Entrada Publishing Review

When I first sought Beta Readers for Imagining Violet, I had an idea that it would appeal to a Young Adult audience. However, the first responses were not all that encouraging, and I began to accept that my readers would be people like me - likely older women with an appetite for Historical Fiction.

However, I continued to enter Entrada Publishing contests and was delighted when a few weeks ago I received an email saying I had won a free review. A very positive review arrived a few days ago, and suggests that indeed, the Young Adult market should be pursued. It's fairly lengthy, but in the interests of shameless self-promotion, I am going to paste it here:

Entrada Publishing Book Review

for

Imagining Violet

by

Mary E. Hughes

Completed 12/20/18

Imagining Violet is a fascinating look into a young woman’s life in the 19th century as she learns about herself and the world around her. The reader joins Violet as she takes the plunge into the new and exciting world of studying music in Europe. Mary E. Hughes takes an interesting approach when showcasing the life of Violet, by using personal letters to family and friends. With the element of historical truth to the narrative, the reader truly feels like they have travelled back in time and are experiencing everything with Violet.

This novel has a true coming of age narrative that will certainly appeal to the modern young adult who may be going through similar trials in their lives. Even though the characters live in the late 1800’s, the emotions and often the situations Violet faces are quiet relatable. For example, leaving home for the first time to study for years in a strange town/country is something most young adults go through by attending university. Therefore the reader cannot help but see part of themselves in the character and leave them wondering just how they would deal with their situations over two centuries ago.

While in some letter or diary constructed novels the reader will only be able to get one side of the story, leaving aspects of circumstances with huge holes this doesn’t happen in Imagining Violet. Of course the reader only sees the letters that Violet writes but due to the comprehensive nature of the correspondence there is nothing missing from the overall story. In fact because Hughes chose to showcase not only Violet’s communications with her family but also with the friends, and even her romantic interest that she made during her years studying in Europe, the reader gets to experience every aspect of the experiences that she lived through. This makes the novel a truly unique and interesting read as the character of Violet develops and begins to speak candidly about her emotions with her friends while she is unable to do so with her parents; thus creating a multifaceted story and experience for the reader.

Through the use of letters Mary E. Hughes coveys a wealth of emotions that the reader has no doubt experienced in their life. Everyone at some point in their lives have thought that they were destined for greatness, had dreams that they were truly focused on achieving, only to see life throw them a curve ball and they have to find a new way in life. This is no different in Violet’s life as her dreams of being on the concert stage are dashed and she has to find a new way to find happiness; this journey of self-discovery is truly inspiring not only to witness but will no doubt also impact the reader’s life.

While the author’s work is relatable to a modern audience, she has not lost the historical element throughout the narrative. This attribute works two-fold; it casts a light on the society for a woman in the late 1800s while also showing that people can still face the same complications and emotions today in their lives. Mary E. Hughes has carefully entwined 19th century life into her story allowing the reader to step back into the past and become completely immersed in the fictional world. She leaves no little detail out when she mentions a whole host of historical information, such as the conservatory where she studies, being founded and even the specific operas that Violet attended.

Overall, this novel allows the reader to experience a time and a society in a way that the history books don’t. Mary E. Hughes has created a truly wonderful and insightful piece of historical fiction, which will no doubt be enjoyed for years to come by all ages.