Play Book Tag discussion

The Address by Fiona Davis - 2 stars

PBT Comments: I cannot recall the reason I added this book to my list, probably due to the historical aspect of NYC in the 1800's. There are glowing reviews out there, but this was not to my taste at all.

Dual timeline historical fiction set in New York City, with one set in 1884-1886 and the other 100 years later. The older timeline starts in England with protagonist Sara Smythe working as head housekeeper at a London hotel. She is enticed by architect Theo Camden to come to America to enhance her opportunities, and she then helps open the Dakota, “the address” of the title. The 1985 timeline opens with protagonist Bailey Camden getting out of rehab for alcohol and drug abuse, losing her job, and trying to make ends meet by taking over renovations for her cousin, who lives at the Dakota. Bailey discovers trunks of belongings in the basement, and the family secrets are gradually revealed. The two stories are connected primarily by the Dakota, a possible family connection, and a murder mystery.

First the positives. The history of the Dakota when it was first built and opened is detailed and appealing. The Dakota was far removed at the time from the center of town at the time, which is probably difficult to imagine for anyone that has seen it in current times. The negatives included romance without any setup or development, lots of melodrama, shallow characters, and a contrived plot. The characters of the 1880’s act as if they live in contemporary times and were not drawn to the depth at which it would make sense for them to act in the manner they did. The 1980’s plot seemed superfluous. Basically, it didn’t seem organic or cohesive. Enjoyed the history of the Dakota but can’t recommend it.

Link to My GR Review

I sliced this a few weeks in en effort to reduce my TBR's -seems like I made a good decision.

Joanne wrote: "I sliced this a few weeks in en effort to reduce my TBR's -seems like a made a good decision."

Yes, I'd say so. I read a lot of historical fiction and non-fiction of this time period, and it just didn't ring true. It seemed like a contemporary story dressed up in a historical setting.

There are a few Fiona Davis on my TBR. Are any of them good? I might make sure this one is nixed.

I tried The Dollhouse last year and DNF-so I am going to stay away from her

Amy wrote: "There are a few Fiona Davis on my TBR. Are any of them good? I might make sure this one is nixed."

I have not read any of her other books, so I can't say. I took one of hers off my TBR after reading this one.