important to get this out of the way: Madensky Square is historical fiction with some romance.
I'm still floored by this book which I first read aboutimportant to get this out of the way: Madensky Square is historical fiction with some romance.
I'm still floored by this book which I first read about scrolling through an AAR comments section about mistress romances - Sherry Thomas actually rec'd this book! I have longed to read a romance about a mistress who remains a mistress by the end of the book - without an "elevation" to wife status. I want stolen moments and secret accounts, separate lives that intersect in hotels and rented homes over long weekends . . . This book has all of those things. And it works so well probably because the book is not genre romance.
Every meeting is like wading through shifting sand to an oasis.
1911, Vienna: Susanna is the esteemed owner of a dress shop in Madensky Square. The square is bustling with other shops and families who live and work here. Susanna is the mistress of an important officer who is in a loveless marriage. Told through journal entries over one year, we meet Susanna's neighbors, clients, and her lover, Gernot. Due to his important position, Gernot is unable to divorce his wife. I loved getting to know Susanna's neighbors and friends. Ibbotson created such fascinating secondary characters - I shared their worries and delighted in their happiness.
The book ends in March 1912 and although things end positively (imo) for many of the characters, we, the reader, know what historical events are coming soon. and oh my heart my heart, how I wish there was more time with this special place.
When I was 20 I backpacked through Europe with a friend. The first city we stayed in was Vienna - so it's always been a special city to me. Our first night, as we were running through the streets to catch our bus we came upon a woman underneath an arch playing a harp. I don't recall the song but I remember how it made me feel: alive. This book made me feel similarly but it might be because I'm very romantic about Vienna. I wish I could say more about the book but everything I want to say feel inadequate!...more
I read three of these In Death novellas with a friend who is more knowledgeable about the series and out of the three this one was my favorite (weird I read three of these In Death novellas with a friend who is more knowledgeable about the series and out of the three this one was my favorite (weird since there was no vampire or sex cult in this one!) It took me almost the entire book to figure out the twist which I appreciated....more
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