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energyrae's review
3.0
Sisters of War is well-reviewed, so I’m going to skip my usual summary and get right into my thoughts. I requested to review this one from Harper Collins because WWII Historical Fiction is my most favorite genre. But this one was a harder read for me than other Historical Fiction because it focused too heavily on romance for my taste.
I thought Natasha was fairly naïve, and that is typical of that time period. Lisa was a self-centered, spoiled brat. I just couldn’t get over my dislike for her. Kortchik wrote the sisters well because she made me really dislike Lisa. The book got repetitive at times, especially with the day to day.
I appreciate that there is a story out there that talks about what Ukraine went through because it’s rarely featured in books. I just feel that the book isn’t as much about the sisters as it is about Natasha and the people that orbit around her. While I was supposed to love the way the book turned out because of all the turmoil, I felt it was too neat, too perfect. It didn’t mesh with not only the historical fiction books I’ve read but survivor accounts as well. This really wasn’t the book for me, but it might be the right book for others.
I thought Natasha was fairly naïve, and that is typical of that time period. Lisa was a self-centered, spoiled brat. I just couldn’t get over my dislike for her. Kortchik wrote the sisters well because she made me really dislike Lisa. The book got repetitive at times, especially with the day to day.
I appreciate that there is a story out there that talks about what Ukraine went through because it’s rarely featured in books. I just feel that the book isn’t as much about the sisters as it is about Natasha and the people that orbit around her. While I was supposed to love the way the book turned out because of all the turmoil, I felt it was too neat, too perfect. It didn’t mesh with not only the historical fiction books I’ve read but survivor accounts as well. This really wasn’t the book for me, but it might be the right book for others.
rai's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, and Death
sarahs_readingparty's review
3.0
In my opinion, Sisters of War was just okay. The setting--Ukraine during WWII--was interesting and unique, a change up from most WWII novels. However, I didn't connect with the characters. I didn't truly care what happened to them, and felt like parts were not well explained while other parts were overdone. I know Lisa was more of a secondary character, so we should have sympathized more with Natasha, but we barely knew her... so why is this book called Sisters of War? It just doesn't make sense to me. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary e-copy. All thoughts are my own.
librarian_sky's review
5.0
Captivating & beautifully worded piece of historical fiction. Even though this book centers on the "every day" life of a family in occupied Kiev, it was anything but ordinary. This novel has you holding onto each paragraph & had me reading until late at night!
The main characters were well developed, and have to desperately struggle to survive & maintain hope, while navigating some complex relationship morals. The detail, relatable characters, prose, and emotion are everything I look for in a great read.
The main characters were well developed, and have to desperately struggle to survive & maintain hope, while navigating some complex relationship morals. The detail, relatable characters, prose, and emotion are everything I look for in a great read.
shanks1130's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
rickijill's review
5.0
The sisters Natasha and Lisa are teenagers when the novel begins in 1941, and are around 22 when it the story ends in 1945. I would consider this a "new adult" novel, or maybe even YA (young adult). Not that I minded at all because since I have two daughters, I've read my fair share of YA novels. This one, though, is extremely well-researched, and the history shared in the book is interesting albeit tragic.
I loved Natasha's character: she is so kind, giving, and loyal. The war and occupation of the Nazis brings out the worst in sister Lisa: she becomes bitter and petty. Lisa suffers from a tragedy, and she places the blame on Natasha. Their feud threatens to tear what is left of their family apart, and I feel sympathy for their mother who is also a strong, well-drawn character.
This is a great book to get cozy with because the cold winters in Kiev are primary characters imposing even more hardship on the conquered citizenry. Lana Kortchik does a great job with her descriptions of not only the history and circumstances during the Nazi occupation of Kiev, but also the tidbits of the culture. There is a mixture of cultures represented because the Smirnova family is actually Russian living in Kiev, and another main character is a Hungarian soldier conscripted by the Nazis when the German army first occupy Hungary.
If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, a fast-paced, suspenseful plot, and family intrigue, then you should enjoy Sisters of War. Don't let the fact that many of the characters are teenagers. There are characters from multiple generations in the novel.
Disclosure: I received a paperback copy of Sisters of War from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I loved Natasha's character: she is so kind, giving, and loyal. The war and occupation of the Nazis brings out the worst in sister Lisa: she becomes bitter and petty. Lisa suffers from a tragedy, and she places the blame on Natasha. Their feud threatens to tear what is left of their family apart, and I feel sympathy for their mother who is also a strong, well-drawn character.
This is a great book to get cozy with because the cold winters in Kiev are primary characters imposing even more hardship on the conquered citizenry. Lana Kortchik does a great job with her descriptions of not only the history and circumstances during the Nazi occupation of Kiev, but also the tidbits of the culture. There is a mixture of cultures represented because the Smirnova family is actually Russian living in Kiev, and another main character is a Hungarian soldier conscripted by the Nazis when the German army first occupy Hungary.
If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, a fast-paced, suspenseful plot, and family intrigue, then you should enjoy Sisters of War. Don't let the fact that many of the characters are teenagers. There are characters from multiple generations in the novel.
Disclosure: I received a paperback copy of Sisters of War from the publisher via TLC Book Tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
lddecker's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0