Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Publisher: Delacorte Books
Publication Date: October 12, 2010
Pages: 481
Source: Library
Buy it: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.  --Goodreads

A music student, still mourns for her dead brother, is failing her classes in her private school.  As punishment, Dad forces Andi, the student, to Paris to finish her senior thesis so she can graduate.  (What a punishment, right?)  Where in France, she discovers a hidden compartment in a guitar case- uncovering a centuries-old diary by a young girl named Alex.  Alex changes her life forever.  So, do you want to start a revolution?

After reading this, I sure do!  This book was FANTASTIC!  Mind you, I have been a little obsessive over France and the French Revolution (I know everything about Napoleon Bonaparte's teenage years) ever since I could walk.  This book was not something for me to miss out on. 

It can also be said that the length can be a little daunting, but it's worth every minute. 

Andi revolves around her music.  I loved how devoted she was and I loved how all she really cared about was her mom and her music.  I respected her for it, even though at times (when she was trying to commit suicide) all I wanted to do was strangle her.  Alex was amazing and very much like And- which was purposely done.  Virgil was like the boyfriend, I'll never have.  He was perfect, but flawed at the same time.  And Amade was just adorable. (Spoiler ->) After hearing all about his history from her thesis and then actually getting to meet him...  It was awesome.  Who knew a famous composer could like music like Coldplay and Radiohead? 

I cannot say how much I want to go to France now.  The descriptions were tangible and lovely.  Watching the sunrise at Sacre-Coeur was truly breathtaking!  This book felt entirely real to me and if I wasn't already reading something else, I'd reread it over again. 

The ending was okay.  I'm not going to praise it, but I enjoyed some of the ending and some I didn't.  Some of that that included her dad and her mom's bad days was why I didn't like the ending.  But Virgil was still dreamy and the book was still amazing.  Anyone, want to start a revolution with me?  I'll get the fireworks.

First Sentence:

"Those who can, do."

-Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, p. 1

Rating:

Cover: 5
Characters: 5
Writing Style: 5
Plot: 5
Ending: 4
Overall: 5