Tag Archives: gothic

A Great and Terrible Beauty, Book Review

I’m making pleasure reading a priority this summer– no matter what. And I am ready, ready, ready for summer.

So, I’m starting my summer reading off early with The Gemma Doyle Trilogy. I read A Great and Terrible Beauty over the weekend and I’m hooked. I’m checking out the second in the series, Rebel Angels today.

I have to admit, I am a total wimp. In kindergarten, we watched the Disney adaptation of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and I’ve never been the same.  If I had known how haunting this book is, I probably would not have picked it up. But I am so glad I did.

A Great and Terrible Beauty is one part, Gossip Girl, one part Edgar Allan Poe. The book is told from the point-of-view of Gemma, a sixteen year old girl, who when the book opens is living in Victorian-age India. Soon after a mysterious tragedy, she is sent to a strict boarding school in England where she creates frenemy relationships and experiences dark visions.

A Great and Terrible Beauty had me reading (with all the lights on!) into the wee hours of the morning.

What are you currently reading? Follow me on Goodreads to see more!

love,
melanie