Review by Ashley Lillie -- Yesterday by Samyann
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Ashley Lillie
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- Joined: 27 May 2017, 08:00
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- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ashley-lillie.html
- Latest Review: "Yesterday" by Samyann
Review by Ashley Lillie -- Yesterday by Samyann
[Following is a volunteer review of "Yesterday" by Samyann.]
2 out of 4 stars
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iYesterday combines past and present, including: a Chicago’s present-day Mounted Police, the Civil War and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Amanda and Mark, the main characters, are brought together by an unforeseen circumstance that makes them question how they have known each other prior to this encounter in their past life. Amanda's recent and distant past greatly influences the way she. navigates her relationship with Mark and others.
In a story entrenched in regressions, the author did a respectable job of clearly noting when we were exploring the world of the past and present. The historical references throughout the entire novel were not only valid but also effortlessly integrated in many different contexts throughout the novel. The narrator's view of the events occurring make the reader more emotionally invested in these devastating historical events. It shed light on aspects of the Civil War that sometimes are overshadowed by other more prominent events.
I also really enjoyed the character development of Amanda’s aunt Mary as a secondary character. She was funny, a little off-beat but also credible and caring. Her credibility is due to the author’s apparent research in regression therapy. The idea of Mary utilizing regression therapy could have gone downhill, fast, but the author did an impressive job of explaining the concept of this therapeutic treatment without presenting themselves as an expert.
The dialogue, most notably between Mark and Amanda seemed forced to integrate humor and appear genuine. The author developed Amanda as a more distant character based on her tragic past. However, her distance never seemed authentic and at times, disconnected from the progressing plot line. Mark’s dialogue was also labored. I appreciated Mark’s Irish identity, which was cited frequently in his romantic banter with Amanda. Though I valued this banter on a personal level, it was the way in which I felt that Mark’s charming demeanor was forced by the author.
Overall, the novel was lengthy. Typically, I can make it through a historical fiction novel, especially with the mental health undertones that this one held, quickly. Unfortunately, Yesterday struggled to keep me engaged until I was about three quarters of the way through the novel. I became bored and distracted repeatedly midway through the book where I was experiencing some difficulty understanding the foreshadowing and relationship building that was taking place.
I rate Yesterday 2 out of 4 stars. I did not find this book particularly engaging, but I believe that the foundation of the plot and lovable characters will be appealing to a variety of readers. While the romance in this novel did not appeal to me personally, I believe that may be own preference. Fans of light historical fiction with a romantic twist will appreciate Yesterday. Those who are looking for a historical fiction novel that dives deeper into the societal context of the time (Civil War and post-Civil War error) would not find what they are looking for in Yesterday.
******
Yesterday
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2 out of 4 stars
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iYesterday combines past and present, including: a Chicago’s present-day Mounted Police, the Civil War and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Amanda and Mark, the main characters, are brought together by an unforeseen circumstance that makes them question how they have known each other prior to this encounter in their past life. Amanda's recent and distant past greatly influences the way she. navigates her relationship with Mark and others.
In a story entrenched in regressions, the author did a respectable job of clearly noting when we were exploring the world of the past and present. The historical references throughout the entire novel were not only valid but also effortlessly integrated in many different contexts throughout the novel. The narrator's view of the events occurring make the reader more emotionally invested in these devastating historical events. It shed light on aspects of the Civil War that sometimes are overshadowed by other more prominent events.
I also really enjoyed the character development of Amanda’s aunt Mary as a secondary character. She was funny, a little off-beat but also credible and caring. Her credibility is due to the author’s apparent research in regression therapy. The idea of Mary utilizing regression therapy could have gone downhill, fast, but the author did an impressive job of explaining the concept of this therapeutic treatment without presenting themselves as an expert.
The dialogue, most notably between Mark and Amanda seemed forced to integrate humor and appear genuine. The author developed Amanda as a more distant character based on her tragic past. However, her distance never seemed authentic and at times, disconnected from the progressing plot line. Mark’s dialogue was also labored. I appreciated Mark’s Irish identity, which was cited frequently in his romantic banter with Amanda. Though I valued this banter on a personal level, it was the way in which I felt that Mark’s charming demeanor was forced by the author.
Overall, the novel was lengthy. Typically, I can make it through a historical fiction novel, especially with the mental health undertones that this one held, quickly. Unfortunately, Yesterday struggled to keep me engaged until I was about three quarters of the way through the novel. I became bored and distracted repeatedly midway through the book where I was experiencing some difficulty understanding the foreshadowing and relationship building that was taking place.
I rate Yesterday 2 out of 4 stars. I did not find this book particularly engaging, but I believe that the foundation of the plot and lovable characters will be appealing to a variety of readers. While the romance in this novel did not appeal to me personally, I believe that may be own preference. Fans of light historical fiction with a romantic twist will appreciate Yesterday. Those who are looking for a historical fiction novel that dives deeper into the societal context of the time (Civil War and post-Civil War error) would not find what they are looking for in Yesterday.
******
Yesterday
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Ashley Lillie's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: "Yesterday" by Samyann
