Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly | Review

Title: Revolution

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Published: October 12, 2010

Number of Pages: 472

SYNOPSIS

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. [From Goodreads]

QUOTE

"I will rain down silver and gold for you. I will shatter the black night, break it open, and pour out a million stars. Turn away from the darkness, the madness, the pain. Open your eyes and know that I am here. That I remember and hope. Open your eyes and look at the light."

Review

Oh.

My.

God.

I started this book yesterday evening, and I don't know if I'm going to have the heart to turn it back into the library. This is the best book I've read in who knows how long. The Book Thief, maybe? As anyone might guess if they have Wordbird's blog, that's where I decided to read this book. I'm so glad I did. At first I said, "I'm not going to care for this," when I began to read.

Then I was transfixed. I was turning the pages at one hundred miles an hour, and I couldn't stop. At the same time I was studying for my world history test—you know, the one over the French Revolution. Isn't it awesome?

Anyway. You start out with Andi Alpers, who's on the emotional edge and you immediately feel for her. You want to know what's happened. Maximilien? Robespierre, Peters? What's the difference—they've both resulted in the deaths of two little boys. She's on Qwellify, and it's a wonder she doesn't overdose. Her mother is over the emotional edge. Her father is isolated. It almost moved me to tears.

I don't cry easy.

Her father moves her to France for break. I couldn't move when this part started. G was an incredibly fascinating character, one who I completely relate to—dramatics in everyday speaking? Heckyeah! Then she finds the guitar, and the journal.

Liberty, equality, fraternity.

I've never been all that interested in France. I got pretty interested in my class, and now after reading this book... God, I felt for the royal family. I felt them like my own flesh and blood. I felt Alex's journey as much as I felt Andi's, and it was one of those books where I'm fighting the urge to speed through the chapters in order to get back to the other character.

Hm... Amadé. YES. That's all I have to say there.

Fireworks are the strongest source of hope I've ever thought of. That, and sunlight. Starlight. Any kind of light that takes your breath away. That's the idea, right? God, I loved this book. I can't even type because I'm so desperately trying to keep from giving too many spoilers.

I loved it, I loved it, I LOVED IT! I'm buying this book the first chance I get. The relationships are breathtaking, the landscapes are enthralling, the characters are so incredibly three-dimensional that they're five-dimensional, and the storyline is one that I'm not going to forget anytime soon. The lost prince is someone who was only vaguely mentioned in my class, and now I regret the chance that I can't spark up a debate since we're done with the French Revolution now.

I'll stop there before I get carried away. Teehee! Anyway, HIGHLY recommend this book! Please read it! Ten out of five stars, go for the gold. Rain stars from the sky. God, I loved that quote. I read it about three times before I could keep going.

A big thanks to Wordbird for posting this on her blog!

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Reading: Nothing. ):

Watching: Weather Channel. It be stormin' here.

Listening to: Nascent Requiem - Masashi Hamauzu

Quote: "I will rain down silver and gold for you. I will shatter the black night, break it open, and pour out a million stars. Turn away from the darkness, the madness, the pain. Open your eyes and know that I am here. That I remember and hope. Open your eyes and look at the light."