[DGZ]≫ [PDF] Impossible Saints A Novel Clarissa Harwood 9781681776248 Books

Impossible Saints A Novel Clarissa Harwood 9781681776248 Books

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Impossible Saints A Novel Clarissa Harwood 9781681776248 Books

I. COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. BOOK. DOWN.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction, and only a moderate fan of romance, but Harwood’s story pulled me on both fronts, and fast. I was actually surprised at myself because I became so invested in the two main characters—Lilia and Paul—admitting that they were madly in love with each other and finally getting together. However, what I REALLY loved was that Lilia and Paul’s “happily-ever-after” did not play out in any sort of traditional way. Harwood managed to make me all swoony over their love story, while still keeping intact the realities of building a partnership with another person.

Me falling in love with the love story was the first big surprise. The second was the incredible amount I learned about the women’s suffrage movement in Great Britain in the years leading up to World War I. My God, these women went to hell and back to get the vote. I was enthralled as I read about the characters carrying out (sometimes extreme) militant activities, going to jail, going on hunger strikes, being beaten and abused, and then diving right back into the fray to fight for women’s rights. It was extremely sobering to learn what women in the past have gone through so that future generations could have the freedoms we take for granted today.

Impossible Saints is going on my “love stories for feminists” list, as well as my “outstanding five-star historical fiction list.” I will also definitely be giving this book as a gift to the strong women who have made a difference in my life this year.


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Impossible Saints A Novel Clarissa Harwood 9781681776248 Books Reviews

There are two things I love to get from historical fiction, especially when I am thinking about whether it's a good book club book. First, does it teach me something I didn't know and make me want to learn even more? Second, does it lend itself to spirited discussion and debate? IMPOSSIBLE SAINTS nailed it for both of these considerations.

Clarissa Harwood clearly loves London of the early 20th Century, as well as the history of the suffrage movement. She weaves these historical elements through a story of a headstrong and intelligent woman bent on changing the world while falling into a relationship (with an Anglican priest) that seems contrary to all of her other life goals. After reading IMPOSSIBLE SAINTS, I feel armed with a foundational knowledge of British suffrage, and would love to dig through Harwood's sources to learn more.

As for the second consideration (good book club discussion), the headstrong Lilia and the decisions she makes are perfect for book clubs. I can't get into the specifics without spoiling things, but let's just say I expected a different outcome and would argue to the death about why (and probably get just as much in return from my book club mates). Further, the topic itself, women's fundamental rights, is ripe for discussion any time, but especially in today's political environment. I think any women's book club would have a great meeting based on this book.
This has been a difficult book to finish. The subject matter is relevant and important, especially given the current climate regarding women's rights, which is why I purchased it. The history behind the suffragettes in the UK (as well as the suffragists in the US) is important to know. However, the author's writing style is one of simply telling a story, not showing it. The book lacked descriptive prose. Readers are told what the characters are doing. As a reader, it's not a type of storytelling I enjoy. It is also partly a religious book (reading what the book was about, I didn't take that to be a relevant/dominant part of the story). Overall, the book didn't work for me, which was disappointing.
I liked the idea and plot, but poor execution left this book lacking. Paul was the best developed character; Lilia came off cliché. The author spent too much time explaining which left me disconnected from the characters. I believe this is the authors first novel and she does have promise. Some scenes of dialogue were well written and I did feel feel for Paul. But Lilia needed more development. I never fully felt her plight or conflict. And I wanted this book to go deeper. Some of the complex ideas in the story were never really explored.
Paul and Lilia's story of romance, countervailing ambitions, and cautious love was captivating. The internal struggles each character has -- Paul with his spirituality, Lilia with her commitment to women's suffrage -- were well-portrayed and fascinating. I'm not a religious person so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the detailed exploration of Paul's efforts to find the right pastoral role for himself, but Harwood handled it perfectly. I was rooting for both Paul and Lilia, and eager to see how they resolved their impossible situations.
Impossible Saints by Clarissa Harwood depicts the struggles of suffragettes against well-entrenched British sociopolitical mores. She personalizes the struggle for women’s voting rights with by a love relationship between Lilia and Paul. Lilia, an strong, out-spoken young woman, is a leader in Emmeline Pankhurst’s Women's Social and Political Union, against her childhood friend, Paul, a quiet intellectual, is an Anglican priest. These two, despite a strong physical and emotional attachment, deny their bond and go their separate ways, with Lilia participating in increasingly dangerous protests and Paul working his way up the hierarchy of the church.

The first half of the book seemed a bit slow-moving, but I found the second half of the book, where these diverse personalities negotiate the terms of a relationship acceptable to them both, riveting.

The rhythm of Harwood's prose and her deft touch with phrasing and descriptions fully captures early twentieth century Britain.
I. COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. BOOK. DOWN.

I’m a big fan of historical fiction, and only a moderate fan of romance, but Harwood’s story pulled me on both fronts, and fast. I was actually surprised at myself because I became so invested in the two main characters—Lilia and Paul—admitting that they were madly in love with each other and finally getting together. However, what I REALLY loved was that Lilia and Paul’s “happily-ever-after” did not play out in any sort of traditional way. Harwood managed to make me all swoony over their love story, while still keeping intact the realities of building a partnership with another person.

Me falling in love with the love story was the first big surprise. The second was the incredible amount I learned about the women’s suffrage movement in Great Britain in the years leading up to World War I. My God, these women went to hell and back to get the vote. I was enthralled as I read about the characters carrying out (sometimes extreme) militant activities, going to jail, going on hunger strikes, being beaten and abused, and then diving right back into the fray to fight for women’s rights. It was extremely sobering to learn what women in the past have gone through so that future generations could have the freedoms we take for granted today.

Impossible Saints is going on my “love stories for feminists” list, as well as my “outstanding five-star historical fiction list.” I will also definitely be giving this book as a gift to the strong women who have made a difference in my life this year.