This story begins in the 1840s with two sisters, Emily and Charlotte and follows them from England through India and Afghanistan. The story then picks up with Charlotte's granddaughter, Alexandra, as she moves in with her great aunt Emily to take care of her in her old age in the early 1900's. The final part of the story follows Cara (short for Charlotte after her great-grandmother), Alexandra's daughter during WWII. Charlotte, Alexandra, and Cara are all very independent and free-spirited women who struggle to find their place within the confines of their circumstances and social expectations.
I enjoyed all three stories but enjoyed the first the most. I think part of the reason for that was because it was told in the first person from Emily's perspective. The other two were told in third person and I found them more disjointed and harder to follow. I eventually was able to feel like I was "in" the story with Alexandra after adjusting to the third person but I felt more disconnected with Cara.
It was interesting to follow the change in society and life styles through the generations.
I enjoyed all three stories but enjoyed the first the most. I think part of the reason for that was because it was told in the first person from Emily's perspective. The other two were told in third person and I found them more disjointed and harder to follow. I eventually was able to feel like I was "in" the story with Alexandra after adjusting to the third person but I felt more disconnected with Cara.
It was interesting to follow the change in society and life styles through the generations.
If you like family chronicals, you will love this book. I loved how it started in the early 1800's and follows the lives of 3 strong women until WWII. This is a lot of interesting historical information, and her details are vividly described. I highly recommend this book.
