Charming afternoon treat

A charming book from Eva Ibbotson, from her frothier side. "Journey to the River Sea" remains my favourite book of hers, but this is a tranquil, discursive, always interesting look at fashionable life in pre-war Vienna. Especially if you are interesting in fashion, Madensky Square is enjoyable and undemanding, and delightfully stylish.

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Vharming, unexpected, and touching story

Set in Austria at the turn of the 20th century, this book tells the story of Susanna, an unwed mother who rebuilds her life to become a fashionable dressmaker. Her story intertwines with those of her neighbors on the Square and her lover. These include those whom she helps - such as a Hungarian waif who is a brilliant pianist and her Anarchist assistant - as well as those who help her. Filled with loving historical detail and a cast of appealing characters the story flows quickly. I fell in love with several characters along the way, had a delightful book at Austrian culture in pre-World War Europe, and was touched by the numerous insights on motherhood, friendship, and the enjoyment of life as one of our greatest responsibilities.

1 person found this helpful

Fascinating but challenging

I was not expecting the maturity of the writing nor the topic, given that this author has written a good deal of children's fiction with great success. However, I greatly enjoyed listening to this book, and found unexpected pleasure in the detailed and complicated world of the main character. This is a book that requires thought, I would not recommend it for someone seeking a light quick read.

1 person found this helpful

Wonderful

I loved this story from beginning to end, the narration is perfect, the characters even more so. I will definitely again listen to this, a new favorite.

The Unconventional Happy Ending

Any additional comments?

So many books follow a formula of problem - potential solution - lost opportunity - completion. Well, the world does not work that way. Life is made up of small pleasures and small victories. And recognizing that is the difference between a wasted life and a full one. The world is made up of hundreds of thousands of Madensky Squares and that choice is not only split over miles and cultures, it is split over centuries. Go back to a gentler age and meet some unique characters and follow the protagonist as she makes the most of the cards she has been dealt in life.
Ibbotson writes about the kind of person that I am and that she (rest her soul) probably was. We live intensely and feel life both pain and joy more sharply than most. It makes for intense satisfaction and this novel is intensely satisfying.
The narrator. One word describes her impeccable delivery. Mellifluous.
Enjoy!

1 person found this helpful

Not Worth It

Would you try another book from Eva Ibbotson and/or Juanita McMahon?

I enjoy Eva Ibbotson's writing, thus I purchased this book, thinking it would be worth while. It wasn't.

Any additional comments?

I enjoy a number of other books the author has written, however this book is horrible. I listened to the beginning and wasn't impressed. I continued listening - hoping it would get better. It didn't. There's nothing that goes on in the story. She is going through everyday menial tasks and it's explained in the most boring way possible. Reading my meal plan for the week is more interesting. Don't waste your time.