a meh 2 star not a bleh ( )

The audio book is wonderful, because we get to hear parts of the Hallelujah Chorus and of Pirates of Penzance. ?áAlso, it makes this historical fiction much more palatable to someone like me, who is tired of the genre. ?áIf this were a children's book, rather than most def. for YA age 12 (or more) and up (you might want to read it yourself if your 'tween child chooses it), I'd say it's a contender for a Newbery. ?áAnd if it weren't true, it would seem implausibly melodramatic and maudlin. ?á

Karr herself narrates the author's end note re' historical authenticity, and it's fascinating. ?á(If your paper copy doesn't have the note, I recommend research on Karr's website or even Wikipedia. ?áMost everything in the story did happen, though not exactly all in one year in one place.) ( )

An odd one, but pretty good - some nicelt handled softening and unveiling. ( )