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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
This historical fiction brings the tragic event of Wilhelm Gustloff’s passengers to life.
My student told me, “Ms Drake, you are going to rate this book a 5. I just know it.” My student was right.
I am definitely a bit biased because I have loved all of Ruta Sepety’s other novels. She weaves narrative and history so seamlessly. Furthermore, she spotlights histories that have been underrepresented. Prior to reading this, I knew nothing about the Baltic Sea warfare during WW2. I did not even know that there were other maritime tragedies beyond the Titanic. I am constantly realizing how incomplete some of our taught histories are.
Of course, like many YA adult novels, there are themes of love, connection, and resilience.
I also enjoyed the multiple perspective narration. I looked forward to some characters and disliked others- which made me want to keep reading.
I am definitely a bit biased because I have loved all of Ruta Sepety’s other novels. She weaves narrative and history so seamlessly. Furthermore, she spotlights histories that have been underrepresented. Prior to reading this, I knew nothing about the Baltic Sea warfare during WW2. I did not even know that there were other maritime tragedies beyond the Titanic. I am constantly realizing how incomplete some of our taught histories are.
Of course, like many YA adult novels, there are themes of love, connection, and resilience.
I also enjoyed the multiple perspective narration. I looked forward to some characters and disliked others- which made me want to keep reading.
I didn't want this book to end even though it ended perfectly. What a story! I loved the characters and how their secrets slowly unraveled and the truth revealed. All of my heartstrings were pulled, tears were shed, gasps escaped, cheers escaped, time escaped, man on man I loved this story. I am also a sucker for a tale that invovles some real history and now I am educating myself on the Wilhelm Gustloff and the Amber Room. I would huigly recommend this book!
This is an exceptional, eye-opening novel. It's sincere, dramatic, bittersweet, heartbreaking, authentic, and factually fascinating. Read it.
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Truly powerful story. The cast of characters was exquisite and each one came to life immediately. Each POV created a captivating perspective on the war and I loved each and every character (except Alfred). The short chapters made reading this book super easy. The plot was compelling, and I was thoroughly invested in both the story and the characters’ lives.
It was fast read as the book jumped around between four perspectives but it took me at least half the book to be able to keep them and their backstories entirely separate.
I really enjoyed this book! It wasn’t concentration camp based like a lot of WW2 books can be. It focuses on 4 perspectives and how they connect on their way to safety. A few times my jaw dropped when a chapter would end, it kept me wanting more!
It was so sad and makes you realize these things actually happened to people.
I’m STILL crying as I write this. This book was absolutely AMAZING in so many ways. I knew so little about this catastrophe and event during WWII. The authors way of writing the story and through 4 different peoples perspectives was great. Towards the end I felt like I was a part of the horrifying event. I had chills towards the last few chapters. That story hit me deep... definitely one that will stick with me.
Oh boy this is my second 5 star book of the year! I think this year may shape up to have some really good reads and let me tell you: THIS BOOK FREAKING BROKE MY HEART!
I can't read anymore sad books this month lol. I don't think my heart could possibly handle it. Let me start by saying that this book was beautiful, I mean absolutely beautiful. It crafted this multi-perspective story in ways I could never imagine. I loved the history behind the story. I was a history major in college, but I have to admit this is one maritime disaster I don't remember learning about and I'm so glad that Sepetys felt the need to bring it to our attention.
The writing is actually what got to me. There is no way I could have possibly imagined that such a beautiful book could have contained four different perspectives, but it did. And trust me you won't enjoy everyone's perspective, but it definitely does add to the overall development of the entire novel. I don't think it would have been complete if it was missing any of the perspectives. I really really enjoyed this book and if you haven't read it I definitely would suggest going into blind. I think this is one that I will be doing a full review on once I get a chance.
I can't read anymore sad books this month lol. I don't think my heart could possibly handle it. Let me start by saying that this book was beautiful, I mean absolutely beautiful. It crafted this multi-perspective story in ways I could never imagine. I loved the history behind the story. I was a history major in college, but I have to admit this is one maritime disaster I don't remember learning about and I'm so glad that Sepetys felt the need to bring it to our attention.
The writing is actually what got to me. There is no way I could have possibly imagined that such a beautiful book could have contained four different perspectives, but it did. And trust me you won't enjoy everyone's perspective, but it definitely does add to the overall development of the entire novel. I don't think it would have been complete if it was missing any of the perspectives. I really really enjoyed this book and if you haven't read it I definitely would suggest going into blind. I think this is one that I will be doing a full review on once I get a chance.