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greatexpectations77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
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
4.25
I saw the movie version of this book first, and I didn't find it that great. Now it seems like the movie cut out a bunch of interesting bits from the book that really needed to be in there. I appreciated the historical part of this book, and I thought the writing was quite good. The movie was kind of a neat little bow, but this book had more of a ragged edge, which made it feel more realistic. Will probably revisit this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Child death, Death, Murder, War, Toxic friendship, Grief, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Car accident, Drug use, Sexual violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Classism, Alcoholism, and Bullying
Minor: Gun violence and Pregnancy
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
Writing of Lewis is more fleshed out and developed yet the female characters, specifically Rachael, are one dimensional.
Like how the story explores the post-war Germany and how each character is coping. Shows the trauma endured by Germans after the war ends
Predictable storyline. I heard the author wrote this based on the screenplay he wrote prior-if that’s true it’s makes sense why there’s zero character development or background. Very one dimensional and nothing is explained. Emotions and actions aren’t descriptive and dialogue is gag worthy at times
Another example of men writing women poorly...barf 🤢
casual mention of rape (and the wife wanting it?!?! “Perhaps if he had just taken her without saying, she might have gone with it”)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Cursing, Death, and Sexual assault
Minor: Antisemitism and Child abuse
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