Crown of Stars

I listened to the audiobook and liked the VA's performance. She brought the characters to life in spectacular fashion, where you could feel the difference between the sisters and their journeys.

As for the plot, it is an interesting story following the Jolivet sisters as they pursue careers in the limelight during the Edwardian era. Marguerite (Rita) annoyed me at first but as the story continued, she grew on me. Her approach to performing/acting and owning the stage was admirable but I felt that Rita had a flair for being selfish, like when ignores her younger sister Inez's discomfort and request for a chaperone. But Rita is also a breath of fresh air for a historical fiction story. She is strong-willed and independent, going for what she wants and not apologizing for it. Her approach to romance is very surface as Rita refuses to give up her dreams to sit at home and wither away

I liked Inez, maybe because I could relate to her better. Her love for the violin shines and she delivers shy but powerful performances. While she performs, she toes the line of being humble and ladylike while allowing her passion and talent to shine through. The romantic plot between Inez and George was cute, with Inez being demure and cautious of society's watchful eye while George, the dashing American, brought his charm and different worldview, cueing a change in the quieter Jolivet sister.

The second part of the book picks up as the events leading to World War One happen. Rita ends up in New York and gets a message from Inez that their brother enlisted. Rita boards in the ill-fated Lusitania and discovers that her brother-in-law is also on the craft when the unimaginable happens. Because of the deep descriptions of the Jolivet family and their friends/acquaintances, you feel emotional as they pick up the pieces after the traumatic event.

This is the first book that I have read by Shana Abé and I look forward to reading the others.

*Huge thanks to Netgalley and Tantor Media for the ALC*