This novel was charming and poetic and I read on anxiously...(and finished in a day.) The novel goes back and fourth between two couples, one of the past, and one of the present and they do not end on the same note. I do have to say that the whole thing didn't come together like I'd hoped, there wasn't any explanation to connect the two stories though they are much the same story, but then again not, thus reminding me of a poem that is beautiful but yet you can't fully understand. I say three stars, because I would have liked more explanation/connection revealed more boldly between the two pairs of lovers. There was a chapter or two that I found pointless, they didn't move the story forward but rather filled space. On a steamy note, I will say that one of the love scenes was very lovely written, especially when written by a man, but the other love scene was completely lacking, not sure how one could be so beautiful and one so empty? Just a wonder... This book was inspired by the epic love poem 'Evangeline' by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which tells a story of how love can be strong enough to cross the divides that separate it. The thing I loved the most about this book, was the way the parallel stories ran alongside each other.Even though they were nearly two hundred years apart, they were totally in sync with each other, showing how timeless love really is. Whatever ever happened in the past could easily be reproduced in the present, proving that love is timeless. This book instantly reminded me of a a poster I used to have on my wall as a teenager which had the old saying 'If you love something, set it free, if it comes back it is yours, if it doesn't it never was.' This book shows the truth in that quote. The Eva and Gabe of now, may live in much more modern times, but they feel the same depth of feelings as the Evangeline and Gabriel of the past. Both Gabriel's are tortured souls - one in search of his lost love, the other, in desperate need to escape the loved ones he feels he hurts. You find that you instantly feel for both. Eva and Evangeline are much stronger and resourceful than the men they love and will never give up hope of reuniting with their soul mates. This book is beautifully written and is the type of book you get completely lost in as the chapters flow with a poetic style that witnesses dramatic situations. However, even though there are dramatic scenes, this book has a quietness about it, a subtleness that creeps into your mind, slowly engaging you completely. The book is split into two parts and I was quite shocked by how the first part ended. I wasn't expecting events to occur as they did and spent the first few pages of the second part searching for the truth. The secondary characters stood out just as strongly as the main characters. Ada and Poc both left me in tears with their actions of loyalty and love. The settings in the book are quite breathtaking as the author discusses them in a lot of detail. It really is a beautifully written book telling the timeless tale of love conquering all.
What do You think about Anxious Hearts (2010)?
The ending didn't suffice for me. But it still was a great read. I adored Gabriel and envy Eva.
—mandakini
Definitely not what I was expecting, but it was definitely good. I really liked it
—GoldenRizner
LOVED! This book. I read it in one sitting. It is beautifully written.
—lunia
