
Glamorous Illusions by Lisa Bergren
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Date: June 1, 2012
Review:
Thank you Netgalley and David C. Cook Publishing for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel.
I requested this book on Netgalley for the sheer fact that
it has a gorgeous cover. So, I guess judging a book by its cover does work
because I really enjoyed Glamorous Illusions by Lisa Bergren. Glamorous
Illusions is a member of the New Adult genre, and while I have heard a ton
about the genre (good and bad) this is actually my first New Adult novel. I
really loved reading about a character that was so close to me in age and
dealing with the same things I have been struggling with. Don’t get me wrong, I
love reading YA but sometimes I have a hard time relating to the daily grinds
of High School, just because it has been a while since I was there.
Glamorous Illusions take place in the early 1900’s and
begins in Montana just as Cora is coming back
from the New School for summer. Cora returns to a
dying farm, and an ailing father. It is because of her Father’s health that
coal king, Mr. Kingston, makes a visit to the Diehl farm and reveals that he is
actually her biological father. It is then that Cora is swept up into this rich
high society and is basically forced to go with her newly discovered siblings
on a “Grand Tour”. Prior to reading this novel I had never heard of a Grand Tour.
In short it is basically a big tour of Europe
that takes place when rich kids come of age. At first I was bummed that these
don’t exist anymore, but as I thought about it more I realized these do still
happen! I had a ton of friends in High School and College that when they
graduated their parents footed the bill for them to tour Europe .
I was just not lucky enough to be in this richy rich category. (Maybe when I
graduate Law School ? *hint hint*)
My favorite thing about this novel had to be Bergern’s lush
descriptions of all the lovely places in England
and France
that the characters visit. I really felt like I was right there with the Tour
Party. I also really liked individuals in the tour party themselves. Clearly,
Cora was my favorite but her brother and their family friends were all very
likable and quite funny at times. I understood why her siblings would be
reluctant to accept a half-sister, and actually respected the fact that they
treated her differently. If I suddenly found out I had a half-sibling I would
throw a fit! The characters actually handled things better then I would have.
I also really enjoyed the love interests in Glamorous
Illusions both Will and Pierre were very distinct and different men, but I
found myself liking both of them! Will is the nephew of the man leading the
Grand Tour, and Pierre
is a rich noble born Frenchman. I usually don’t enjoy Love triangles but this
one seems natural and it doesn’t dominate the story, it is more of a secondary
storyline to Cora’s journey of self-discovery.
The only thing I was really unsure about or that I wished
someone had told me was that religion and Cora’s relationship with God play a
pretty pivotal role in this book. I try my hardest to avoid secular literature
just because I prefer to believe what I do in private. While Cora’s religion
was a big theme in the novel it was not overly distracting. In fact, it was
used mostly to reassure Cora that there was a big plan, and that she was loved
then anything else.
Overall, Glamorous Illusions was a great novel and I will be
picking up the second book and continuing my own Grand Tour right along with
Cora!
I'm always happy to hear that a book matches it's cover when the cover is gorgeous! It's better than the alternative!
ReplyDeleteAnd this sounds good, I'm a fan of New Adult and it's good to know that the religious aspect doesn't take over the story.
Very nice review. I've heard of this author, but not this book. Gorgeous cover! It sounds like something I might like, so thanks for bringing it to my awareness. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear you liked this book. I've had my eye on it for a while because I love the cover and the fact that it takes place in England and Paris because of the grand tour.
ReplyDeleteAnd girl. I hear you. I want to take a grand tour around Europe, too, haha. Sadly couldn't after high school or college graduation. But I definitely want to do it still :)
Great review :)