Reviews come in all shapes and sizes. Obviously good ones are better than bad ones 😉 But once in a while an author receives a review that stands out, not because it is a rave (though it often is), but because the reviewer GETS the book on its deepest levels.

That is a euporic moment for the writer, because conveying meaning–our own particular meaning–is what we live for.

Today Médicis Daughter received such a review from Erin at “Flashlight Commentary.”  Yes,  Erin liked the book: “Atmospherically, the novel swept me off my feet. Perinot’s depiction of the French court was beautifully drawn and I was wholly captivated by both the political and social interaction that unfolded among its players.” But more importantly she understood my heroine, who is no cardboard princess, but very human and very flawed but still–in my estimation–laudable:

Margot fascinated me in her own right. She isn’t an easy character, but her layers and complexity are hard to ignore. Her family is ruthless and self-serving and while she possesses many of the same characteristics, she plays them much differently and distinguishing herself as a somewhat unique force. Her goals and ambitions are relatively modest, but her loyalties are often at odds. Her courage and tenacity are intriguing and while I didn’t always agree with the course of her actions, I found much admire in the determination and resolve required in carrying them out.

From where I am sitting this feels like a huge victory.

You can check out the rest of what Erin had to say here.