Arista K. (janeausten-fan-in-va) reviewed The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
I picked up this book because I was intrigued with how Koppel found the "read leather diary"-- she found it in an old abandoned steamer trunk that had been unearthed in her building's basement. Who hasn't wanted to find some piece of forgotten treasure like that?
Anyhow, I greatly enjoyed the detailed, finely-drawn image of 1920-30s New York that the book drew. Granted, the diary's author was fairly well off, so her New York and the New York of say, an unemployed factory worker, were very different places. That said, I was able to enjoy her perspective.
What I could have done without-- and what will turn some people off this book-- were the chapters and chapters of the diary author's love affairs. She loves and leaves these men and women without seeming to form a single sincere emotional attachment. By the end of the book she comes across as a cold, selfish and unlikable. I think it'll turn some people off this book.
Anyhow, I greatly enjoyed the detailed, finely-drawn image of 1920-30s New York that the book drew. Granted, the diary's author was fairly well off, so her New York and the New York of say, an unemployed factory worker, were very different places. That said, I was able to enjoy her perspective.
What I could have done without-- and what will turn some people off this book-- were the chapters and chapters of the diary author's love affairs. She loves and leaves these men and women without seeming to form a single sincere emotional attachment. By the end of the book she comes across as a cold, selfish and unlikable. I think it'll turn some people off this book.
Sandi C. (gotfilm) reviewed The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
The Best part of the book is the story of how it was found. If this was my grandmother's diary I would not want to read it!
Connie A. (jazzysmom) -
Helpful Score: 3
Reading something that has happened before i was born and is true, I find so amazing. With this in mind i did very much enjoy this journal. It is like peeking into someones life when maybe you shouldn't be looking. Interesting.
Tiffany K. (tiffanyak) -
Helpful Score: 2
Not great, but definitely interesting. It gives you a glimpse of New York City almost a century ago.
Dianne D. (WestieMom) reviewed The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal on + 74 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book takes a look into pre-WWII life in America and Europe. Florence met some very interesting characters and it was surprising to me the freedom she was allowed at such an early age. I highly recommend this book.
