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Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan

Under the Wide and Starry Sky

by Nancy Horan
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (4):
  • Readers' Rating (60):
  • First Published:
  • Jan 21, 2014, 496 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Sep 2014, 496 pages
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Reviews

Page 4 of 4
There are currently 27 reader reviews for Under the Wide and Starry Sky
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Cynthia D. (Germantown, TN)

Too Much of a Good Thing?
Most avid readers know Robert Louis Stevenson's vast array of publications-- and they're so diverse! Poetry to Pirates plus Jekyll & Hyde!
Under the Wide & Starry Sky reveals Stevenson's highs and lows of creativity, issues with health, poverty, romance & marriage to a feisty American, Fanny. Although Horan provides a superb look at the lifestyle of writers, the vivid narration of disagreements with his friends became tiresome (in my opinion).
Overall, I am DELIGHTED to have read this book and intend to discover Stevenson's work that I've missed.
Lori

Under the Wide and Starry Sky
I received an advance copy of Under the Wide and Starry Sky. I found it a welcome addition to the other recent historical novels about the wives of famous people, the women behind the men. Since I didn’t know anything about the life of Robert Louis Stevenson, I found it particularly interesting to learn about him, and his wife led a fascinating life as well. I also enjoyed reading about the time period and the places they traveled. One would never have expected someone in poor health to have managed to travel to the most far-flung places in a time when travel was so difficult. The author brought to life the challenges of Stevenson’s health, finances and relationships. Although the book was a little longer than I would have liked, it was a unique story. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction, and I think it would make a good choice for book discussion groups.
Vicky R. (Cumming, GA)

Wanted more....
I wanted a little more from this book, this author. I was excitedly looking forward to reading about the life of RLS, but ended up dragging myself through the last quarter of this book. Although a lot of the descriptions of the exotic places that the author took us were pure, visual and lovely, I found I was frequently bored throughout the book and found myself "trying" to connect with the characters. This will not keep me from reading future books from Ms. Horan, an obviously talented writer.
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