This is my first Jennifer Donelly book and it certainly will not be my last. The author has plotted an intelligent and multi-layered story that straddles two timelines which isn't the easiest thing to achieve in a novel, but Donelly does a credible job of weaving these two stories together.
Andi Alpers attends an elite prep school in NYC, but this senior is anything but happy. She is tormented by the death of her little brother, and her life appears to be falling apart. Andi's mother is unstable, and her father has fled his old family for a less complicated life. When Andi's mother eventually gets committed, Andi finds herself truly adrift and lost in a sea of sadness and confusion. Reluctantly, she finds herself being dragged by her father to Paris.
In Paris, Andi discovers an antique guitar case and within it another treasure - an old diary dating from the French Revolution, written by another young woman, Alexandrine Paradis. Andi feels a deep connection to Alexandrine, and becomes caught up in the historical past. The story is infused with characters that are complex and multi-faceted, and the rich historical details result in a compelling narrative that will captivate reader's attention. The author also demonstrates mastery in handling the two different time periods, allowing readers to see how two very remarkable young women learn to come to terms with life's disappointments, whilst forging a future for themselves. A poignant must-read!
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