This book really sneaks up on you with short, sharp chapters that make you think you'll read just one more... The next thing you know, the book is finished in just one or two sittings. The characters are charming and endearing, and the story never gets mired down with irrelevant detail. It's hard to put down, and it's perfect for a quick, light read. Feel free to email with questions. ~LeAnn

Started slow, but eventually I came to be fascinated with all of the characters. Very readable and enjoyable with complex, multi-dimesional storytelling.

This was a wonderful book. It is a 'fast read' with chapters organized as each character narrates their view of the developing story and their part in making it. Beginning in 1901, it contrasts the values at the end of the Victorian era with those developing at the opening of a new century and continues to tell its tale through the contrast of relationships, standards, and lifestyles between two well-to-do households whose daughters become best friends. True to history, the local cemetery was a more than a place to bury the deceased; it was a thriving business that testified to social standing through the location and ornamentation, and was as much a social destination for the living as a resting place for the deceased. When two girls meet over the closely placed graves of their families adjoining plots, they begin a journey from child to adulthood. Together they encounter the son of a grave digger. The relationship between these three demonstrates their youthful acceptance of circumstance. As the plot progresses, it offers lessons in social inequity, and produces the startling events that will lead each to maturity.

I chose to read this after having enjoyed reading "Girl with a Pearl Erring". Though equally interesting and highly readable, they are very different books. Ms Chevalier has demonstrated that she is no paint-by-numbers writer as she artfully weaves the creativity of a story teller with the faithfulness of an historian. I look forward to reading more of her work and whatever surprises they have in store.

If you like historical fiction, the book captures the turn of the century England. I liked the insights into the changing mores of the era. The story is told from different characters' perspective, so you view society through different lenses. Not as a compeling story as The Girl With the Peal Ear Ring. Yet I liked the insights into the characters' lives.

I thought this book was better than the "Girl With the Pearl Earring". I got into the characters so much easier. Once I started reading, it was hard to stop.

After "Girl with the Pearl Earring" I definitely had high expectations, but this book is, in a different sort of way, actually better. Every chapter relates a different character's first-hand take on the events of the day, starting New Year's Day 1901 and on through 1910 - covering the period following the death of Queen Victoria through the end of the rule of her son, Edward. Sort of like "Upstairs, Downstairs" there are upper class English suffragettes, their long-suffering and befuddled husbands, conniving servants, abortionists, grave diggers that even the lower classes look down their noses on, and not-so-innocent children. Granted, I'm an unapologetic book snob, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one - and even found the final chapter to be quite touching.

Tracy Chevalier's Falling Angels differs from some of her other works in that it jumps from historical period to modern. The tale is cleverly woven between generations, and is very intriguing. Great book.

I ordered this book after reading the reviews. I didn't know what to expect. I sat down to read it and I must say I couldn't put it down. I don't know what it is about this book. It's not earthshaking but the author portrays her characters so well that you immediately get caught up in their lives. There are so many layers to it. I think it would be an excellent book for a book club to discuss.

If you are a fan of Tracy, you will enjoy this book. I definitely enjoyed it.

I enjoyed Chevalier's "Girl with a Pearl Earring' so I picked this up as well.
It's a character-driven historical novel of two families, especially their daughters, who grow up as neighbors, their lives intertwining and becoming complicated through the cemetery by their homes, from the death of Victoria (1901) to the end of the Edwardian era (1910). Along the way, there's friendship, enmity, rivalry, class issues, women's suffrage, abortion, infidelity, and always, the role of death and the cemetery in this society...
Very well-written, enjoyable book.

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I loved this book, which we read for my book club. I couldn't put it down and it's a pretty quick read. It's set in the early 1900's and is about two families with young girls that grow up next door to each other. The ending is somewhat tragic but this book is highly recommended.

Very interesting book set in the early 1900's.

Not as good as Girl With A Pearl Earring, but still enjoyable and informative.

I loved this book. It is a tale set in London at the start of the 20th century. Each of the characters tells his/her own part of the ongoing story, and the stories interweave. Very interesting.

Great book...asgood as the girl with the pearl earring. The cover of the book is bent but good other than that!

By the author of Girl With A Pearl Earring, I found it not quite as interesting but still a good read.

Another beautifully written book by Chevalier. I recommend it!

I did not read this book.

Interesting story told from multiple perspectives at the turn of the 20th century. Fast read.

I thought this was a great book. It kept my attention and was moving.

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