My collection of physical books is so large (upwards of 3000) that it's rare for me to get anything new in anything other than Kindle format. These days, I reserve the purchase of paper books to those that are truly special. And a bit over 100 pages into this book, I knew it would be one of those. Thus, the change in progress update format from percentage to page numbers. Onwards!

Almost done with the second section (Ivanushka's story). I've loved this part; it felt very "Dostoyevskian."

I probably won't be able to finish this before the end of the month (I started this book club pick just a few days ago, and I'm a slow reader), but I'll definitely finish it. I'm on the second chapter/story, and so far have really been enjoying the combination of fiction and geography/history lessons. Both aspects of this book flow smoothly, so it never feels pedantic.

The subtitle for this book is "A Valiant King's Struggle to Save His Country, His Dynasty and His Love."

And valiant he is. The author is setting forth a clearly heroic tale. Interesting times making potentially for a good story.  I am feeling kinda force-fed what a valiant -- if naive -- young man he is. Author doesn't need to try quite so hard.

Overall, a decent tale of a little covered period of history that I would have liked much better if less sappy and slanted.  And if more atmospheric of the period -- meaning some very modern viewpoints crept in, not that I had major issues with the history or historical details.

The subtitle for this book is "A Valiant King's Struggle to Save His Country, His Dynasty and His Love."

And valiant he is.  The author is setting forth a clearly heroic tale.  Interesting times making potentially for a good story ("His Love" has not yet entered the picture).

I am feeling kinda force-fed what a valiant -- if naive -- young man he is.  Author doesn't need to try quite so hard as it's distracting me from getting into Richard's character.

Reading for a bookclub here on booklikes; feel free to join in at http://booklikes.com/book-clubs/10/more-historical-than-fiction .