Revolution

By: Jennifer Donnelly

Narrated by: Emily Janice Card, Emma Bering

Length: 15 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2010 Jennifer Donnelly (P)2010 Listening Library

Critic reviews

" Revolution is a sumptuous feast of a novel, rich in mood, character, and emotion. With multiple hooks, it should appeal to a wide range of readers." ( School Library Journal)

Amazing Story!

The story was engaging and pulled me in. A little depressing at times but this helped me empathize with the characters. The only disappoint for me as a history buff was finding many of the best parts of the story were fiction. I know that shouldn't be an issue in a fictional book but I hoped that they would be true. Needed the music to exist so I could listen to it before I hear the story again. And I will listen to this story again and again.

Wonderful! (for adults too)

The characterization, historical details, and pacing of this book are very well done. The performances are stellar.
If you enjoy Donnelly's other adult historical novels, then you'll love this book too (even if YA isn't your thing).

Amazing! So sad I've finished it.

I'm a high school librarian and I've already started book talking this book to students and teachers. The title Revolution refers to the French Revolution and it is a wonderful combination of contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and mystery with a touch of romance thrown in. I think this one will appeal to both boys and girls. Musical references are woven into the story and now I feel compelled to visit itunes to check out the composers the main character loves.

I'm currently searching madly for another title that might fill that void I always feel when I've finished a really wonderful title. This is the best book I've read since finishing Life of Pi! Thank you so much Jennifer Donnelly.

Just okay.

Would you try another book from Jennifer Donnelly and/or Emily Janice Card and Emma Bering ?

I didn't care for this story much. If I had it in print, I'm not sure I would have finished it. I don't think I would try another book by Jennifer Donnelly. It wasn't bad, just not might type of story.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I don't remember the ending which probably says a lot.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

What a fun ride

Really enjoy the story and the narration. It's not earth shattering and many of the premise were historical fantasy standards. But the way it was all wrapped up was fun and entertaining. I'll definitely re-listen again down the road.

Good introduction to historical fiction!

Okay you guys, historical fiction is seriously not my thing; especially when the setting is in the 1700s. I’ve reviewed a few historical fictions here on the blog – Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood, Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, and The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell – only 3! That’s not very much considering how many books we review on the blog. And the reason for that is that I don’t usually enjoy historical fiction but oh my wow, Jennifer Donnelly’s Revolution was amazing.

It does go back and forth between the two girls, and Andi, our main character, lives in present day (Brooklyn, but the book also takes place in Paris). Her younger brother has died and she’s kind of like a manic pixie girl (read: emo) but when she finds young Alexandrine’s diary, I feel like Andi is able to find an outlet for her grief – or at the very least, something that she’s interested in. Is Andi emo? Yeah, but she never crossed into the “annoying emo” girl for me. And then she’s transported into the time of the French Revolution while she is in the catacombs, which kind of ties in a supernatural element to this historical fiction.

Despite the fact that I don’t consider historical fiction a favorite sub-genre of mine, Revolution has been one of my favorite reads this year. It’s a great read and a good introduction to historical fiction if you’re looking to dabble in it.

Interesting

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this fantasy/historical/realistic fiction mash-up. I especially liked all of the details about music.

Wow

A powerful, complex. compelling story. Take "Les Mis", blend in some "Tale of Two Cities", add a pinch of "Amadeus", toss in some Led Zeppelin and a dash of headbanging and you have a modern day epic about Revolution - French, personal, and otherwise. Gotta go find out what else Jennifer Donnelly has written!

Amazing, Complex, Brilliant!

What did you love best about Revolution?

The story line is amazing and the reader does the book justice. My niece read this and then listened to the audio book and was able to get a better understanding of the characters after having listened to it.

What other book might you compare Revolution to and why?

I don't know of any right now

Which character – as performed by Emily Janice Card and Emma Bering – was your favorite?

My favorite character was Alexandrine.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have wanted to if I could spare the time, but I would listen on my way to and from work. Better than any radio station I ever heard.

A great find!

I loved this story. When I listened to the "preview" recording, I was hooked. Ms Card did an absolute spot on job of Andi and Ms Donnelly was wonderful in her character development and gritty details of the scenes. I really cannot say anything against Ms Bering and her narration of Alex. I enjoyed her reading as well. It was different and imaginative! Brava, Ms Donnelly, brava!!