Review brought to you by: Featured Reviewer~Tonya
The Flight of Gemma Hardy
by Margot Livesey
January 24, 2012 by HarperCollins
Hardcover, 464 Pages
Review Copy
Review Copy
When her widower father drowns at sea, Gemma Hardy is taken from her native Iceland to Scotland to live with her kind uncle and his family. But the death of her doting guardian leaves Gemma under the care of her resentful aunt, and it soon becomes clear that she is nothing more than an unwelcome guest at Yew House. When she receives a scholarship to a private school, ten-year-old Gemma believes she's found the perfect solution and eagerly sets out again to a new home. However, at Claypoole she finds herself treated as an unpaid servant. To Gemma's delight, the school goes bankrupt, and she takes a job as an au pair on the Orkney Islands. The remote Blackbird Hall belongs to Mr. Sinclair, a London businessman; his eight-year-old niece is Gemma's charge. Even before their first meeting, Gemma is, like everyone on the island, intrigued by Mr. Sinclair. Rich (by Gemma's standards), single, flying in from London when he pleases, Hugh Sinclair fills the house with life. An unlikely couple, the two are drawn to each other, but Gemma's biggest trial is about to begin: a journey of passion and betrayal, redemption and discovery, that will lead her to a life of which she's never dreamed.
Thoughts
Margot Livesey is brilliant! Gemma Hardy will worm her way in your heart and she will become forever a part of you. How can you not love a young girl who's only blood relative passes away and is mistreated and sent to live at a school as a "working girl". But as much as I would have given attitude and felt sorry for myself, Gemma rises above and ends up getting a job as an au pair. Gemma has such a way about her that you can't put the book down for two seconds, you want her to find someone to love and someone that loves her. You want her to go to school and be successful. Gemma doesn't give up.
There are a couple of romances, so to speak in here.. Which one will it be? The rich sophisticated Mr. Sinclair, uncle to the young girl Emma is an au pair to. Or will it be Archie, the one that found Gemma when she was almost dead? Or maybe it will be neither!
One of my favorite things in a book is that they discuss books and have just a general love of learning and reading. What could be more spectacular I ask? Margot Livesey is a wonderful storyteller, bringing a bit of her experiences into a wonderfully crafted story that can be passed from one person to the next. This would make an excellent book club read.
To talk about the title; The Flight of Gemma Hardy. She herself wants to fly, just like the birds she so often reads about and loves. What a coincidence that she is flying when the story comes to a conclusion!
Read this story -- you won't be sorry!
Grade- A+
Grade- A+
Yay Tonya! So glad you're going to be a part of Tina Reviews:) And an A+ read is quite a way to start isn't it? Love the sound of Gemma, and while love triangles usually bother me, you have me very curious as to who she might end up with (if anyone). Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteI adore book characters that have a passion for reading and learning and books! LOL
ReplyDeleteMaybe neither? GAH! Could I deal with that? I haven't read the book yet, but I think I'd be Team Archie. ;)
Hahha Missie, team Archie... read it... let me know what you think then haha..
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a retelling of Jane Eyre? I love Jane Eyre. And let it be known that Michael Fassbender is quite delicious...which really only makes sense if you've seen the new Jane Eyre move. And now I'm babbling. Anyhow, this one sounds fabulous and I love all the different places we get to visit. Plus, Gemma seems like an amazing character. I'm going to have to definitely pick this one up.
ReplyDeleteTeam Gemma I am... I am very sad to report that I never read Jane Eyre. Markings of a good book when you want to research what they have talked about or in that direction...
ReplyDeleteHi Tonya..Any book that earns a hearty A+ is definitely worth checking out. I too love characters that have a healthy lust for books and knowledge. I will add this book to my shelf!
ReplyDeleteTonya- You have not read Jane Eyre???? Inconceivable!!! You must go read it right now...:D
ReplyDelete@Jen- I loved the new Jane Eyre...I think its one of the best ones made to date, HOWEVER I didn't like the actress they picked to play Jane, her and Fassbender had ZERO chemistry together, watching them kiss was kind of gross.
Tonya, how fun to see you here and great review. I'm always connected with a book loving character!
ReplyDeleteI've heard so many good things about this book including your review. Is this young adult? I had thought it was but now I'm noticing maybe not?
ReplyDelete