Quote

Be omnivorous, don't just read one kind of book, read everything. - Richard Wagamese

Friday, January 18, 2013

Review: Crossing on the Paris by Dana Gunther



Publisher: Gallery Books
Released: 2012
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

In 1921, the SS Paris leaves on her maiden voyage. Despite the Titanic sinking, ocean liners are still looking to be bigger and grander. Three ladies, traveling in separated classes among the ship meet by chance. Vera Sinclair is traveling first class, and returning to Manhattan after being away for thirty years. She’s sick, and knows this voyage will be her last. Constance Stone’s husband didn't approve of her trip, and now she is returning home after a failed attempt to bring her sister home. France was too tempting for her sister, and it’s clear their ailing mother is not her concern. Julie Vernet is trying to make a life for herself. Her parents were distraught over the death of her brothers during the war, and Julie needed to break away and make a life for herself.

Review:

This story is not about the ship, but more about three women making life changing decisions. Vera is waiting to die, Constance is walking a fine line between fling and affair and Julie is learning that men are not always as they seem. The diversity between the women really works well. Vera may want for nothing, but she’s really a lonely woman. At this time in her life, her wealth doesn't give her comfort. Constance misses her daughters, but questions her marriage. Julie is young, naive and grieving for her brothers. Her world has been so consumed with grief that she needed to get away, and start her life.

I wasn't sure what to think of Crossing on the Paris. I was intrigued by the plot but wondered how the ship would come into play. It actually worked really well. In tight quarters the three women come together, and learn about each other. I enjoyed the three main characters equally. Normally, I tend to choose one character over another. Gunther did a great job with Crossing on the Paris. I felt like I was on the ship with three dynamic, scared, and brave women.

10 comments:

  1. This sounds wonderful - I love to read about relationships.

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  2. I enjoyed this one too. I agree with you, all three main characters were interesting to read about.

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  3. I love, love, love reading about the 1920s and I also love really well-written characters. This book sounds like it would be right down my alley!

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  4. This one sounds so good--the characters, setting and the time period especially.

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  5. I like the fact that this is one of those books that puts different kinds of women, from different backgrounds in close quarters, and lets them all mutually bond. It sounds like it's a quiet read, and one that I would really enjoy, so I thank you for sharing your thoughts with us on this one. It might be something that I should hasten to add to my collection! Thanks!

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  6. I am drawn to books about women and their lives. Great review.

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  7. This sounds like my kind of read!

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  8. I liked this one, but I didn't love it. It was historically rich in its detail and the differences between steerage and first class always amaze me. Julie was my favorite!

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