Patches. Reviewed.

for the first time

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I found this novel to be an alluring mix of women's historical fiction and romantic melodrama. This novel takes place over the course of many generations with an emphasis on the female members of a family as they navigate their lives through a variety of hardships, triumphs, and gender constraints. All of this takes place in Romania and Moldova and there appears to deep cultural authenticity(with many helpful footnotes). Through these womens' lives we are given glimpses of what transpired to make Romania the nation it is today. We are introduced to a wide range of peoples, customs and faiths and the various trials and tribulations the country has endured. I found the romantic melodrama to be both a welcome counterpoint to some of the heavier themes as well as a very unique way to deepen the reading experience (not at all an easy feat for an author). An overall excellent read !

Thank you, Jaidee on goodreads.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236839890-patches?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=keyyNzPFiX&rank=1