Constructive reviews (COMPLETED)

Review: Love at dawn by @LiebeKlara

CHAPTERS CONSIDERED FOR REVIEW : TILL "THINGS HAVE CHANGED" AS OF 29 APRIL,2023

SPOILERS AHEAD

This book is a historical fiction and is a bit different from the other books of the similar genre that I have read here in Wattpad in the sense, rather than using the period setting as an aesthetic or an instrument to present the story, this story takes place during the French Revolution. In the backdrop, the rise of revolutionist ideas, civil unrest and class conflicts reach the boiling point. It chronicles the real events through a fictional connective thread with real historical figures as characters. So this places me in a weird position where I cannot criticize plot elements (as they are real events which) nor the characters themselves. They are making these choices as their real-life counterparts made them. Even if the individual dialogues and scenes are fictional, the overall direction for most of the supporting cast of characters are predetermined, so criticism of it is a moot point.

For the sake of this review, I would like to give out a disclaimer that I am no expert in history, was never interested in it (other than to pass exams) and do not claim to know that I am in any way shape or form qualified to assess the historical accuracy of this book. The way I am going to review, is assuming that this story presented and it's characters are entirely fictional. 

With that out the way, the stand-out component of this book that kept me reading is the social commentary. With the themes that the book deals with, the politics of it is integral to the story and is written really well. It introduces Edith, a naïve, impressionable village girl from a prosperous family, a wild card if you will, acquaintances with a young painter who introduces her to the alphabet and imbues her with the ideas of equality and liberty (which she later adopts as a pen-name) At a very young age, she is shown to be perceptive when it comes to social welfare, understands economic and systemic issues around her. The pair get close before the painter leaves abruptly without a trace.

Post time skip, things start-off strong. The child-like painter is now a revolutionary, speaking in the national convention. Edith too had her share of spirited moments like participating in the Bastille march and expressing solidarity with women empowerment by that time. 

Throughout the book, there is a strong undercurrent of what the French revolution meant to different sections of the society. How the poor common folk saw it as a call to action, to seize liberty from oppression. As readers see the national convention members vote to execute a former king and Andre's position was the most extreme, the situation reads bleak. Andre hates the noble class with such passion. Edith and Philippe, her cousin are staunch believers in Andre and the revolution.

The book also explores how Charlene, a noble women who is physically challenged, lost all her belongings to the revolution, even hampering her ability to have a good quality of life. Charlene is Edith's childhood friend. So the duo have opposing ideals when it comes to the subject and the book shows that in spite of these differences (even though Charlene is a bit lacking in terms of asserting herself) they get along really well. 

Through the character of Manon, the author deals with how women were treated even within the revolutionaries. They were not allowed direct participation in politics even if the laws they wrote were brandished in the name of their husbands. The book deals with how social institutions instilled gender roles, shackling them with guilt in terms of expectations and familial structure. Through Mary Antoinette and a noblewomen referred to as "angel", the book drives these themes in a poignant way. 

The book is able to portray the revolution spiraling out of control as they try to suppress a violent uprising from a group of peasants who wanted the status quo to continue as it at least gave them livelihood while revolution was creating unrest in the society. When innocent people are punished, characters like Andre and Philippe question why and who the fight was for. Even Edith begins to contemplate and reevaluate her life choices even if it pits her against her love for Andre. 

When it comes to the characters, Charlene stands out, followed by Raphael. His identity crisis following the loss of his title of nobility is explored in vivid detail. The way Edith helps him deal with an unhealthy one-sided crush on her is a good read. Margot, Edith's sister is a solid supporting character, who despite more muted than her sister, understands her and Edith is able to confide with her when something goes wrong. Lucille and Camille add to the story as scribes and with fun banter. Andre becomes frustrating to read as the story goes on, turning from idealistic to fanatical and as of the last chapter, is in a very bad place. There were instances where he would show compassion to people wronged by the justice system, but is currently blinded by his hatred for the noble class and his mysterious scheme. His backstory is yet to be fully explored. Edith is in an emotional flux with her beliefs regarding the revolution and her relationship wavering. Fiona's character contrasts with Edith as a poor girl growing up in a noble family and how she appreciates life away from squalor and being recognized as a noblewoman.

Writing wise, there are no noticeable flaws. English is not the author's native language, but it never shows. Vocabulary is really good. Words used are appropriate to the time period. 

Pacing wise, the story events are a bit frontloaded. The middle chapters feel a bit dragged out. There is a serious desensitization problem with people being killed in gruesome ways or sent to be guillotined every other chapter. The assault on Edith by a man who was wronged by Andre is handled well. The romance between Andre and Edith... to put it simply, I did not enjoy much. I am sorry. It was cute when they were kids, but it's too textbook and melodramatic.. sometimes serious but sometimes really silly. The on and off thing was not enjoyable. (There is a reason I don't accept Romance novels). Also it's silly that these group of people who have no qualms in sending people to die or kill people themselves, have moral panics for the slightest of things. I don't understand it. I did not find it cute. To involve a well developed character like Raphael into a petty love rivalry with Andre bogs him down as a character. Some emotional scenes did not land with me as it came across as theatrical. I have been upfront about my preferences and have given the book the fair shot it deserves. This is just a personal opinion.

I enjoyed the book for the social commentary and this would be really appreciated by history aficionados. The author does specify the historical context of the chapter in footnotes and poems with a good rhyming scheme are just a bonus even if out of place in some cases. (Freeform poems exist. I never denied it. I've written some myself. Don't come for me) I learnt new things about this book from a helpful commentor. I'd like to thank them.

Thanks.