I really wanted to enjoy this book since it had all the elements I usually love - historical fiction, a strong female lead, a mysterious romance. However, it fell short in every aspect and I couldn't even finish it, which is rare for me because I rarely give up on books. It's surprising to see such a high rating for this title. Aubrey Rose's idea of "feminism" seemed to be tearing down other women and constantly bragging about how superior she was, but she didn't have much of a personality herself. The romance was uninteresting and predictable, purely based on proximity, and annoying with all the repeated statements about not being wooed by appearances, even though she fell for it every single time. And don't even get me started on Thomas - his dialogue and attempts at flirting made me cringe or roll my eyes every time. He embodied every cliché of a young adult love interest. Lastly, I understand that fiction gives some creative freedom, but if you're going to blend historical fiction with a scientific twist, it's important to get the historical and scientific details accurate whenever possible. This is a flaw that falls on both the author and the editor. I have no desire to find out who this version of Jack the Ripper is, and honestly, I couldn't care less.
I just can't handle the constant repetition of scenes, conversations, and thoughts in a soap-opera-like fashion. It's like they keep hitting the same notes over and over again. The only saving grace was the narration, which I did enjoy, but even that couldn't salvage the book. I mean, do I need to say it again? Because it feels like I already have... many times.
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