{Book Review} Revolution

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Not one of my usual reads, but....I liked it.


Synopsis:

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.
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I have to say when I first started reading this book I maybe sludged through 2 chapters and I was done. I put it down and started another book, then another -till I had nothing to read and was desperate and decided to give it another shot. I am glad I did.

If you can get past the main characters self loathing for awhile, get past the self endulgence of the other characters (her supposed friends) you will actually start enjoying the book too. It takes awhile to understand why Andi and her family have issues (her friends issues are somewhat easy to figure out, everything is handed to them by rich and famous families, thier bored, etc. ) but once you do, and you get to the part where she is in Paris this book is captivating, intriguing and an eye opener of the French Revolution-which if your like me and it's not your thing on a normal basis- and strong female characters, you will be surprised how much it draws you in and captivates you.

3.75 stars
YA-Adult (17+)
Language, drug/alcohol use, violence, gritty themes.


~V