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reynoldsreads's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Historical fiction set in Japan-occupied China during World War II
Nancy Plummer and her teacher, Elspeth Kent, are living in Chefoo, China, at a school for the children of American and British missionaries when America declares war on Japan following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Overnight, they become prisoners in enemy territory, and soon Japanese soldiers are pouring in and taking control.
After several relocations, the students and staff find themselves in a prisoner camp. Nancy and Elspeth each struggle in their own ways to adapt to their new reality and keep hope alive that someday they will be free and reunited with their families. But none of them will escape unscathed by the horrors of war.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
griernotgruyere's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Rape
madlars's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and War
katymaryreads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A wonderful read about an aspect of World War II I knew nothing about. The fact that Brownies and Guides, played a major part in the story was a great bonus to this Girlguiding leader.
The characters were believable and well drawn, and the alternating chapters between the teacher and a child gave a good view of the situation from different points of view.
There was so much in this story that was sad and devastating, but so much of hope and inspiration too. An insight into the best (and worst) of human nature and into how resilient people can be.
The characters were believable and well drawn, and the alternating chapters between the teacher and a child gave a good view of the situation from different points of view.
There was so much in this story that was sad and devastating, but so much of hope and inspiration too. An insight into the best (and worst) of human nature and into how resilient people can be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Grief, Physical abuse, Violence, and War
Moderate: Rape and Pregnancy
Minor: Miscarriage
ejay's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
This wasn’t for me. I was initially drawn to this novel due to its setting (Japanese-occupied China during WWII), but the writing didn’t lean into the setting as much as I wanted. Instead, we follow the lives of a student and teacher at an English-run boarding school as they find themselves interred as prisoners. Quick jumps between these two narratives make the pace fast and the story readable, but I wished it sat more with the complexities and emotions inherent in this setting. Dark plot points but ultimately hopeful, readers looking for a fast, character-driven story may enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Animal death
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