Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Title: Revolution
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
Pages: 472
First Published: 2010
Where I Got It: Library
"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"
Title: Revolution
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
Pages: 472
First Published: 2010
Where I Got It: Library
"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"
This is the second novel I've read by Jennifer Donnelly. The first one was oddly enough A Northern Light and I really enjoyed that one. I've been hearing about this book all over the place and I read a review by Stephanie from Books Are a Girl's Best Friend, which made me very interested in the book (you can see her review HERE. Once the book was in my hands I dove into it with a fierce determination.
However, the first fifty pages or so made me almost put the book down. It was just a big, huge pity party for Andi (the main character). Yes, I understand she's tortured by her brother's death and she blames herself for it, but she literally goes out of her way to hurt people. I know she does this to protect herself, but it made me mad that she would do that to the people who were trying to care for her. I know the beginning pages were meant to make you understand Andi, but it just made me angry and frustrated. I also felt like the beginning was very sluggish and many of the events seemed irreverent.
Once I got past the first few chapters, I began to slip into the story and I actually began to enjoy it! I loved how Jennifer Donnelly tied Alex's and Andi's life together. I loved how Donnelly used the Revolution as a symbolism to the human heart and why people are the way they are. Donnelly did an amazing job showing the French Revolution as it really was....a big chaotic mess that killed an overwhelming amount of people. Many innocent, many not. I loved how she showed the reader Paris, France! I felt like I was there (in both time frames).
Even though I didn't like Andi, I understood her. Thanks to Donnelly I could sympathize with her and I could slightly relate to her. By the end of the book, however, I really did start to like her. She got over herself and realized everyone has problems and that they continue to move forward and not dwell on the past. I really think this book as a great, deep meaning. It opened my eyes to some facts about the French Revolution that I couldn't understand. I've been studying and analyzing the Revolution for a long time, but I never really understood the ironies of it and the people who were involved with it. Donelly did a wonderful job bringing this world changing event alive and then connecting it to out time period.
Overall, I didn't like the main characters (I didn't really like Alex either, but I liked her WAY more than Andi) or the beginning that much, but I grew to love this book! It wasn't as good as A Northern Light, but it was really good book, with a good plot and a good meaning. If you have any love of YA books or Historical novels, I think you'll like this. Out of five stars I grant this 4 stars. ^.^
Favorite Character(s): Virgil and Amadé Malherbeau
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Andi's dad (I can't remember his name and I don't care to remember it, he was a jerk)
~PS: For some reason I'm having trouble commenting on my blog and others, so if I don't reply, I'm so so so so sorry! =( I'll reply and comment once Blogger fixes the issue.~
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<3CaroleRae
