As a long time fan of Simons' 'The Bronze Horseman' series, I was thrilled to learn that she had released two prequels - 'Children of Liberty', followed by 'Bellagrand' - centred on the relationship of Harold and Gina/Jane Barrington. parents of TBH trilogy's male lead.To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. While I've always wondered about Alexander's parents - how they met, what led them to their ultimate predicament (no spoilers!) - I found this book difficult to get through.The tale begins well enough, as we find fourteen year old Gina Attaviano sailing into Boston, having emigrated from Italy accompanied by her elder brother and widowed mother. Soon after they dock, the family meets Harold (Harry) Barrington and his best friend Ben Shaw, young American men housing new immigrants in Barrington's wealthy father's purpose-built accommodation. The love triangle begins: Ben is instantly smitten with Gina, Gina with Harry, and Harry...is a closed book.The promising start, however, quickly loses its footing. 1899 becomes 1900. Gina and her family attempt to settle into American life - should Gina work or go to school? Can she do both? While privileged Harry - a bookish, opinionated Harvard student and self-proclaimed socialist - and Ben - a banana fanatic obsessed with the proposed Panama Canal - debate the merits of imperialism and capitalism over elaborate Barrington family dinners.The book is weighed down by the constant, overwhelming dialogue and themes. The politics - Harry's in particular - are certainly relevant, but I felt as though I was drowning in endless pages of dinner parties, the same dialogue repeating over and over: Panama Canal! Imperialism - bad/good! Socialism - bad/good! I found myself skimming page after page, and I almost NEVER skim read.I also felt that there was a real lack of chemistry between Harry and Gina, which bothered me immensely. Simons is usually very good at developing relationships, so this was a big negative for me; Gina is immature (hardly surprising for a teenage character), while Harry feels cold, selfish and, frankly, ridiculous. He preaches about worker's rights, yet has never held a real job and lives off his father's wealth - and seems truly unaware of the irony.There is also a major problem with plot inconsistencies. In 'The Bronze Horseman', Alexander explains the details of his parents' tale to his love interest, Tatiana. Simple, yet important details from this conversation have not been carried into the prequel; for example, Simons has changed Gina's age when she arrived in America, the age difference between Gina and Harry, and details surrounding their extended families. Having followed Children of Liberty immediately with Bellagrand and a reread of the Bronze Horseman, these discrepancies are particularly glaring. A disappointing and frustrating error from a genuinely talented author.The book, sadly, feels like a waste of time: the plot lacks direction and is dragged down by political diatribe and inconsistencies. Simons takes 400+ pages to write what could have been neatly summed up in several chapters, and the story itself is incredibly unsatisfying. In all honesty, you could quite happily read a synopsis of this book and then skip to 'Bellagrand'. Disappointing all round. When I picked up this book, I didn't realize it was a prequel to "The Bronze Horseman." I am glad I didn't, but also glad that I found out.For the most part, I really enjoyed the story. I was completely wrapped up in it, wanting to understand what led Alexander's parents to choose Russia over America. And while now I do understand, getting there was a bit dry. I wasn't crazy about all the political writing, although I understand its necessity to the story.I loved the characters. I thought all were well drawn, and admired how Simons took a quiet personality like Harry's and still made him a sympathetic character. He could have been just plain boring.There were moments that were confusing. A few that were just over the top in my opinion. It was not to the same caliber as TBH, but for the most part an enjoyable read. I will read the sequel. There are some mild bedroom scenes and some harsh language for those who wish to avoid those things.But if you are a fan of "The Bronze Horseman," I would say, give this a read. It's not necessary, but it sheds and interesting light on Alexander's family.
What do You think about Children Of Liberty (2013)?
Great prequel to Tatiana & Alexander but there could've been a little more excitement for my taste.
—kagel0ai
Too much political theory, not enough development of the relationship between the characters.
—agarwal319
Another good read from Paullina! The ending was predictable but still enjoyed it
—livetoletyoushine
Loved every minute and didn't want the book to end!
—selena
