The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis surprised me beyond belief. This is Fiona’s debut Novel. When I started reading this book I never imagined it would be one of my favourite novels of 2017. I cannot wait to read her second novel, The Address.
A few quick facts
- Fiona was born in Canada but raised in the US
- Her career in NYC started off as an actress in Broadway and off-Broadway shows.
- After 10 years she changed careers and went into editing and writing.
- Fiona graduated from the Columbia University Graduate school of Journalism
Things you may not know
- The Dollhouse is Fiona’s Debut Novel
- Her second novel, The Address has been released in August. I cannot wait to read it.
BASIC BOOK INFO
Title The Dollhouse
Author Fiona Davis
Genre Historical Fiction/Mystery
Target audience Women
ABOUT THE BOOK
Month June
Format Audible
What I loved I loved the history behind the Barbizon hotel. I loved how the two parallel stories tied in together at the end.
What I hated I hated how pathetic Rose was and how much she hid away from her life.
My favourite part My favourite part is when Sam took Darby to see the Spices the first time
BEFORE READING
What is my first impression of the title, the cover, back cover blurb?
I didn’t know what to expect. I really liked the cover. I loved the black & white with red accents. It immediately caught my eye.
WHILE READING
What was my initial reaction to the book?
I must say I was intrigued from the get-go. This book is an easy read and you’re brought straight into the drama from the start. I was never bored.
What was my favorite quote/passage?
How did anyone ever survive it, knowing that their story was just a single beam among millions of flashing lights? That no one mattered much at all, when it came down to it.
~ makes you think that even still their stories matter to you. Just like your stories will matter to others.
Did I find any themes throughout the book?
Mistrust
Which character did I like the most?
Darby
What three words would I use to describe the book?
Intriguing, mysterious, engrossing
Who do I see playing the characters roles in a movie?
Rose -Emily Blunt
Griff -Cambell Scott
Darby- Rosamund Pike
Mother & Mr Saunders -Meryl Streep
Esmé (maid) -Selma Hayek
Stella -Nicole Kidman
Sam -Jude Law
Did I know?
No I didn’t. I loved the ending to this book. I loved every twist.
How did I feel about the ending?
I liked the ending. I just found it sad that after all these years Sam and Darby would only find each other again now.
What does the story do best?
The best part about the story is the setting and the descriptions of architecture. I absolutely love that. I love the history behind the Barbizon Hotel (a real hotel, with real woman).
What type of reader would be interested in this book?
Anyone who loves a good mystery of Historical Fiction
What is my biggest takeaway from the book?
I learnt that you have to live life for now. You cannot keep waiting and dreaming for better times, or for change. You need to make what you want happen. You need to be the change you desire.
Last Thoughts
This book is one of my favorite reads of 2017. I never thought it would be when I first started it, even though I knew I would like it. I didn’t realize how much I would like it. I can’t wait to read Fiona’s second book which was released on 1st August. I also loved listening to this book on Audible. The narration was brilliant, which really took you back in history. Together with Fiona’s writing the narrators painted a beautiful picture.
Rating
Thumbs up/down Thumbs Up
Rating 9/10
WANT TO BUY THE DOLLHOUSE BY FIONA DAVIS
Get the Paperback over here or at your local bookstore.
Buy the audio version over here.
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