It's an Okay Read, but with an Interesting Setting
An interesting premise, this book combines historical fact with fictional characters to create a story about some of our earliest settlers. Early on, we learn about two of the young women on the journey, cautious and fearful Mary Elizabeth and exuberant and adventurous Dorothy. They are best friends who are on the ship, the Speedwell, along with some of their family members.
I found it interesting that the author chose to follow Mary Elizabeth, rather than Dorothy in the story. Normally, the more dynamic character is central because of the energy they bring to the story. And this, I think, is the downfall of the story. I was bored through much of the story. While Mary Elizabeth was probably the deeper of the two characters, her meekness I think hindered some of the action that the other character, could have experienced. While I did enjoy the romance building aspect of the book, it just took too long and with such an inspiring premise, I think a lot of potential of the story was missed.
Thank you to NetGalley / BookishFirst and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy to read. All opinions are my own.
I found it interesting that the author chose to follow Mary Elizabeth, rather than Dorothy in the story. Normally, the more dynamic character is central because of the energy they bring to the story. And this, I think, is the downfall of the story. I was bored through much of the story. While Mary Elizabeth was probably the deeper of the two characters, her meekness I think hindered some of the action that the other character, could have experienced. While I did enjoy the romance building aspect of the book, it just took too long and with such an inspiring premise, I think a lot of potential of the story was missed.
Thank you to NetGalley / BookishFirst and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy to read. All opinions are my own.