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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I do not know enough about Germany or history to make note on the accuracy of this novel, although I do believe it to be slightly beside the point. The novel is a novel, never claiming to be truth. It points out characters who were real in the end notes, but I don't think anyone in their right mind would suspect that the author knew these people well enough to reconstruct a precise history.
That being said, I felt the story was refreshing. The fact that Hitler was a monster is without question from our time period. While the main character discovers that, she shows us how easy it was for youth in Germany to be taken in. The book made me realize exactly how closely I need to look at someone's agenda before I can decide if it is worthy of my support. It brings to light a side of Nazi Germany not typically explored.
That being said, I felt the story was refreshing. The fact that Hitler was a monster is without question from our time period. While the main character discovers that, she shows us how easy it was for youth in Germany to be taken in. The book made me realize exactly how closely I need to look at someone's agenda before I can decide if it is worthy of my support. It brings to light a side of Nazi Germany not typically explored.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF at 20%.
I've been listening to the audio book. The narrator likes to read everything in a super dramatic voice and it's really annoying. I had no idea that cold porridge could be so serious.
Had hard time connecting with the main character. Storyline feels predictable and the writing and plot is mediocre at best.
It's a shame, because the idea of the story could be intriguing. Maybe I'll try reading it one day instead, but I'm doubtful
I've been listening to the audio book. The narrator likes to read everything in a super dramatic voice and it's really annoying. I had no idea that cold porridge could be so serious.
Had hard time connecting with the main character. Storyline feels predictable and the writing and plot is mediocre at best.
It's a shame, because the idea of the story could be intriguing. Maybe I'll try reading it one day instead, but I'm doubtful
I have this weird thing where when I'm not reading historical fiction, I convince myself I don't like historical fiction. That it's not as good as historical non-fiction reading. Then something compels me to pick up something and I prove myself wrong. Happens every time. Prisoner of Night and Fog was no exception to that rule. In fact it's probably the proof of it, because I loved it. Blackman just seems to know how to weave a historical tale and all the elements you could wish for were there.
First of all, it's incredibly accurate (I also love that she included an authors note on the historical background and a selected bibliography). Gretchen and Daniel, the main characters, are woven into real events with such skill that you find yourself questioning how the story can be fiction. They slot in seamlessly and no historical event is missed out because it doesn't fit the story - the story fits around the history.
Blackman's writing is also extremely compelling. Although Prisoner of Night and Fog has a slow start, soon it's rocketing along at an almost horrendous pace. I almost felt like I needed to put the book down so I could breathe! The characterisation is beautiful. Gretchen and Daniel are both deeply three-dimensional characters and Blackman doesn't fall into the trap of making Hitler a straight out monster. Although evil, his character is fully rounded and the reader can see exactly why people follow him, even sympathise with him, all the while willing Gretchen to run away as fast as she can from 'Uncle Dolf.' No mean feat in fiction.
To be honest, I can't say enough good things about Prisoner of Night of Fog. It's an extraordinary debut, packed full of historical goodness, romance and all the elements of a stunning psychological thriller. I better not talk myself out of reading part two -the hype for Blackman's follow up is already building online.
First of all, it's incredibly accurate (I also love that she included an authors note on the historical background and a selected bibliography). Gretchen and Daniel, the main characters, are woven into real events with such skill that you find yourself questioning how the story can be fiction. They slot in seamlessly and no historical event is missed out because it doesn't fit the story - the story fits around the history.
Blackman's writing is also extremely compelling. Although Prisoner of Night and Fog has a slow start, soon it's rocketing along at an almost horrendous pace. I almost felt like I needed to put the book down so I could breathe! The characterisation is beautiful. Gretchen and Daniel are both deeply three-dimensional characters and Blackman doesn't fall into the trap of making Hitler a straight out monster. Although evil, his character is fully rounded and the reader can see exactly why people follow him, even sympathise with him, all the while willing Gretchen to run away as fast as she can from 'Uncle Dolf.' No mean feat in fiction.
To be honest, I can't say enough good things about Prisoner of Night of Fog. It's an extraordinary debut, packed full of historical goodness, romance and all the elements of a stunning psychological thriller. I better not talk myself out of reading part two -the hype for Blackman's follow up is already building online.
omg this book was amazing and i cant wait for the second book. daniel was so cute and i loved gretchen . defenitly one of my favorite books
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Violence, Antisemitism, Death of parent
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Love love love cannot wait to read Book 2! Thanks to my student for the recommendation!
Definitely a solid 4.5 stars for me. I thought I knew who the villain would be in this story, and I was mostly wrong. The characters were so well developed and the story was so strong. I love love LOVE this POV. It's so interesting and unique.