Penny Vincenzi meets Philipa Gregory
Advance praise of Palace Circle comparing it to the work of Philipa Gregory is justified, due to its historical detail. One is steeped in early-twentieth century England and Egypt, with great attention paid to everything from clothing to political intrigue. However, I have to confess that I was drawn into the characters the way that I am when I read, for example, a Penny Vincenzi novel. I would wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys the work of either author, or to anyone who desires to know more about Colonial Egypt.
Rated of 5
by Deanna - Port Jefferson, N.Y. (Port Jefferson NY)
Historic Fiction
Perfect for a long flight or a delay at the airport. A fast EZ read...a plot we have read many times in other books ... characters we are all too familiar with ... enjoyable but quickly forgotten. Please do not compare to a Philippa Gregory novel! Not in the same league.
Rated of 5
by Hilary (Tucson AZ)
Fun and easy read but.. Palace Circle was a quick, enjoyable read but I had expected greater characters and more depth. The story could be told in a much longer version to take advantage of the settings and times. The first half went a bit more slowly for me. I enjoyed the latter part in Egypt though it was a setting used somewhat superficially. A fun read but does not make me waiting eagerly for the next book by this author though I would consider reading it.
Rated of 5
by Mary (Hilton Head Island SC)
Not Philippa Gregory
I wanted to like this book, however the stilted, pedantic writing style kept getting in the way. The last 50 pages were bearable, but the canned,predictable ending spoiled even those few pages. I can't say it was even a good romance novel -- skip this one.
Rated of 5
by Kim, Texas (Arlington TX)
Palace Circle
I enjoyed reading this book. While it is somewhat of a 'lightweight' - it is difficult to suspend disbelief in the characters' larger-than-life circumstances - it is a fast, easy read. So once you just 'go with it', the story is enjoyable. I was a little disturbed by the way the author has every character involved in an extramarital affair (except the ones she kills off); all of whom having married the wrong person ~ definitely overdone. All in all - a good read airplane or beach read. But, best not to put it in front of the unread books in line waiting their turn on your bookshelf.
Rated of 5
by Pam (Grants Pass OR)
Palace Circle
This is not Phillipa Gregory...should not be compared as such. I actually enjoyed the book as an easy, light, quick read. Although I could predict what was going to happen, I still enjoyed the story but probably would not ever pick up another novel by this author. What I liked about the book was the time period and the information about Cairo during that time was new to me. What I did not like was the fact that it did not have as much depth of character (which I was expecting).
Once I got past the things I did not like and just accepted it for it was (a light read) I just relaxed & enjoyed.
If you are looking for a book to pass the time & not have to concentrate, this is for you.
Rated of 5
by Sally (Saint Johns FL)
Palace Circle
When I cannot capture the imagination of a book, I tend to find the phrases that do not work with the time period. It was disconcerting to read a five person account. Not being a writer I do not know what could be done but it was a little daunting having to change thought processes for each main character.
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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of 5
by Laura (Houston TX)
of 5
by Deanna - Port Jefferson, N.Y. (Port Jefferson NY)
