I do not usually read historical fiction, but when a received a copy of Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly for review, I thought I’d give it a try.
The premise of the story sounded so interesting.
“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.”
— Description from GoodReads
I was immediately taken aback by the raw emotions of this story. Andi is so troubled and heartbroken, and she lashes out at everyone and everything.
I can only imagine how she felt, blaming herself for her brother’s death and pushing everyone away until she felt alone.
When she finds Alex’s diary, I can understand how she can relate to the young Parisian who cared for Prince Louis-Charles.
From the description, I thought Alex’s story would be romantic. I’m glad that it was not and that her love was a sisterly love for a young boy. It really made this story so much more poignant.
Donnelly effortlessly blended the past and the present. I found myself wondering if the people from the French Revolution (Alex, Amade, the Green Man) were real and if this was really their story.
The tie-in with the present-day testing of the young heart really made the story interesting and relevant.
Sometimes, it felt like the story was a little *too* sad, like Donnelly was trying a little *too* hard to make Andi seem emotionally distraught. She goes on and on about the psychiatric drugs that Andi pops like candy.
And her father’s apathy really disturbed me. How could he not realize how bad things were? But, I guess absentee parents is a popular trend in Young Adult literature.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It felt like it took a bit to get going (I really could’ve done without a bunch of the stuff at the beginning) and the end seemed crammed with a ton of information and action. It seemed like the meat of the book was shoved in the last 200 pages.
I would highly recommend this story for readers who enjoy historical novels, as well as contemporary young adult fiction.
Due to the use of drugs, alcohol, sex and some adult language, I would not recommend this title for younger readers.
**Disclaimer** An Advanced Readers Copy of this book was provided to me for review from the publisher, Delacorte Press.
Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read and review this book early!
I've read good things about this book – thanks for sharing the review! You might also enjoy a new fantasy book out called, "Principle Destiny," by David A. Cleinman. I found it to be a fun and exciting read. A deliberately slow beginning leads up to non-stop action and suspense. Hard to put down once you get started!
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