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Faithful #2
Forgiven
Kula Baker never expected to find herself on the streets of San Francisco, alone but for a letter of introduction. Though she has come to the city to save her father from a cruel fate, Kula soon finds herself swept up in a world of art and elegance - a world she hardly dared dream of back in Montana, where she was no more than the daughter of an outlaw. And then there is the handsome David Wong, whose smiling eyes and soft-spoken manner have an uncanny way of breaking through Kula's carefully crafted reserve. Yet when disaster strikes and the wreckage threatens all she holds dear, Kula realizes that only by unlocking her heart can she begin to carve a new future for herself.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2011
15 people are currently reading
2014 people want to read
About the author
Janet Fox
27Ìýbooks261ÌýfollowersAuthor of award-winning fiction and non-fiction for young readers. (NOT Janet Kaye Fox)
Published books:
"Get Organized Without Losing It" (middle grade, Free Spirit Publishing, 2017, new edition)
"Faithful" (young adult, Penguin/Speak, 2010)
"Forgiven" (young adult, Speak, 2011)
"Sirens" - (young adult, Speak 2012)
"The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle" - (middle grade, Viking, 2016)
"Volcano Dreams" - picture book, Web of Life Books, September 2018
"The Artifact Hunters" - middle grade, Viking 2020
"Carry Me Home" - middle grade, Simon & Schuster 2021
"Wintergarden" - picture book, Neal Porter, 2023
Published books:
"Get Organized Without Losing It" (middle grade, Free Spirit Publishing, 2017, new edition)
"Faithful" (young adult, Penguin/Speak, 2010)
"Forgiven" (young adult, Speak, 2011)
"Sirens" - (young adult, Speak 2012)
"The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle" - (middle grade, Viking, 2016)
"Volcano Dreams" - picture book, Web of Life Books, September 2018
"The Artifact Hunters" - middle grade, Viking 2020
"Carry Me Home" - middle grade, Simon & Schuster 2021
"Wintergarden" - picture book, Neal Porter, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 22, 2011
Kula Baker was raised near Yellowstone by her father, an outlaw. She never knew her mother, who was forced to return home when Kula was a baby and later died. Now that Kula is older, her father does not think it is safe for her to live with him, and he wants her to have a better life. So he arranges for Kula to move to the city of Bozeman, Montana, to work as a servant to a kind woman named Mrs. Gale. But Kula wants more than that. She wants to find a rich man to marry, one who will treat her well and raise her social status. Just when Kula is starting to adjust to life in the city, her father comes to find her. He has been falsely accused of murder, and Kula watches as he is arrested. His last words to her are to go to San Francisco and find a box, the contents of which could save him.
Kula sets out for San Francisco, desperate to save her father's life. As she searches for the box, she meets many people, including two young men to whom Kula is attracted, and she is not sure who she can trust. One of those young men, Will Henderson, is rich and handsome and is everything Kula has always wanted in a husband. There is also David Wong, who is exactly the opposite. He is Chinese, an outsider, and he is not rich. But Kula can't seem to forget him. Kula also faces danger as she encounters many villains in San Francisco, some of whom are after the same box she is, and others who would exploit the helpless for their own gain, while discovering that what she always thought she wanted might not actually be what her heart truly wants.
From the start, Forgiven drew me in. I felt sympathy for Kula, who lived a hard life and dreamed of something more. As she journeys to San Francisco, the book is full of romance, adventure, and a very complicated mystery. There is quite a bit of history which is both interesting and sad, as Kula learns of child slavery and experiences the San Francisco Earthquake in April 1906. Although this book is a companion novel to Janet Fox's previous novel, Faithful, the story in this book stands alone and it is not neccesary to have read the first book to enjoy Forgiven, although I would recommend it, as I really enjoyed Faithful too! I highly recommend this book to readers who love young adult historical fiction.
Disclosure: review copy provided by publisher.
Kula sets out for San Francisco, desperate to save her father's life. As she searches for the box, she meets many people, including two young men to whom Kula is attracted, and she is not sure who she can trust. One of those young men, Will Henderson, is rich and handsome and is everything Kula has always wanted in a husband. There is also David Wong, who is exactly the opposite. He is Chinese, an outsider, and he is not rich. But Kula can't seem to forget him. Kula also faces danger as she encounters many villains in San Francisco, some of whom are after the same box she is, and others who would exploit the helpless for their own gain, while discovering that what she always thought she wanted might not actually be what her heart truly wants.
From the start, Forgiven drew me in. I felt sympathy for Kula, who lived a hard life and dreamed of something more. As she journeys to San Francisco, the book is full of romance, adventure, and a very complicated mystery. There is quite a bit of history which is both interesting and sad, as Kula learns of child slavery and experiences the San Francisco Earthquake in April 1906. Although this book is a companion novel to Janet Fox's previous novel, Faithful, the story in this book stands alone and it is not neccesary to have read the first book to enjoy Forgiven, although I would recommend it, as I really enjoyed Faithful too! I highly recommend this book to readers who love young adult historical fiction.
Disclosure: review copy provided by publisher.
June 3, 2011
Forgiven is the perfect companion book to Faithful, it follows the story of Kula, a secondary character from Faithful with an extraordinary story. Kula's journey takes her from the beautiful rugged wildness of Bozeman, MT to the enchanting, and sometimes dangerous high society of San Francisco, CA.
In Faithful I had some reservations about Kula, but with Forgiven I felt like I was really able to understand her. She's had a rough life and now that her Pa is going to be hanged for a murder he didn't commit, Kula travels to CA to find a box her father sent her to retrieve. Along this dangerous journey Kula will unravel a past full of secrets and deception and in the process she'll learn to let go, find herself and fall in love.
She's also had her fair share of prejudices from having to work at a young age in Faithful as a maid. It's Kula's feisty determination that I loved the most about her. It's what makes her a strong character in a twisty world she's just beginning to understand. What I find intriguing about Janet's writing is not only does she have in-depth, complex characters who's stories are all woven together, but she brings her settings to life. She has a talent for not only giving a vivid picture of what San Francisco looks like in the early 1900's, but how society behaves, including the darker part of the city with it's human trafficking, racism. She introduces that world via her characters David Wong, one of the love interests for Kula, and the Chinese's girls who have been trafficked. Being deemed an outsider because of her darker complexion Kula herself is a beautiful character and is able to understand what David Wong and the young Chinese girls she meets are feeling.
There are so many layers to Forgiven's story and I really liked how many of the character's are all interconnected. I liked that I was able to piece together each character's connection to her story with her. I felt the story moved flawlessly and while it's a little darker than Faithful's, I felt more of an emotional connection to it and more of an adventurous one Faithful. Forgiven has a rich history that not only includes child slavery & trafficking, but the April 1906 earthquake. There's plenty of adventure, mystery and romance in this story. Though Kula is a character found in Faithful, you don't need to read Faithful to follow Forgiven's story, but I highly recommend picking up both books.
In Faithful I had some reservations about Kula, but with Forgiven I felt like I was really able to understand her. She's had a rough life and now that her Pa is going to be hanged for a murder he didn't commit, Kula travels to CA to find a box her father sent her to retrieve. Along this dangerous journey Kula will unravel a past full of secrets and deception and in the process she'll learn to let go, find herself and fall in love.
She's also had her fair share of prejudices from having to work at a young age in Faithful as a maid. It's Kula's feisty determination that I loved the most about her. It's what makes her a strong character in a twisty world she's just beginning to understand. What I find intriguing about Janet's writing is not only does she have in-depth, complex characters who's stories are all woven together, but she brings her settings to life. She has a talent for not only giving a vivid picture of what San Francisco looks like in the early 1900's, but how society behaves, including the darker part of the city with it's human trafficking, racism. She introduces that world via her characters David Wong, one of the love interests for Kula, and the Chinese's girls who have been trafficked. Being deemed an outsider because of her darker complexion Kula herself is a beautiful character and is able to understand what David Wong and the young Chinese girls she meets are feeling.
There are so many layers to Forgiven's story and I really liked how many of the character's are all interconnected. I liked that I was able to piece together each character's connection to her story with her. I felt the story moved flawlessly and while it's a little darker than Faithful's, I felt more of an emotional connection to it and more of an adventurous one Faithful. Forgiven has a rich history that not only includes child slavery & trafficking, but the April 1906 earthquake. There's plenty of adventure, mystery and romance in this story. Though Kula is a character found in Faithful, you don't need to read Faithful to follow Forgiven's story, but I highly recommend picking up both books.
June 11, 2011
If there is one thing that always draws me to book it is a beautiful cover, and that was just the case with Janet Fox’s Forgiven. Thankfully, Forgiven contained much more than just a stunning cover, as it was a lush and fabulously built historical fiction read as well.
For Kula Baker, life has always provided quite the thrill and excitement thanks to her father’s chosen lifestyle. However, those characteristics are heighted to an extreme one chilly and dark night in May of 1904. Kula is left alone at her father’s camp only to have a man with snake eyes attack her, and in the process leave everything in her life in complete chaos. Because of this, Kula’s father decides that this life, the one of stealing and thrill riding, is not the one for Kula any longer, which is how she eventually ends up in San Francisco in 1900s, looking for a way to free not only her father from an increasingly freighting faith but herself as well. On the way, she will find love, faith, and forgiveness. However, what happens when everything is thrown to the wolves once again? Will Kula learn how to forgive and let herself be, or will everything be left in utter shambles? Only time and more pages can tell in this fantastic sophomore attempt.
Kula’s story intertwined me from the very first page from the very last for a variety of reasons. For one, Kula was a girl who was incredibly strong and brave, even if those traits often got her in trouble. She was someone who anyone would want to have on their side. However, what I loved most about her story was the way that she wasn’t looking for love exactly, but instead forgiveness and acceptances, because no matter the time period or the circumstances, these are things any person, young or old, are always on the search for in life. The secondary characters in this were interesting as well. I loved the addition of David and Will, because not only where they completely different individuals, but they continually brought interesting turns, twists, and levels of heart to the story.
Another aspect I enjoyed about Forgiven was the setting. Ms. Fox did a fantastic job of bringing the 1900s San Francisco to life with her vivid descriptions. In addition, I loved how she brought to knowledge little things about that time period that I did not know, such as circumstances involving China town to the incredibly hard topic of human trafficking.
Even though I did enjoy this one, I did have a few problems with it. For instance, I felt that some characters were lacking necessary development. Furthermore, I am a bit torn over the ending, because while I did love how realistic it was, there was a certain aspect to it I did not find exactly necessary.
Nevertheless, Forgiven is well worth a read. Lush, informative, memorable, it is sure to captive many readers.
Grade: B+
For Kula Baker, life has always provided quite the thrill and excitement thanks to her father’s chosen lifestyle. However, those characteristics are heighted to an extreme one chilly and dark night in May of 1904. Kula is left alone at her father’s camp only to have a man with snake eyes attack her, and in the process leave everything in her life in complete chaos. Because of this, Kula’s father decides that this life, the one of stealing and thrill riding, is not the one for Kula any longer, which is how she eventually ends up in San Francisco in 1900s, looking for a way to free not only her father from an increasingly freighting faith but herself as well. On the way, she will find love, faith, and forgiveness. However, what happens when everything is thrown to the wolves once again? Will Kula learn how to forgive and let herself be, or will everything be left in utter shambles? Only time and more pages can tell in this fantastic sophomore attempt.
Kula’s story intertwined me from the very first page from the very last for a variety of reasons. For one, Kula was a girl who was incredibly strong and brave, even if those traits often got her in trouble. She was someone who anyone would want to have on their side. However, what I loved most about her story was the way that she wasn’t looking for love exactly, but instead forgiveness and acceptances, because no matter the time period or the circumstances, these are things any person, young or old, are always on the search for in life. The secondary characters in this were interesting as well. I loved the addition of David and Will, because not only where they completely different individuals, but they continually brought interesting turns, twists, and levels of heart to the story.
Another aspect I enjoyed about Forgiven was the setting. Ms. Fox did a fantastic job of bringing the 1900s San Francisco to life with her vivid descriptions. In addition, I loved how she brought to knowledge little things about that time period that I did not know, such as circumstances involving China town to the incredibly hard topic of human trafficking.
Even though I did enjoy this one, I did have a few problems with it. For instance, I felt that some characters were lacking necessary development. Furthermore, I am a bit torn over the ending, because while I did love how realistic it was, there was a certain aspect to it I did not find exactly necessary.
Nevertheless, Forgiven is well worth a read. Lush, informative, memorable, it is sure to captive many readers.
Grade: B+
May 28, 2011
Prelim Review: Much like Faithful, the companion novel to this in which we are first introduced to Kula and her...unique ideas about life and behavior, I was drawn in by the story and the characters. Though I had some disagreements with Kula in Faithful I found that I understood her better and her motivations in that book thanks to this one.
Full review to be posted at Poisoned Rationality
Full review to be posted at Poisoned Rationality
June 18, 2022
*4.8*
So. It's been a long time since I read a book that had me continuously feel emotions and yell at the MC and cringe with the MC. I've been going through my TBR list from when I first got Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ i. 2012 and this book was one of the oldest ones. I thought it would be fluff, a cutesy historical fiction that younger me was really into back then. But...it was a bit deeper than I expected. An actual problem, multiple problems, are happening in this book. And the love story at first made me groan, then I felt differently about it as time went on. And towards the end where everything is revealed...it gave me that feeling of watching Titanic for the first time and being out of breath like i just survived the boat sinking, ya know?
Was the book perfect? No. Will there be people who don't care for the flow of Montana speech that Kula has? Perhaps. I ate this up. I was invested. And despite the pain of the ending, it felt le a sturdy end. An ending I can get behind.
My measure of a good YA book is: Would i let my hypothetical impressionable preteen daughter read this? Answer: yes.
It's not full 5 stars simply because I don't need to go through those emotions and dips and turns again. At least not anytime this year. We'll see for next.
Off to read the first book!
So. It's been a long time since I read a book that had me continuously feel emotions and yell at the MC and cringe with the MC. I've been going through my TBR list from when I first got Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ i. 2012 and this book was one of the oldest ones. I thought it would be fluff, a cutesy historical fiction that younger me was really into back then. But...it was a bit deeper than I expected. An actual problem, multiple problems, are happening in this book. And the love story at first made me groan, then I felt differently about it as time went on. And towards the end where everything is revealed...it gave me that feeling of watching Titanic for the first time and being out of breath like i just survived the boat sinking, ya know?
Was the book perfect? No. Will there be people who don't care for the flow of Montana speech that Kula has? Perhaps. I ate this up. I was invested. And despite the pain of the ending, it felt le a sturdy end. An ending I can get behind.
My measure of a good YA book is: Would i let my hypothetical impressionable preteen daughter read this? Answer: yes.
It's not full 5 stars simply because I don't need to go through those emotions and dips and turns again. At least not anytime this year. We'll see for next.
Off to read the first book!
April 15, 2014
Given that I like the first book very much, I thought I pick up this one and see how it went.
Plot: This story follows Kula who is thrown in some troubles of the past. Her dad is accused of murder and there is not much time to save him. He gives her clues to follow and it leads her to a path she didn’t think she be on. I liked this plot. It is filled with much drama and action. Kula’s life has been hard as well. She is struggling with so much. To see her come into her own, was done well.
Love: Kula has done nothing but what others had told her. It good to see her make her own designs and of course follow her own heart. I think the guy who steals her heart knows her better than she knows herself.
Ending: The ending is bittersweet. Kula is getting what she dreamed of but at a cost. I was hoping for more of a happy ending but when you live in times like these, I can see why it was the way it was.
Overall, this is great companion story. The emotions that came from Kula and her thoughts matched perfectly. And of course the time period and the wonderfully writing only kept me deeper in the story. Forgiven is awesome!
Plot: This story follows Kula who is thrown in some troubles of the past. Her dad is accused of murder and there is not much time to save him. He gives her clues to follow and it leads her to a path she didn’t think she be on. I liked this plot. It is filled with much drama and action. Kula’s life has been hard as well. She is struggling with so much. To see her come into her own, was done well.
Love: Kula has done nothing but what others had told her. It good to see her make her own designs and of course follow her own heart. I think the guy who steals her heart knows her better than she knows herself.
Ending: The ending is bittersweet. Kula is getting what she dreamed of but at a cost. I was hoping for more of a happy ending but when you live in times like these, I can see why it was the way it was.
Overall, this is great companion story. The emotions that came from Kula and her thoughts matched perfectly. And of course the time period and the wonderfully writing only kept me deeper in the story. Forgiven is awesome!
March 30, 2020
*4.5 stars
After reading the first couple chapters, I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy this book. It the beginning it seemed too cliche (which is saying something because I do love my cliches). I thought I knew exactly how the book was going to end, and let me tell you there was a bit of a plot twist that I was not ready for, and I am still in emotional shock. Kula really grew throughout the novel. In the beginning, I wasn't that fond of her, but by the end I felt a connection with her, and I was rooting for her. Round of applause for a book that was not just a simple cliche romance, and left me shedding a few tears at the end.
After reading the first couple chapters, I wasn't sure how much I was going to enjoy this book. It the beginning it seemed too cliche (which is saying something because I do love my cliches). I thought I knew exactly how the book was going to end, and let me tell you there was a bit of a plot twist that I was not ready for, and I am still in emotional shock. Kula really grew throughout the novel. In the beginning, I wasn't that fond of her, but by the end I felt a connection with her, and I was rooting for her. Round of applause for a book that was not just a simple cliche romance, and left me shedding a few tears at the end.
February 1, 2012
Forgiven is about a girl from Montana, her name is Kula (love that name), she is Maggie's half sister (Maggie from Fatithful), and she is a spitfire and a treasure. Set in San Francisco 1906 at a time when the local government is corrupt, the Chinese population is important to the community and are severely oppressed. Also the earthquake and fires played a major role in the end.
She goes to San Francisco to find a box for her dad, he's been thrown in jail for a murder he didn't commit. Only when she gets there a man named Wilkie is out to hurt her and stop her from saving her dad. Kula meets a man named David Wong, his sweet and kind manner brings down the walls of defence she's erected, because of his race she sees that he can't give her what she is looking for in a husband. She is hoping to meet a man with station and wealth so that she doesn't have to live in service anymore. When all is said and done she is stronger and more fierce than ever.
The reason I didn't give Forgiven 5 stars is because it's a tragedy, but it still found it's way to my favorites shelf. This story is very bittersweet so have tissues on hand when reading this, and the only thing I like bittersweet is my chocolate.
She goes to San Francisco to find a box for her dad, he's been thrown in jail for a murder he didn't commit. Only when she gets there a man named Wilkie is out to hurt her and stop her from saving her dad. Kula meets a man named David Wong, his sweet and kind manner brings down the walls of defence she's erected, because of his race she sees that he can't give her what she is looking for in a husband. She is hoping to meet a man with station and wealth so that she doesn't have to live in service anymore. When all is said and done she is stronger and more fierce than ever.
The reason I didn't give Forgiven 5 stars is because it's a tragedy, but it still found it's way to my favorites shelf. This story is very bittersweet so have tissues on hand when reading this, and the only thing I like bittersweet is my chocolate.
January 10, 2014
Kula Baker has grown up in the mountains of Montana with her outlaw father. When someone puts her life at risk, her father sends her away to safety. When he is accused of a murder he didn't commit, Kula goes to San Francisco to find a box that holds secrets that she believes will free him. Once she arrives, she finds herself in a spiral of mystery and deceit, not knowing who to trust or how to believe, and also finding her heart drawn to two very different men. As she makes mistakes and adapts to her new surroundings, she also finds herself passionate about a new cause - the sex trafficking of young girls from China. When the great San Francisco earthquake hits, all hell breaks loose and Kula and those around her struggle to survive as well as continue to save the lives of the young girls.
I liked that this book dealt with various different issues, especially ones that aren't brought up in historical fiction very often, such as sex trafficking. The characters were well-written (especially the villains) and while Kula could seem ignorant and naive at times (I often thought she acted more like a 13-14 year old than a 16-17 year old), it was easy to identify with her struggles and triumphs.
I liked that this book dealt with various different issues, especially ones that aren't brought up in historical fiction very often, such as sex trafficking. The characters were well-written (especially the villains) and while Kula could seem ignorant and naive at times (I often thought she acted more like a 13-14 year old than a 16-17 year old), it was easy to identify with her struggles and triumphs.
November 17, 2011
The great thing abut Janet Fox's historical fictions is that they cover events or places that I don't generally read about. I hadn't read anything about Yosemite Park before Faithful and I certainly hadn't read anything about the great earthquake of 1906 in San Francisco. It's a nice change from the average stories set in the Victorian era or what have you.
I really liked the way this portrayed the different places in good ole S.F. Between Chinatown and the more upscale neighborhoods, it had a little of everything. And the things Kula sees while she's there...I have such a hard time coming to terms with the fact that stuff like that actually happened--and still does.
The one thing I have some issue with is Kula's realization as to how to love. It's like, "Well, I sort of like him, but this other guy makes my heart do funny things." And then after something happens, she's just like, "Oh, I love him." She's known him for like, 2 weeks...
Also, Kula talks about her self in the third person, which this reviewer finds to be very weird.
I really liked the way this portrayed the different places in good ole S.F. Between Chinatown and the more upscale neighborhoods, it had a little of everything. And the things Kula sees while she's there...I have such a hard time coming to terms with the fact that stuff like that actually happened--and still does.
The one thing I have some issue with is Kula's realization as to how to love. It's like, "Well, I sort of like him, but this other guy makes my heart do funny things." And then after something happens, she's just like, "Oh, I love him." She's known him for like, 2 weeks...
Also, Kula talks about her self in the third person, which this reviewer finds to be very weird.
August 16, 2011
Definitely had its moments, and it's very strong at times. Personally, I got bogged down about half way through. This is a book that strangely manages to feel 1000 pages long (in actuality, it's not even 300 pages long). Kula (and the reader), have an almost impossible time getting the crucial details straight so we can go about finding the damn box and saving Pa from hanging. I guess it's supposed to be a suspenseful mystery, but it just felt like we were forced to be clueless and naive and not clever enough to make any accurate connections. She also threw in the kitchen sink along with the historical setting of the early 1900s, San Francisco's seamy Barbary Coast, Chinese girls being sold into slavery, race relations, romance, and a VERY complicated family drama. Oh, oops, the devastation of the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 is in the mix too.
April 3, 2012
Companion book to FAITHFUL by Janet Fox. While I really like FAITHFUL, I loved this book about a girl from Montana who goes to San Francisco to find a box that might save her father's life from certain hanging. Like FAITHFUL, it has heart, gorgeous writing and a plot that keeps you reading well into the night. I read this book in one day, which is the highest compliment I could give a novel. But it also had rich layers, depth and a teen protagonist who learns to care, not just about a boy, but the needs of others around her and the suffering of humanity. I would recommend this for anyone who loves historical fiction or simply a captivating read.
July 2, 2015
One of the best books I've ever read.
June 4, 2011
This is a great companion book to Faithful. You can read my full review here
March 22, 2017
I'm not going into huge detail in my review, but there's a few things that I wanted to mention.
First, for me, the love story was not very believable. There was practically no development between David and Kula and yet they decided that they loved each other?? After meeting like three times?? But I digress.
Second, Kula came off as rather selfish. Although, she did indeed have a compassionate heart for the Chinese girls, some of her decisions seemed rather selfish. But she seems to realize later that she had only been looking out for herself so that was good.
I didn't like how they don't really tell you what happens to her at the end.
I think, in general, the book could have been developed better, but all in all, it was a quick read, and not entirely terrible.
First, for me, the love story was not very believable. There was practically no development between David and Kula and yet they decided that they loved each other?? After meeting like three times?? But I digress.
Second, Kula came off as rather selfish. Although, she did indeed have a compassionate heart for the Chinese girls, some of her decisions seemed rather selfish. But she seems to realize later that she had only been looking out for herself so that was good.
I didn't like how they don't really tell you what happens to her at the end.
I think, in general, the book could have been developed better, but all in all, it was a quick read, and not entirely terrible.
August 4, 2018
There wasn't anything interesting about this one.
June 5, 2023
The character development didn't make much sense to me. I felt the plot didn't unravel in a coherent way and instead it was all filler until the last few chapters where things actually came to light.
November 12, 2013
In this companion to Faithful, 17 year old Kula Baker's Pa, the outlaw Ned Baker, sends her out into the world alone when he discovers a dangerous stranger has been searching their camp for a secret hidden box. Kula first goes to Bozeman, Montana where she works for Mrs. Gale, the kind photographer. Kula is angry at her Pa for not coming with her and starting fresh. She dreams of a fine man to come and marry her and keep her in luxury for the rest of her life. Then Kula's Pa is arrested for a murder Kula is sure he didn't commit. He urges her to go to San Francisco and find the box. Mrs. Gale sends Kula to her sister-in-law Miss Everts in San Francisco. San Francisco in 1906 is a dangerous place and Kula finds herself lost and alone in The Barbary Coast, the most dangerous section in the city. She's rescued by a kind Chinese boy, David Wong. Though it is considered improper for a Chinese man to be seen with a non-Chinese woman, David asks to call on Kula, hoping they will become friends. Knowing what it feels like to be an outsider, Kula agrees. Miss Everts is a bit brusque but she's kind enough. She introduces Kula to high society as an artist's model. Kula realizes that perhaps she can make her own way in the world. However, Miss. Everts has secrets and Kula thinks the woman is died to the dangerous man who framed her father. Kula is also haunted by the faces of the girls she saw in the Barbary Coast. Girls who are exported from China to be slaves for the pleasure of men. Kula finds herself torn between wanting to help and wanting to be accepted into the society to which she dreams of belonging. She's drawn to David but the attractive wealthy young man Will Henderson who is paying her lots of attention. Kula discovers secrets all around her and she wants to put the clues together. She doesn't trust anyone least of all herself. When disaster strikes San Francisco, Kula realizes she will have to trust in order to save those she loves. Once she learns to trust, she can begin to forgive.
This is an excellent novel. It's far better than Faithful. Kula is a more interesting character than Maggie. She's more complex but in many ways she's exactly the same. The plot is gripping and I just couldn't put it down. The story is gritty and realistic for the most part and I would not recommend this book for most people under 16. Though the book is a companion to Faithful and takes place a year and a half later, the author is careful not to reveal spoilers from the plot of Faithful. I really liked this book and I think readers of the Luxe novels who can't stand the melodrama will prefer Fox's novels.
This is an excellent novel. It's far better than Faithful. Kula is a more interesting character than Maggie. She's more complex but in many ways she's exactly the same. The plot is gripping and I just couldn't put it down. The story is gritty and realistic for the most part and I would not recommend this book for most people under 16. Though the book is a companion to Faithful and takes place a year and a half later, the author is careful not to reveal spoilers from the plot of Faithful. I really liked this book and I think readers of the Luxe novels who can't stand the melodrama will prefer Fox's novels.
June 7, 2011
Nice read, 4 stars from me =)
Kula Baker is a strong protagonist, who normally knows what she wants. But when her only left parent, her beloved "Pa" is taken prisoner by a sheriff who already made clear that he will hang, she finds herself almost alone in Bozeman, (Montana - I think) with the only knowledge that she has to travel to San Francisco to find a box which belongs to her father and will save his life.
In San Francisco Kula not only finds work as a servant and later as a model for art, but more she finds two young man, which couldn't be more different. There is David, who is a Chinese, and Will, who belongs to the upper society of San Francisco. Kula herself is confused and torn between the two, and she can't really spend time with such issues as... maybe love... when her father is sentenced to die, can't she?
Because Kula Baker knows what she wants. And Kula Baker never admits her feelings.
The novel is very well written, each chapter features a short quote from a book about San Francisco in the 19hundrets. The city itself is very well described, and the novel features not only the good, but also the bad corners and streets of the city. And, which I didn't knew when I bought the book but came to recognize as soon as I read the date the story takes place: It's the year of the great eartquake and firestorm. The year that nearly destroyed the city almost destroys Kulas life, because everything she came to believe of is changed. The language used by the author is fluently and fits well the decade the story settles in. Also, the change in speeches fits the different characters.
The characters are easy to like - or dislike, as I couldn't stand Wilkie (the sheriff) right from the beginning. Also, the novel shows how much a character can change, as Kula turns from the rational being she wants to be (often talking about herself in third person with sentences like: Kula Baker doesn't...) to a young woman who is not afraid to show her feelings. I was quite surprised by the turn in events in the last quarter of the book, because I was so sure that this book even with happening during the year 1906, would have a blissfull + happy ending. (Well it has a happy ending, but not for everybody)
My main reason for not giving 5 stars is that in the end, it all solves too quickly. (And I'm not talking about Kulas self reflection- which was pretty awesome for her!) It's just like after that trial Kulas Pa went trough, the turning at the end is a bit too quick for my taste.
All in all, a very nice read. Now I want to read the other novel by the author =)
Kula Baker is a strong protagonist, who normally knows what she wants. But when her only left parent, her beloved "Pa" is taken prisoner by a sheriff who already made clear that he will hang, she finds herself almost alone in Bozeman, (Montana - I think) with the only knowledge that she has to travel to San Francisco to find a box which belongs to her father and will save his life.
In San Francisco Kula not only finds work as a servant and later as a model for art, but more she finds two young man, which couldn't be more different. There is David, who is a Chinese, and Will, who belongs to the upper society of San Francisco. Kula herself is confused and torn between the two, and she can't really spend time with such issues as... maybe love... when her father is sentenced to die, can't she?
Because Kula Baker knows what she wants. And Kula Baker never admits her feelings.
The novel is very well written, each chapter features a short quote from a book about San Francisco in the 19hundrets. The city itself is very well described, and the novel features not only the good, but also the bad corners and streets of the city. And, which I didn't knew when I bought the book but came to recognize as soon as I read the date the story takes place: It's the year of the great eartquake and firestorm. The year that nearly destroyed the city almost destroys Kulas life, because everything she came to believe of is changed. The language used by the author is fluently and fits well the decade the story settles in. Also, the change in speeches fits the different characters.
The characters are easy to like - or dislike, as I couldn't stand Wilkie (the sheriff) right from the beginning. Also, the novel shows how much a character can change, as Kula turns from the rational being she wants to be (often talking about herself in third person with sentences like: Kula Baker doesn't...) to a young woman who is not afraid to show her feelings. I was quite surprised by the turn in events in the last quarter of the book, because I was so sure that this book even with happening during the year 1906, would have a blissfull + happy ending. (Well it has a happy ending, but not for everybody)
My main reason for not giving 5 stars is that in the end, it all solves too quickly. (And I'm not talking about Kulas self reflection- which was pretty awesome for her!) It's just like after that trial Kulas Pa went trough, the turning at the end is a bit too quick for my taste.
All in all, a very nice read. Now I want to read the other novel by the author =)
January 15, 2012
Lets see, what did I think of this book.
Well, it had a great story, and Kula definitely changed throughout the book. There were many secrets, but not too much, if any, drama, which I enjoyed. Kula changed greatly over the span of this book. She became more sure of herself, and finally, in the end, realized she could be free and be herself without the company of a man. I was so proud of her at the end of this novel. I really got to connect with Kula, about the way she wanted to figure out the truth, and her determined spirit. I really admired Kula when she would look out and care for the Chinese girls in this book, it really hit a soft spot within me and made me smile.
Kula truly learned to forgive herself, like the title suggests. She learned to put the past in the past, and the need to move on into the future. She learned so much through this book, I loved it.
The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco had a great description, and I really loved reading about it, if not only for my love of natural disasters and the power of mother nature (I don't love the part where people die, but the power of nature is really awe-inspiring to me). It was so interesting to see the after-effects, and I've never really known a lot about it, so it was a great learning experience for me as well. I think Fox did a great job of describing it, pulling the negative and positive effects it had out into the open for the reader to see.
The ending of this book made me cry, I must admit. It was so sad, yet it was so perfect to the story and Kula's realizations. I might have to re-read it sometime, just for the ending.
The one thing I didn't really like about this book was Fox's writing style. It was great with getting inside the main characters head, but you can't really visualize the settings as much as I'd have liked. Also, at some times it seemed very simple, but at other times that simple writing really fit with what was happening.
Overall, I'll give this book 4 out of 5 stars! I'd definitely recommend this book, as well as it's companion novel, Faithful.
Also, check out my blog to see more book reviews and random updates: queentaco.tumblr.com.
Well, it had a great story, and Kula definitely changed throughout the book. There were many secrets, but not too much, if any, drama, which I enjoyed. Kula changed greatly over the span of this book. She became more sure of herself, and finally, in the end, realized she could be free and be herself without the company of a man. I was so proud of her at the end of this novel. I really got to connect with Kula, about the way she wanted to figure out the truth, and her determined spirit. I really admired Kula when she would look out and care for the Chinese girls in this book, it really hit a soft spot within me and made me smile.
Kula truly learned to forgive herself, like the title suggests. She learned to put the past in the past, and the need to move on into the future. She learned so much through this book, I loved it.
The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco had a great description, and I really loved reading about it, if not only for my love of natural disasters and the power of mother nature (I don't love the part where people die, but the power of nature is really awe-inspiring to me). It was so interesting to see the after-effects, and I've never really known a lot about it, so it was a great learning experience for me as well. I think Fox did a great job of describing it, pulling the negative and positive effects it had out into the open for the reader to see.
The ending of this book made me cry, I must admit. It was so sad, yet it was so perfect to the story and Kula's realizations. I might have to re-read it sometime, just for the ending.
The one thing I didn't really like about this book was Fox's writing style. It was great with getting inside the main characters head, but you can't really visualize the settings as much as I'd have liked. Also, at some times it seemed very simple, but at other times that simple writing really fit with what was happening.
Overall, I'll give this book 4 out of 5 stars! I'd definitely recommend this book, as well as it's companion novel, Faithful.
Also, check out my blog to see more book reviews and random updates: queentaco.tumblr.com.
July 28, 2014
Janet Fox, how you disappoint me. I loved Faithful, absolutely loved it, but you have yet to impressive me with your other novels. Sirens was good but not great, a safe choice in plot and time area, but Forgiven commits a bigger sin. It tried to imitate all the intrigue and beauty of Faithful without packing any of the same punch. It is just so flawed as a novel.
Forgiven could've been great. It could've matched Faithful in quality. The setting of San Francisco right before the fire is fascinating in its own right, but not enough time is spent describing and being in it. Kula, from what I saw of her in Faithful, was a character with a lot of potential. She could've been wild and independent and fragile and interesting. Instead, Kula Baker comes off as a whiny spoiled brat with her only goal being to secure a comfortable life for herself, which isn't bad in itself but the way she believed only marriage could do that when she had so many examples of independent finically secure women was annoying. Kula is sent to San Francisco to help her father, but most of the novel she is more of a hindrance. I mean, your father could be hung for murder and you think, 'My, it's time for me to get involved in a completely unnecessary love triangle with two men I barely know'. Also, the way she constantly refers to herself in third person is irritating.
Many of my problems with Forgiven lie in the characterization of Kula, but some are in other places. Kula's relationship with David doesn't feel developed enough to experience the kind of grief she does. I was disappointed almost nothing was mentioned about Maggie. I would've enjoyed seeing elaboration of that relationship. I think that was one of the reason most fans picked this up. I did like the subplot of the Chinese childhood slavery and exploration on San Francisco and some of the supporting characters, earning Forgiven its two stars.
For me, Janet Fox has yet to write a novel that lives up to Faithful, but I'll keep reading and hoping she will. I hope you do the same.
Forgiven could've been great. It could've matched Faithful in quality. The setting of San Francisco right before the fire is fascinating in its own right, but not enough time is spent describing and being in it. Kula, from what I saw of her in Faithful, was a character with a lot of potential. She could've been wild and independent and fragile and interesting. Instead, Kula Baker comes off as a whiny spoiled brat with her only goal being to secure a comfortable life for herself, which isn't bad in itself but the way she believed only marriage could do that when she had so many examples of independent finically secure women was annoying. Kula is sent to San Francisco to help her father, but most of the novel she is more of a hindrance. I mean, your father could be hung for murder and you think, 'My, it's time for me to get involved in a completely unnecessary love triangle with two men I barely know'. Also, the way she constantly refers to herself in third person is irritating.
Many of my problems with Forgiven lie in the characterization of Kula, but some are in other places. Kula's relationship with David doesn't feel developed enough to experience the kind of grief she does. I was disappointed almost nothing was mentioned about Maggie. I would've enjoyed seeing elaboration of that relationship. I think that was one of the reason most fans picked this up. I did like the subplot of the Chinese childhood slavery and exploration on San Francisco and some of the supporting characters, earning Forgiven its two stars.
For me, Janet Fox has yet to write a novel that lives up to Faithful, but I'll keep reading and hoping she will. I hope you do the same.
January 3, 2012
Forgiven centers on Kula Baker, first introduced in Janet Fox's Faithful. Forgiven picks up Kula's story two years after Faithful leaves off. Kula's father has been arrested for the death of one of his allies and will hang unless Kula can prove his innocence. Kula's father sends her to San Francisco with the directive to find a box held by a man name Ty Wong. Within this box lies proof to set her father free. Begrudgingly, Kula leaves Montana for the new world of San Francisco. Once there, Kula finds herself having to choose between David, a Chinese boy who captures her heart, and Will, a wealthy society boy who may be her ticket out of her life as a servant girl. In her quest for the box, Kula finds herself enmeshed in both the glitz and glamour of the city and the seedy underbelly of the Barbery Coast. Kula finds herself unsure of who she can trust and is torn between her desire to live a life of leisure and the realization that her station in life has not been as difficult as she perceived it to be.
I have eagerly awaited this novel, having loved Fox's first novel in the series, Faithful. I was disappointed when I realized that the novel was about Kula, as she was a sullen and spiteful character in Faithful. However the character redeems herself in this novel and one begins to understand the reasons behind her words and actions in Faithful. The novel quickly draws the reader in, as the action and mystery begins on page one. The events in the novel accurately depict a side of our nation at the turn of the century that is not often written about and is a refreshingly honest look at life in San Francisco in 1906. At times, Kula's instant love for two male characters seems a little sudden and unrealistic but the mystery and historical accuracy help the reader to quickly overlook the pace of the love story. I enjoyed this novel and will read it again in the future. I recommend the book to fans of Faithful, writer Eva Ibbottson, and The Luxe series.
I have eagerly awaited this novel, having loved Fox's first novel in the series, Faithful. I was disappointed when I realized that the novel was about Kula, as she was a sullen and spiteful character in Faithful. However the character redeems herself in this novel and one begins to understand the reasons behind her words and actions in Faithful. The novel quickly draws the reader in, as the action and mystery begins on page one. The events in the novel accurately depict a side of our nation at the turn of the century that is not often written about and is a refreshingly honest look at life in San Francisco in 1906. At times, Kula's instant love for two male characters seems a little sudden and unrealistic but the mystery and historical accuracy help the reader to quickly overlook the pace of the love story. I enjoyed this novel and will read it again in the future. I recommend the book to fans of Faithful, writer Eva Ibbottson, and The Luxe series.
August 18, 2011
My rating: 3.5
Forgiven is from the point of view of Kula, who was a secondary character in Faithful. Nat Baker, Kula's father, has been arrested for a murder he didn't commit and Kula must go to San Francisco in order to find the thing that may save his life.
I really enjoyed the concept of this story. The things I didn't like were:
(1) Kula was a very difficult character to like. She made a lot of selfish decisions and wasn't very responsible or aware. She was extremely impulsive and made a lot of poor choices that hurt other people.
(2) I really don't like love triagles, especially when they are poorly established. There was a slight love triangle with Kula, Will, and David, but the connections between Kula and these two men were very week. It felt very forced and I honestly didn't feel like Kula had any connection to either of them.
I still really like this author and her stories, and I will continue to read her books. I do hope though in the next few books in the series the characters have a slightly more stable personality and the relationships between characters are more enforced (and of course, no more love triangles).
Forgiven is from the point of view of Kula, who was a secondary character in Faithful. Nat Baker, Kula's father, has been arrested for a murder he didn't commit and Kula must go to San Francisco in order to find the thing that may save his life.
I really enjoyed the concept of this story. The things I didn't like were:
(1) Kula was a very difficult character to like. She made a lot of selfish decisions and wasn't very responsible or aware. She was extremely impulsive and made a lot of poor choices that hurt other people.
(2) I really don't like love triagles, especially when they are poorly established. There was a slight love triangle with Kula, Will, and David, but the connections between Kula and these two men were very week. It felt very forced and I honestly didn't feel like Kula had any connection to either of them.
I still really like this author and her stories, and I will continue to read her books. I do hope though in the next few books in the series the characters have a slightly more stable personality and the relationships between characters are more enforced (and of course, no more love triangles).
July 6, 2012
Well, compared to the disaster I read just before this one, this is a compelling read. However, I can only give this a 3-star rating. That might end up being generous, but I have to give this story the rating for its potential.
To me, the writing was very flat and one-dimensional. I never truly cared about the characters and the reading left me emotionless. There was great opportunity here. To compare it to another recent read I never felt the fear, anxiety, sadness, or humor that the other work evoked. I need to feel something when I read.
In addition, I also found annoyance. The entire work is written in a first-person narrative (which I don’t have a problem with). Kula Baker is the narrator. However, at random spots the author has the narrator refer to herself in the third-person. One example of this would be, “Kula Baker doesn’t scream� (4). I believe the author was trying to be clever. However, I found it to be completely obnoxious. I literally cringed every time I read one of those lines. Perhaps, this annoyance is what kept me from engaging in the story. I believe all of the elements were there, I just don’t believe the author successfully delivered those elements. I am not going to give up on the author, just yet. I will read the companion novel before I make that judgment.
To me, the writing was very flat and one-dimensional. I never truly cared about the characters and the reading left me emotionless. There was great opportunity here. To compare it to another recent read I never felt the fear, anxiety, sadness, or humor that the other work evoked. I need to feel something when I read.
In addition, I also found annoyance. The entire work is written in a first-person narrative (which I don’t have a problem with). Kula Baker is the narrator. However, at random spots the author has the narrator refer to herself in the third-person. One example of this would be, “Kula Baker doesn’t scream� (4). I believe the author was trying to be clever. However, I found it to be completely obnoxious. I literally cringed every time I read one of those lines. Perhaps, this annoyance is what kept me from engaging in the story. I believe all of the elements were there, I just don’t believe the author successfully delivered those elements. I am not going to give up on the author, just yet. I will read the companion novel before I make that judgment.
September 4, 2012
*spoilers*
I was sadly disappointed with Forgiven. The opening pages and cover showed a book about a feisty head-strong girl who fell in love with the last person she would ever expect. I'm all about strong female leads and interracial relationships, but this book did a poor job in portraying both. The book started off well, showing Kula's desperate desire to find a better life for herself, and her first encounter with David had me going "aww". Then, of course, no YA romance is complete without the love triangle of plot fillers and the internal bemoaning-her-fate dialogue of the "strong" female lead. I found myself skimming through her prattle, wishing there was a bit more action only to get smacked in the face with crazy family drama, human trafficking, and a sudden bout of insta-love. Oh and then an earthquake. And then she lost her heart/soul/reason for living. And I completely lost whatever enjoyment I had left for the book.
I was sadly disappointed with Forgiven. The opening pages and cover showed a book about a feisty head-strong girl who fell in love with the last person she would ever expect. I'm all about strong female leads and interracial relationships, but this book did a poor job in portraying both. The book started off well, showing Kula's desperate desire to find a better life for herself, and her first encounter with David had me going "aww". Then, of course, no YA romance is complete without the love triangle of plot fillers and the internal bemoaning-her-fate dialogue of the "strong" female lead. I found myself skimming through her prattle, wishing there was a bit more action only to get smacked in the face with crazy family drama, human trafficking, and a sudden bout of insta-love. Oh and then an earthquake. And then she lost her heart/soul/reason for living. And I completely lost whatever enjoyment I had left for the book.
September 22, 2011
I would really give this one 3.5 stars. I enjoyed this sequel to faithful. The main character in this is Kula. I enjoyed seeing her grow and mature in her search to save her father. Some lessons were learned along the way and I feel like she found out more of who she was (especially when it wasn't who she thought she wanted to be). I did enjoy the connection with David (though the whole relationship felt very rushed...it was almost like I missed a chapter or two that would have been about them falling in love. I would have enjoyed reading more on that). Overall, a good read that dealt with some issues going on in San Fransisco in the early 1900's.
October 6, 2011
This book took awhile for me to get into. After a couple chapters it was a little slow still, but I liked it. Kula is trying to find something her father told her is very important to save him and she cant figure out what it is or who is on her side. It keeps you guessing. The only thing I didn't like about it was people were keeping the truth away from the main character (Kula) to protect her, but when I found out what the truth was I didn't really understand why they didn't just tell her. She was in more danger trying to find the answers herself. I guess it was to keep the reader guessing to haha.
Read
November 21, 2011This was overwritten. The writing in terms of description reminded me a lot of what Saundra Mitchell does, but here it never actually added to the story and instead, took me completely out of the story and frustrated me.
The book is first person, but Kula refers to herself in third person for no real reason. And the passage of time is bizarre. The first three chapters are over the course of two days, but chapter four suddenly covers 6 months of time.
I had no connection nor investment here at all. Kind of sad because this is a time period I love and the idea is one I love but the execution just never happened.
The book is first person, but Kula refers to herself in third person for no real reason. And the passage of time is bizarre. The first three chapters are over the course of two days, but chapter four suddenly covers 6 months of time.
I had no connection nor investment here at all. Kind of sad because this is a time period I love and the idea is one I love but the execution just never happened.
July 9, 2012
I admit, I judged this book by its cover and didn't think I'd like it. To my surprise it was actually quite delightful! About a young woman, Kula Baker, who has grown up with her father, an outlaw thief who makes his living on the trails of the Western frontier in Wyoming and Montana. He is arrested for a crime he didn't commit and tells Kula she must go to San Francisco to retrieve a box that will save his life.
The only thing that annoyed me about this book, told in the first person, is that when Kula expressed emotion she would say "Kula Baker does not give up" or whatever - seemed very out of context for the rest of the style of the book.
The only thing that annoyed me about this book, told in the first person, is that when Kula expressed emotion she would say "Kula Baker does not give up" or whatever - seemed very out of context for the rest of the style of the book.
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April 22, 2014Janet Fox knows how to do historical fiction with a bit of romance thrown in for teens. This story takes place in San Francisco in 1906, the year of a devastating earthquake and fire. As the companion novel to FAITHFUL, which primarily takes place in Yellowstone, FORGIVEN picks up the story from Kula's point a view--a conflicted character readers are bound to be drawn to. Raised by her father, an outlaw, Kula is tired of her place in life and wants to change that and to find what she's made of. And so the journey begins . . .
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