February Wrap Up

Hester by Margaret Oliphant – 4 stars This was for my Victorian women novelists independent study, and I enjoyed it. It’s not as funny as Oliphant’s Miss Marjoribanks, but I really enjoyed the plot and Catherine Vernon as a character.

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner – 4 stars This adorable middle grade graphic novel was a joy to read. It was nice to have an easy, fun read in the midst of all my academic reading. And the art is lovely! Full Review

Arthur Mervyn by Charles Brockden Brown – 3 stars This was the first book for my 19th-century American literature class, and I skimmed so heavily that I can’t even really tell you the plot. The writing is confusing right from the start, and I just couldn’t get into it. But I didn’t think it was fair to give it a lower rating since I technically read so little of it.

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell – 4 stars This was also for my independent study. I did enjoy it, though not nearly as much as North and South. Gaskell really needed to be told to cut 300 or so pages. It’s entirely too long. Full Review

Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman – 4 stars I listened to this on audiobook and thought it was lovely. It’s a mystery featuring a boarding school, LGBT+ characters, fairy tales, pagan rituals, and murder. All in all, a great time! Full Review

Hope Leslie: or, Early Times in the Massachusetts by Catharine Sedgwick – 3 stars I had so much fun reading critical works about this book, but Sedgwick’s writing put me to sleep. But the plot is interesting and some of the characters–mainly Magawisca–are excellent. Full Review

The Shadow Queen by C. J. Redwine – 3 stars I read this “Snow White” retelling for the Forgotten YA Gems book club. It was a fun read, but I ultimately wanted more from the characters. Fairy Tale Friday

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë – 5 stars This is one of my favorite Victorian books, and I had a lovely time rereading it for my independent study. Anne Brontë deserves more love! Full Review