Official Review: Old Stone Face by Eve Gwartney

[nooregano]

I'm surprised to know it's actually a rather optimistic, perhaps to the point of naivete, tale of compassion, hope, and redemption, since the premise starts out quite bleak. I'm intrigued by the historical and geographical background and the complex characters, though the ham-fisted metaphors do put me off a bit. Thanks for the review!

Thanks for stopping by, Tomah. I appreciate it! If you decide to pick this book up, I hope that you like it!

[nooregano]

I love historical fiction - and know little about Danish life - so this intrigues me. I may give it a try even though the story line is a touch inconsistent. Thanks for the insightful review!

I'd recommend this book, do give a try! Thanks for stopping by, allbooked+!

[nooregano]

Well, this doesn't sound like a book I would love to read. Great review though.

How come you wouldn't like to read it? And thank you!

[nooregano]

I really like that the characters are complicated and realistic. I think there are very few genuinely bad people in the world, we all do the best we can with the personalities we are born with and what we are taught in life. Your analysis of all of the facets that make this novel special was beautifully written. It's too bad the timeline and errors drug down the book, because otherwise it sounds like a wonderful read.

Yes, I agree! I also think that we all do the best we can! Thank you for your kind words, unamilagra! I always look forward to your thoughtful comments. I really, really appreciate them

[nooregano]

I definitely agree that this book's optimistic tone is needed right now. However, I'm not a fan of historicl fiction, so I'll pass. Great review!

Thanks for stopping by, Mrbrooks2518!

[nooregano]

I usually like historical fiction, but this one sounds like it has a few too many weaknesses to be enjoyable. Fantastic review, though, thanks for that!

Thanks for stopping by, Brendan! I really appreciate it!

[nooregano]

I have a really strong bond with my older sister, so I really love stories about sisterhood. This sounds up my alley, so it's a shame that the story became inconsistent after a while. It's always disappointing when something starts strong and tapers off after a while. Still, this sounds like a heart-filled story, and it would be nice to read something that isn't so nihilistic. A lot of the stuff today is so grimdark that it's hard to feel attached or connected, so it's wonderful that someone made a story that looks on the positive side. Life isn't just one way or the other, it's a spectrum. Love it. Thanks for your review! It was balanced and informative, I like how you examined the plot, structure, and themes!

You bring up a great point - nihilistic stories are hard to feel attached or connected to! That's absolutely true. I always wondered why stories that were strong philosophically sometimes seemed lacking.
And yes, it isn't one way or the other. It's a spectrum!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I really appreciate it, Lindsey!

[nooregano]

Amazing review!
Honestly, I don't fancy such plots but I think I should try this one. Thanks for the valuable review.

Thanks for stopping by, Ekta! I appreciate it!

[nooregano]

As I began reading your review, I wondered at what could have caused you to deduct two stars. It sounds like a lovely book! However, with the plot issues as well as editing issues, I think you well-justified your rating. Thanks for another great review!

Thanks for stopping by, sarahmarlowe! I really appreciate it!

[nooregano]

You are absolutely right - sometimes, saying too much makes the reader feel like they are being spoken at. Similes and metaphors are fun to work through and figure out on your own.
This is a great review, as always

Yes, your phrasing is spot-on! It really was as though the reader was being spoken at. Thank you for stopping by, Bianka! I really appreciate it!

[Manang Muyang]

What a wonderful review! I'm sure the author will not mind the rating as you emphasized the book's good points. She can only make it even better.

[Wyland]

Maren and Britta are unfortunate to have no other friends but themselves. But I am glad that they seem to find a way round it. Thanks for the wonderful review.

[Nerea]

The book seem to touch on various emotional feelings. It's a story that I might want to read. Thank you for your informative review.

[Erin Painter Baker]

Really solid review. I think sometimes we all may need the balm for our soul of a world where everyone is at heart a decent person and is just trying to do the best they can with what they have. But I think the issue with the metaphors would just drive me mad.

[Kelyn]

I'm not into historical fiction. However, and perhaps this is a bit morbid, but I find myself wondering what horrors the sisters faced. I suppose that's to be expected since one of my favorite genres is dystopian fiction. I may have to give this one a look. Thanks for the enjoyable review!