Rated of 5
by Mary 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 Hilary 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 Palace Circle
I approached it with enthusiasm because of the publisher's comparison with Philippa Gregory. My advice? Drop her name from the blurb before publication and we won't expect so much. Aside from the vacuous story line, I was continually irritated by the author's attempt at giving the heroine a southern accent simply by leaving the ""g" off every word ending in "ing." It doesn't work! In spite of all my criticisms, I'll add an honest note. I wasn't feeling well when I read "Palace Circle,' and the truth is, it suited me fine at the time. No stress about how it would end, no emotional investment in the characters, and except for the "irritatin'" hiccups, a smooth read. If you're recovering from the flu, it might be a good choice. Otherwise, don't bother.
Rated of 5
by Virginia Palace Circle
If you enjoy reading Penny Vincenzi and Barbara Taylor Bradford, I think you will enjoy this book. I love reading books that take place in the 1920-30s and have loads of detail about the parties the characters attend along with what they are wearing. Many real historical figures are included, such as the Duke and Duchess of Wales (before they became the Duke and Duchess) and Anwar Sadat. But the book does take a serious turn when it turns to Egyptian politics pre-WWI and during the war. I didn't want the book to end.
Rated of 5
by Kristen Palace Circle
In the note on the back of the review copy, the publisher promised fast-paced, expected plots, great characters and fabulous settings. The settings were good, but the rest was not as advertised. Within the first few pages, I knew enough to be able to predict the general scope of the story, and nothing ever came as a surprise. The characters seemed generic, and the plot never went into enough depth of any one experience to draw me in. It was difficult for me to hold attention through to the end. If you want to understand Egypt or England in this period, read Elizabeth Peters. This book left me wanting, not wanting more. I will studiously avoid the other books in the series by this author.
Rated of 5
by Deanna - Port Jefferson, N.Y. 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.
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