of to and fro about marrying for love or status (again, you might care for it more than I)
Some negative points:
+ I didn't care for the romance, which consumed at least 80% of the book
+ The Great Chicago Fire was merely a backdrop to the romantic plot (not nearly enough exploration of the impact of the fire itself)
+ Very self-entitled main character, so I didn't even care when she was backstabbed
As you can see, I actually listed more positives than negatives. However, I found the romantic conflict rather trite, and since that's the predominant plot line, that significantly reduced my enjoyment of the book. Some readers find romance and weddings and "will she/won't she?" stories exciting though, especially accentuated by the vivid historical setting, so I can see some merit in the book. Plus, I did enjoy the devotion Fiona had to Emmeline and the friendship that they shared, regardless of societal expectations between mistress and maidservant. Too bad Emmeline cared for herself first before others, which did get on my nerves at times. She's not exactly a protagonist I wanted to root for.
February 11, 2019
What I liked:
-the historical setting of Chicago in the 1870s was very well done (great depictions of the life of both higher and lower class people)
- the description of the chaos of the fire
- the author’s note where she talked about her grandmother witnessing the fire.
What I didn’t like:
-Anders. What the heck did not one but TWO girls see in this guy? He was spineless and easily manipulated. Fiona tells him he needs to love Emmeline and he’s like, okay. And if he sent the postcard at the end, then he was just plain weak.
- DID he send the postcard? That was a major loose end that came out of nowhere. I don’t enjoy loose ends in general, but especially not completely random loose ends.
- Emmeline. A spoiled, bratty princess of a girl. Her instalove for Anders made no sense. One minute she’s thrilled to be marrying the rich guy and the next she’s throwing it all away for some guy she liked as a kid. Also, she was weak and needed to be rescued all the time.
-Fiona. I didn’t like her at all. She just really rubbed me the wrong way
I wanted more from the historical aspect, and I could have done with a whole lot less of the love triangle.
-the historical setting of Chicago in the 1870s was very well done (great depictions of the life of both higher and lower class people)
- the description of the chaos of the fire
- the author’s note where she talked about her grandmother witnessing the fire.
What I didn’t like:
-Anders. What the heck did not one but TWO girls see in this guy? He was spineless and easily manipulated. Fiona tells him he needs to love Emmeline and he’s like, okay. And if he sent the postcard at the end, then he was just plain weak.
- DID he send the postcard? That was a major loose end that came out of nowhere. I don’t enjoy loose ends in general, but especially not completely random loose ends.
- Emmeline. A spoiled, bratty princess of a girl. Her instalove for Anders made no sense. One minute she’s thrilled to be marrying the rich guy and the next she’s throwing it all away for some guy she liked as a kid. Also, she was weak and needed to be rescued all the time.
-Fiona. I didn’t like her at all. She just really rubbed me the wrong way
I wanted more from the historical aspect, and I could have done with a whole lot less of the love triangle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2018
2.5/5
Trigger Warnings: Physical abuse, death, grief, murder,
When We Caught Fire is a historical fiction novel about a love triangle, during the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. I went into When We Caught Fire expecting to love it. Unfortunately, I didn’t. The writing was engaging, but I felt like I only knew the three main characters at a surface level.
The story follows Emmeline and Fiona’s point of view in alternate chapters. I really liked Fiona’s character, and I would have liked to learn more about her family. The power imbalance between Fiona and Emmeline was an interesting dynamic. Emmeline is an extremely selfish and privileged character. I did enjoy reading the moments between Emmeline and her father. Anders is the boy both Emmeline and Fiona are in love with, and I felt he was quite indecisive.
Overall, If you are a big fan of love triangles and historical fiction this might be the book for you.
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: Physical abuse, death, grief, murder,
When We Caught Fire is a historical fiction novel about a love triangle, during the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. I went into When We Caught Fire expecting to love it. Unfortunately, I didn’t. The writing was engaging, but I felt like I only knew the three main characters at a surface level.
The story follows Emmeline and Fiona’s point of view in alternate chapters. I really liked Fiona’s character, and I would have liked to learn more about her family. The power imbalance between Fiona and Emmeline was an interesting dynamic. Emmeline is an extremely selfish and privileged character. I did enjoy reading the moments between Emmeline and her father. Anders is the boy both Emmeline and Fiona are in love with, and I felt he was quite indecisive.
Overall, If you are a big fan of love triangles and historical fiction this might be the book for you.
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2018
I looooved 'The Luxe' series and the 'Bright Young Things' series, and I was so excited for this new read from Godbersen. Beautiful cover, although I am not a big fan of the pink hardcover underneath.
The love triangle was weird, and I'm saying that as a person who enjoyed Twilight back in the day. I absolutely HATED Emmeline and thought she was such a wishy-washy girl and not too flushed out without any other characters backing her up. Fiona was pretty bad ass, and I enjoyed her and was rooting for her all the way through. Anders was also a bit bleh until he finally grew a pair and thought for himself. Honestly, background characters like Georgie were more interesting in the end. I would LOVE a book focusing on Georgie's story!
Overall a great historical read that I would recommend to anyone who likes Godbersen.
The love triangle was weird, and I'm saying that as a person who enjoyed Twilight back in the day. I absolutely HATED Emmeline and thought she was such a wishy-washy girl and not too flushed out without any other characters backing her up. Fiona was pretty bad ass, and I enjoyed her and was rooting for her all the way through. Anders was also a bit bleh until he finally grew a pair and thought for himself. Honestly, background characters like Georgie were more interesting in the end. I would LOVE a book focusing on Georgie's story!
Overall a great historical read that I would recommend to anyone who likes Godbersen.
September 7, 2023
I could not tell you how much I despised Emmeline when I was reading this book. While I understand this book is set against the backdrop of such a big historical event, and I get that it's showing how normal people went about their business as the blaze was building, I wish we didn't have such a frivolous storyline to follow. Them both loving the same man and it mostly being an internal monologue of both of the women, I mean please. I'm just glad that this was a fast book. I also didn't like how it wasn't clear which POV I was reading from at any given time. Pleased it's another book off my shelf
November 9, 2018
It took me a little while to warm up to this. I don't particularly care for Emmeline, and Fiona was a bit of a mystery. But the description of the fire and being caught in it was mesmerizing. A life time resident of Illinois, I remember the shadow box representation of that barn at the Illinois State Museum when I was a little girl. I suppose I had never given much thought to the devastation that must have occurred, the lives lost and the families devastated. A good story about the event.
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