BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.
PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.
Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.
Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.
Was This Book Worth My Time?
I'd say it was ... sorta...
I was anxious to read this book because I love the story of Marie-Antoinette and thought it would be refreshing to read something that is not your typical YA novel.
Donnelly's idea to create a book like this is ambitious. She somehow weaves the story of Alexadrine, a french girl who was brought on by Marie-Antoinette to be a friend to Louis-Charles, and Andi, a troubled girl in Brooklyn who doesn't quite know how to get over the death of her brother Truman. Andi travels to Paris at the demand of her father. She is to work on her senior thesis paper on a French musician so that she may have a chance at graduating on time. While there Andi discovers a diary that was writtern more than two centuries ago by Alex.
In the novel, Donnelly weaves the stories together to create a world where the girls are one. It is quite a beautiful and well-written book. I loved Andi's character. Actually, I loved all of the American characters. They were written to be flawed teenagers (like all are) instead of the atypical perfect gods or godessess that some authors write into their novels. Andi is real. She is depressed, sarcastic, and strong.
What Bothered Me About This Book?
I think what bothered me most about this book is the lack of character connection to Alex. I know that through only a diary entry I wouldn't feel a huge connection to Alex, but I never felt like I got her whole picture. Maybe I just felt more attached to Andi with all of her family drama.
Also, I am still wondering why this book was published for YA. Don't get me wrong, it is PG. However, I don't think any of my students would pick it up and read more than the first 4 pages. The diary entries are long, and she shifts from one time frame to the next which I think will throw off some.
I would say this book is written for the older YA group.
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