Helpful Score: 1
**Thank you Penguin/Viking and Netgalley for providing this in exchange for an honest review**
The Hundred-Year House takes place during four different times periods. We start out in 1999 and work our way backwards to 1900. Even though each time period has its own group of characters, all their stories are connected in someway. This book was a roller-coaster ride for my emotions. It made me feel joy, sadness, and anger. So much anger in the first section.
This novel first came to my attention sometime late last year. As soon as I saw the description I knew I wanted to get my hands on it. When Netgalley approved my request, I did a little happy dance. I loved the characters when I met them. Then I hit the 50% point. I really thought I was going to end up marking this 1.5 to 2 Stars. The personalities of the characters started changing. I was getting angry with them. I kept thinking "What is wrong with these people? Are they incapable of come right out and saying what they're thinking? Can Doug really not see what he is doing?". They all started out so...normal. They weren't perfect people by any means, but they all had something redeeming about them. Then the obsessions started. A few characters stayed true to their original selves, but the most prominent ones didn't. As angry as I was with it, I understand why the author did what she did. The things that bothered me bothered me because *I* don't personally approve with the way things worked out. The thing is, in these particular situations, there isn't a black and white answer. What I see as unforgivable, others might see as it was meant to be.
As I moved into the second section (1955), I was ready to dislike it. I went in expecting the characters I liked to turn. I couldn't have been anymore wrong. This isn't really a happy section. You learn some dark secrets. Characters get fresh starts. This is where my emotion ride really started. I wanted to scream at Grace. I cradle Amy. I wanted to hug Max just for being there. I wanted to cause George physical harm.
The third part (1929) was by far my favorite. This is where all the puzzle pieces fall into place. It was a little confusing at first. You're introduced to a large cast of characters all at once. I had a little trouble remembering who was who at first, but each character comes into their own pretty quickly. This is where everything starts. It is the happiest part of the book (IMO)
The last part (1900) is very short. But we're finally introduced to Violet. A women, who even in death, has been able to cause wonderment, fear, and anger to the future resident of the Hundred-Year House.
I highly recommend this book. It has a similar feel to a Kate Morton title. My review really doesn't due this title justice. All I can say is I think anyone who enjoys stories that take place during different times that interconnect with each other should run out and find this title
The Hundred-Year House takes place during four different times periods. We start out in 1999 and work our way backwards to 1900. Even though each time period has its own group of characters, all their stories are connected in someway. This book was a roller-coaster ride for my emotions. It made me feel joy, sadness, and anger. So much anger in the first section.
This novel first came to my attention sometime late last year. As soon as I saw the description I knew I wanted to get my hands on it. When Netgalley approved my request, I did a little happy dance. I loved the characters when I met them. Then I hit the 50% point. I really thought I was going to end up marking this 1.5 to 2 Stars. The personalities of the characters started changing. I was getting angry with them. I kept thinking "What is wrong with these people? Are they incapable of come right out and saying what they're thinking? Can Doug really not see what he is doing?". They all started out so...normal. They weren't perfect people by any means, but they all had something redeeming about them. Then the obsessions started. A few characters stayed true to their original selves, but the most prominent ones didn't. As angry as I was with it, I understand why the author did what she did. The things that bothered me bothered me because *I* don't personally approve with the way things worked out. The thing is, in these particular situations, there isn't a black and white answer. What I see as unforgivable, others might see as it was meant to be.
As I moved into the second section (1955), I was ready to dislike it. I went in expecting the characters I liked to turn. I couldn't have been anymore wrong. This isn't really a happy section. You learn some dark secrets. Characters get fresh starts. This is where my emotion ride really started. I wanted to scream at Grace. I cradle Amy. I wanted to hug Max just for being there. I wanted to cause George physical harm.
The third part (1929) was by far my favorite. This is where all the puzzle pieces fall into place. It was a little confusing at first. You're introduced to a large cast of characters all at once. I had a little trouble remembering who was who at first, but each character comes into their own pretty quickly. This is where everything starts. It is the happiest part of the book (IMO)
The last part (1900) is very short. But we're finally introduced to Violet. A women, who even in death, has been able to cause wonderment, fear, and anger to the future resident of the Hundred-Year House.
I highly recommend this book. It has a similar feel to a Kate Morton title. My review really doesn't due this title justice. All I can say is I think anyone who enjoys stories that take place during different times that interconnect with each other should run out and find this title
