This book was such a great mix of history, heart and grief. I loved Odette and was happy to watch her grow as a human being. From living small life devoid of love and joy, to making a family with the ones she loves. I can’t wait to see what Julianna Edwards will write next!

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with this E-Arc

I loved this book. The characters were so strongly written and real that I actually found myself getting angry and frustrated with them, to the point that I had to put the book down for two days because I was so mad at some choices made by Odette. The plot was interesting and rich. At times I felt that the author packed in too many challenges and obstacles, but, ultimately, I liked how those events moved the story along. And the writing was beautiful. The author captured so many real, raw emotions: grief and loss, shame, despair, hope, friendship, love. This deeply-damaged character's growth arc was real and her strength was well-earned. I look forward to recommending Odette Rising to my friends.

Odette Rising by Julianne Edwards

Thank you Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

The young Odette, just twenty-one years old and entirely walled off from society, has spent the bulk of her life in isolation. After the death of her father, a man who was more a stranger than a parent, she takes the first step in her journey to finding her footing in turn-of-the-century France: leaving the comfort of her home. Odette’s lifelong struggle with self love accompanies a slew of new hardships as she takes on responsibilities that even society deems unfathomable, like taking over her father’s hosiery factory as a woman. Throughout the story, she slowly and courageously branches out, making new friends (and enemies), all while discovering where she fits.

Edwards manages to hone in on the lives of a multitude of characters, not just our protagonist, giving readers a necessary glimpse into the motivations behind their actions and a wide breadth to the overall story. It is a strong utilization of third person. Because of how much Edwards delves into other characters, readers also better understand how Odette is being received as both she and the story progress. We witness change in some of the most raw ways, especially for people who were living in a time period in which the year itself was so much an obstacle that people–women–never thought able to challenge it.

I found Odette’s view of society particularly enthralling, as she thought it was almost shameful, something not to care about at all. Rather than succumbing to the world that shunned her and kept her locked away, Odette manages to challenge society while simultaneously overcoming its stone-set limitations. She incurs a plethora of unique perspectives that stem from her upbringing–wealthy, but ostracized due primarily to her weight. It makes for a gripping story. With surprising turns and a brilliant conclusion, Odette Rising will linger, a reminder that everyone is capable of bravery and self love. This story is Odette’s, and it is one worth reading.

Beautiful lyrical writing style 🩷

Great strong characters like Odette (love her name )

Odette was a strong easy to relate to character

The story was beautiful,detailed and unique

Julianne Edwards writing style completely pulled me In. It is so unique and descriptive that I genuinely felt like I was there with the characters the entire time. The world felt vivid, immersive, and easy to get lost in. I found myself fully invested in Odettes journey from the get go, so much so that I was eager to keep reading every night. The book was full of awkward moments and I found myself genuinely feeling for Odette. I will be looking forward to more works from Edwards.