The Bronze Horseman - A Series Review

Today’s blog goes back a few months to when I finished The Bronze Horseman trilogy by Paullina Simons. Fellow bibliophile friends of mine recommended it to me, and needless to say, it was not quite the reading adventure I originally expected. Here is my review for all installments of this epic trilogy. 

Novel one, The Bronze Horseman, is the first of the three. It took me FOREVER to get immersed in, but I'm glad it finally snagged me.. Hook, link, and sinker. The story of Alexander and Tatiana is not just a story of love, but of tragedy, survival, strategy, and courage. Before their love can flourish, they have to overcome the struggles and fatalities of a second, major world war. All around them is death and destruction and it becomes a LOT for even the reader to tackle. Almost all 810 pages ripped my heart right out. I walked away from this one mentally drained from from their journey.

Tatiana and Alexander comes next. This series might be one of the toughest I've ever had to get through, and the most realistic of any fiction I've read in quite awhile. The cover may say “a love story", but don't let that fool you if you're looking for some fluffy pages filled with romance, wooing, and steamy intimacy. Don’t get me wrong, those things are all within the pages as well, but the tale incorporates a significant amount more than physical acts of love and a romantic relationship.

World War II, the history of the different territories, sickness, death, being on the run, and fighting for survival are all woven into this intricate story. I've read very few novels that have caused my heart to skip into my throat for a good chunk of the tale, but Tatiana and Alexander do just that for me. So many times, I'd try to put myself in either of their shoes, and I know I wouldn't survive even a fraction of the obstacles they had to attempt to overcome. 

Finally comes The Summer Garden. The last in the whole series. This was the longest I've ever spent on a trilogy, and with a fictional couple. It took me a month to trudge through the story of Tatiana Metanova and Alexander Belov/Barrington. To me, this was more than a love story, more than a romance with just a hint of erotica. It was a life-long journey and true roller coaster revolving around these two. Nothing about book three or this entire series seemed fake or fluffy. It's not "hearts and flowers", but very, very, sometimes TOO much..... real. I've reiterated that fact since the first part of their story. The couple's triumphs and joys were mine as was their heartaches. I felt depressed on all levels having finally closed the final book and my decades of adventures with this extraordinary couple and their remarkable extended family. While it didn't happen right away, they have now acquired one of the top spots in my literary loves list. If you're willing to put in the effort, do yourselves a favor and pick up these books. You won't be disappointed!

Final overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Trimalchio- An Early Version of The Great Gatsby

It seems only fitting that I begin an attempt at a book review blog by discussing my favorite novel (or would it be considered a novella?) of all time. I first got my hands on a copy of The Great Gatsby when I was a sophomore in high school, and no story has gripped me quite as much ever since. I even chose the theme of corruption throughout Gatsby for my senior thesis in college. 

In 2013, when the Baz Luhrmann adaptation of Gatsby hit theaters, I, of course, was  chomping at the bit to attend a viewing as soon as possible. While I was browsing tidbits and info in preparation of the movie, I found an interview discussing the inspiration that came from Trimalchio. Needless to say, my research on all things Fitzgerald intensified even more. 

I’m baffled that as an English Major that I hadn't heard of this version sooner than a few years prior, but I'm REALLY glad I finally did. No one writes such whimsical worlds as Fitzgerald and this earlier publication gave me even more insight to the era I wish I could have experienced for myself. Some of the characters are down-right despicable, but even with his dark mystery, Gatsby balances them out by being the eternal romantic, gentleman, and hopeful dreamer. Now I understand Leonardo DiCaprio's inspiration for him so much better having read the earlier edition. Just like the commercials used to say, the summer belongs to Gatsby. If you are a Fitzgerald diehard like I am, you'll thoroughly enjoy this edition. You can find it via eBay or Amazon for a pretty great price, so I highly suggest giving it a go!

PS- read the very end of the book to discover to meaning of why Fitzgerald originally titled his tale Trimalchio. It's just brilliant and so enchanting. Doesn't quite hold a place in your heart the way "Gatsby" does, but it's extremely powerful with such great symbolism. I'm done gushing about the greatness of Gatsby now. Enjoy!

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A Quick Thought

So I've been doing some thinking over the last few days. It doesn't happen often, so let's just roll with it, shall we?

Right now, I'm in this weird "in-between" chapter of my life, and I find myself a bit lost from day-to-day. I graduated in December, I work part-time, I'm working with my dad's art company, I'm trying to travel this summer, and I'm looking for a full-time big girl job. I have a ton of reading and writing that keeps stacking up in my brain, but I'm not finding enough hours in the day to squeeze both into my schedule as well as all the other "adulting" I need to be doing for the time being.

Anywho... since I love reading and writing so much, I'm thinking in my free time, that I'd turn this space into a book blog. I already rate and review novels on goodreads, but this seems like a great space to network my writing skills (or lack thereof) and what I think of my latest reading material. I'll probably start with some past books I've already discussed over on goodreads that I just really enjoyed and put them here as a jumping off point.

My life outside of books is not that interesting, but from time-to-time I think I'll also delve into other interests just to give you all a literary break here and there.

I'm excited to do this and I'm determined to stick with it! Keep your eyes peeled since the first post will be coming to you shortly!