The research that went into this book is tremendous. I learned so much about a time period I’ve actually studied for teaching elementary and junior high level history. I enjoyed the little bits of sarcasm, and jabs at various characters throughout the book. 

Unfortunately the author’s language choice made the book tedious to read. It feels very much like she abused her thesaurus. Why use clear, concise language when you can use big words improperly to muddle your meaning? A wide vocabulary should enable a writer to be more clear in her communication, but in this instance it makes her intentions unclear and her story less accessible. 

I actually enjoyed this book for the most part. It took an old and familiar story and made it new and exciting with characters I knew little about.