Saturday, November 24, 2007

The Luxe by Ana Godbersen Book Review

The Luxe by Ana Godbersen
(Harper Teen, Hardcover)

Rating:

The Luxe tells the story of 5 teens in 1899 Manhattan. Imagine Jane Austen mixed with a lot of Gossip Girl. Society rules are all important and the girls must all decide if they will abide by the rules or make their own.

I really couldn't decide whether to give this book one star or two. The writing is good. Godbersen writes about places so that you can picture them. Her characters are well-written and you could easily picture your best friend or worst enemy saying and doing the things that her characters do. But I wanted to give it one star because about 1/4 of the way into the book, I knew exactly what would happen. Obviously, I didn't know all the intricacies of the plot (there were a few surprises) but I figured most of it out. Plus, the main character was a wishy-washy girl. I hate wishy-washy girls. I mean, if you know what you want, just go after it. Yes, there should be a certain amount of deliberation but this girl arguably ruins everything for herself. I decided, however, to give it two stars because I did finish it. And even though I knew what would happen, it still kept my interest. So, don't rush out and buy the hardcover. But if someone gives it to you as a gift this year, I wouldn't exchange it right away. Plus, the cover is gorgeous. Can you imagine wearing a dress like that??!!

9 comments:

  1. I just got my copy in from the library. Sorry to hear it was a little predictable!

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  2. Thanks for the heads-up on The Luxe. I'm planning on reading it eventually and now I'll know more of what to expect and not be disappointed.

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  3. I actually think wearing a dress like that would be painful. It looks terribly heavy.

    Not sure what Gossip Girls is, but it sure sounds like something that could ruin an Austenesque book!

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  4. This book is primed to have major success, and I'm so glad to hear it's well-written!

    I really, really want a gown like that, heavy or not. Sigh.

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  5. I just read that there will be a sequel published next year. Maybe the wishy-washy girl will get her act together. :)

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  6. Ooh, thanks for the review! I'm interested to read it and see what I think now.

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  7. i started the book before i read this comment im only 6 chapters into it, its very boring espite the great descipitons of the scenery of the book but hey its only chapter 6 so ill keep reading

    peace out!!!

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  8. I agree that this was quite well-written. I'm not a big fan of rich kids behaving badly, but sometimes a little melodrama just fits the bill. And I think I came across these at just the right time.

    (I also thought Elizabeth was hugely wishy-washy, but was quite fond of Diana.)

    I linked to your review here: http://caramellunacy.blogspot.com/2009/02/luxe-anna-godbersen.html

    Thanks!

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  9. Lana - Thanks for visiting and for linking to my review! :)

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