2PeasRefugees Book Club! "Mrs. Poe" final discussion :-)

I missed this post yesterday, Leanne!

I was surprised at the ending, but it made sense.

Even so, this wasn't my favorite. I thought it was decent, but the writing just never pulled me in. And the characters were not that likable either. I did feel terrible for the protagonist; she was stuck in a terrible situation with no way out.

I rated it 3/5 stars.

I loved <b>Little Big Lies</b> and am really looking forward to the discussion!

Thank you for continuing to hostess the book club, Leanne!

Lisa

I really enjoyed the book, but was sad at the end that the two characters Mr. Poe and his lover couldn't find a way to be together-especially after Mrs. Poe dies. Hey, the way is clear now-go for it you two! And yet they don't! The ending sort of fizzled out for me.

I did live the writing-it was very descriptive (which I love) and I clearly remember how smelly New York was back then and how the sailors could smell New York 6 miles out to sea before they even got close to it. I wonder how close it is now before they can smell it-I mean, I'm sure with all of our modern plumbing it must make a huge difference.

In some ways the book never quite settled and in others I loved it. It's a hard book to review. I'm giving it a 3 starts out of 5. Maybe because I've read 1 or 2 Outander books since then. Probably one. Those babies are thick!

Leanne, I think your idea of taking the discussion to just one discussion instead of two is a great idea! I'd already finished the book by the time we started the first discussion and I think most of the other readers had too. So kudos to you for coming up with that thought.

I love the choice for the next book. Can't wait to start reading that one! Have to wait until payday though. There are 288 holds on it at my local library so I'm going to have to buy it through Amazon. I checked www.abesbooks.com (by the way great place to buy used books) but it's too new, and it's just as expensive. Still, there is nothing better to spend your money on than books so I don't mind. It's worth every penny. I can always sell it later if I hate it, right? But, I got to read the first few pages through Amazon's "look inside" and it looks great!

Debbie in MD.

Debbie, 

I have to agree. 

I got a tablet for a very reasonable deal and have found some great books and top bestsellers for free. 

But I just would rather pick up a book. Even when I go on vacation, I still don't use the tablet for reading. Maybe some year....  

I find most of my books at thrift stores. So much fun to find gems there, including some fairly new releases. 

I was on a super long wait list for BLL at the library through the county. Then I was in the city, and they had it on the shelf! No wait list. I was happy to find it. 

Hope you enjoy it! 

Lisa

I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I have liked other books recently. I liked that it was sort of tangentially connected to his really life but full of imagination as well. My picture of him was very one dimensional, so it was fun to flesh it out with ideas about what his private life might have been like. Thanks for suggesting this book and leading the discussion - I'm very glad to have read it!

OP pretty much wrote my post. I did enjoy it also, but wouldn't call it a 'great' book. The fate of the children really affected me. I know 'real' life does not always have the happy, tidy endings.

For me, it started out slow...but it did become an easy read. It was interesting to get a better idea of society at this period of time, the mores and prejudices. Glad I wasn't born then.

The line that hit me 'between the eyes' was at the end, and she states that she has not written anything, because 'there is no creativity without a soul'...or something like that.

I was just going to add that Lisa I'm happy to hear someone agree with me about "real live books".

I'm very lucky to live in Annapolis, MD. In Baltimore-one hour from us is a gem of a place called http://www.thebookthing.org  Check it out online. We love that place-DH and I are both huge, book lovers! At least 3-4 times a year we comb our shelves and pick out at least 3-4 big paper bags (the Whole Food's sized bags) full of books and bring them to the free store to donate that we no longer want or need. Then we spend a happy 3 hours or so combing their shelves and come home with at least as many! Every book in the store is free and there is no limit to how many books you take home that day.

So I pass by used book stores and even Goodwill, since Free is best for our budget and that place is amazing! I do still buy books new that I love (I can't stop) and my whole family (Mom, Dad, and Sister, and Son) exchange books for gifts at holidays. Long live books!

Debbie in MD.

Yes, Lisa FREE!  Every single book is FREE! I don't know where you are, but if you are anywhere near Baltimore, MD. you have to check this place out. It's only open on the weekends. Go to the website. I love the place and I love the idea behind the place. The books are in GREAT condition (which you wouldn't expect, given that they are free). Most look brand new. There are hard backs, and paperbacks and they are divided up and shelved. Just like a library.

Debbie in MD.

You may have to close out of this website and enter it manually. Something is wrong because I tried it from Google and it worked fine. When I click it from here it just brings me right back here. I'm sorry.

Debbie in MD.

I enjoyed the book & her take on his life.

I found the ending sad & wasn't expecting it at all.

I was surprised about the man she was staying with who had been on her about being appropriate with Mr. Poe was sleeping with the house keeper.

And Poe's mother in law was a piece of work.

I like the idea of 1 meeting a month as I usually read the books in 1 sitting & can't remember what part is ok to discuss.

Thanks for hosting. Looking forward to next months book!