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harrowhcrk's review
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Set in Ukraine during WW2, The Woman at the Gates tells the story of Ukrainian resistance fighters. It shows a world where the sides and the choices aren’t ever black and white, where sometimes you have to choose between two evils just to survive. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, and this managed to be an entirely unique story.
As always with this author, the book was clearly well researched and well written. The characters were all developed and interesting, and there’s a good mix of internal and external struggles that helped make the story feel real.
I’m torn on how to rate this, though. In terms of personal enjoyment, this would be a three stars read for me, but in terms of book quality it’s probably four stars. I point this out to say that this opinion is my own, and I understand why others loved this book. I would’ve loved this book, if not for one character: Ivan.
Ivan frustrated me from his introduction. While he was a very well developed character, I just found him grating the entire time, and I spent most of this book genuinely hoping he wouldn’t be the main love interest. Because the story starts with Antonia in love with Viktor, a man who challenges her and loves her mind, who doesn’t even consider taking the choices that are rightfully Antonia’s away from her. Ivan, on the other hand, came across as feeling entitled to her. Without including spoilers, I can’t really include examples, but how Antonia was with the two characters and how the two men thought about her was so notably different and I just couldn’t get past it.
Set in Ukraine during WW2, The Woman at the Gates tells the story of Ukrainian resistance fighters. It shows a world where the sides and the choices aren’t ever black and white, where sometimes you have to choose between two evils just to survive. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, and this managed to be an entirely unique story.
As always with this author, the book was clearly well researched and well written. The characters were all developed and interesting, and there’s a good mix of internal and external struggles that helped make the story feel real.
I’m torn on how to rate this, though. In terms of personal enjoyment, this would be a three stars read for me, but in terms of book quality it’s probably four stars. I point this out to say that this opinion is my own, and I understand why others loved this book. I would’ve loved this book, if not for one character: Ivan.
Ivan frustrated me from his introduction. While he was a very well developed character, I just found him grating the entire time, and I spent most of this book genuinely hoping he wouldn’t be the main love interest. Because the story starts with Antonia in love with Viktor, a man who challenges her and loves her mind, who doesn’t even consider taking the choices that are rightfully Antonia’s away from her. Ivan, on the other hand, came across as feeling entitled to her. Without including spoilers, I can’t really include examples, but how Antonia was with the two characters and how the two men thought about her was so notably different and I just couldn’t get past it.
naphoeleon's review
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Set in Ukraine during WW2, The Woman at the Gates tells the story of Ukrainian resistance fighters. It shows a world where the sides and the choices aren’t ever black and white, where sometimes you have to choose between two evils just to survive. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, and this managed to be an entirely unique story.
As always with this author, the book was clearly well researched and well written. The characters were all developed and interesting, and there’s a good mix of internal and external struggles that helped make the story feel real.
I’m torn on how to rate this, though. In terms of personal enjoyment, this would be a three stars read for me, but in terms of book quality it’s probably four stars. I point this out to say that this opinion is my own, and I understand why others loved this book. I would’ve loved this book, if not for one character: Ivan.
Ivan frustrated me from his introduction. While he was a very well developed character, I just found him grating the entire time, and I spent most of this book genuinely hoping he wouldn’t be the main love interest. Because the story starts with Antonia in love with Viktor, a man who challenges her and loves her mind, who doesn’t even consider taking the choices that are rightfully Antonia’s away from her. Ivan, on the other hand, came across as feeling entitled to her. Without including spoilers, I can’t really include examples, but how Antonia was with the two characters and how the two men thought about her was so notably different and I just couldn’t get past it.
Set in Ukraine during WW2, The Woman at the Gates tells the story of Ukrainian resistance fighters. It shows a world where the sides and the choices aren’t ever black and white, where sometimes you have to choose between two evils just to survive. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, and this managed to be an entirely unique story.
As always with this author, the book was clearly well researched and well written. The characters were all developed and interesting, and there’s a good mix of internal and external struggles that helped make the story feel real.
I’m torn on how to rate this, though. In terms of personal enjoyment, this would be a three stars read for me, but in terms of book quality it’s probably four stars. I point this out to say that this opinion is my own, and I understand why others loved this book. I would’ve loved this book, if not for one character: Ivan.
Ivan frustrated me from his introduction. While he was a very well developed character, I just found him grating the entire time, and I spent most of this book genuinely hoping he wouldn’t be the main love interest. Because the story starts with Antonia in love with Viktor, a man who challenges her and loves her mind, who doesn’t even consider taking the choices that are rightfully Antonia’s away from her. Ivan, on the other hand, came across as feeling entitled to her. Without including spoilers, I can’t really include examples, but how Antonia was with the two characters and how the two men thought about her was so notably different and I just couldn’t get past it.
robinlovesreading's review
5.0
Reality morphed into brutality as Antonia and her family are forced out of their home in the Ukraine. In this heartbreaking story, Antonia did not go down without a fight, instead she became a resistance fighter. Nonetheless, she just about lost everything. When her sister and nephews had guns pointed at them, Antonia was far enough away that she could have stayed back and continued her fight against the Nazis. Instead, her heart was with her family and she let herself be herded away without knowing her fate.
When captured, she lost Viktor, someone very dear to her. Struggling inside of a concentration camp among countless others, Antonia continued her fight. Her fight was not just for her people, but a means to work her way back to him. What a tragic, often horrifying story. However, the story slowly became one of hope, with courage proving to be the guiding force.
Antonia was a remarkably strong woman to say the least. Her strength shone through time and again, no matter the danger. No matter the challenge. Her love for her family was remarkable, even if it allowed her heart to be broken in the process. This story wrung me out to dry. The fact that it was based on a true story (see Author's note) nearly floored me. The characters that Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger used in the story each had a model and a background that readers just have to know about. So please, read her note at the end of the book. When a talented author can take the devastating experiences of others and create an affecting story that mixes fact and fiction it truly demonstrates amazing talent.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
When captured, she lost Viktor, someone very dear to her. Struggling inside of a concentration camp among countless others, Antonia continued her fight. Her fight was not just for her people, but a means to work her way back to him. What a tragic, often horrifying story. However, the story slowly became one of hope, with courage proving to be the guiding force.
Antonia was a remarkably strong woman to say the least. Her strength shone through time and again, no matter the danger. No matter the challenge. Her love for her family was remarkable, even if it allowed her heart to be broken in the process. This story wrung me out to dry. The fact that it was based on a true story (see Author's note) nearly floored me. The characters that Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger used in the story each had a model and a background that readers just have to know about. So please, read her note at the end of the book. When a talented author can take the devastating experiences of others and create an affecting story that mixes fact and fiction it truly demonstrates amazing talent.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
katejeminhizer's review
5.0
Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger is one of the "unsung heroes" of historical fiction. Her characters are remarkably developed, her stories are action packed, and her WWII books highlight the lessor known Ukrainian Resistance movement.
Antonia Kozak was a university professor who worked with the Resistance to get her beloved Ukraine out from the grips of both the Soviet Union and the Nazis. Along with her fellow compatriots Antonia desperately wanted to see a free, self-governed Ukraine. Members of the Resistance had different opinions about how that should be accomplished. A raid at the university coincided with individual members making their decisions about how to best serve and save the Ukrainian people. Antonia found herself forced away from the university and the man she loved. As she struggled to continue her fight for Ukraine, she found herself in the grips of the Nazis. Once entrenched at the dreaded concentration camp, Antonia struggled to find ways to keep her sister and nephews alive.
This story has so many subplots and intriguing characters. It is an absolutely gripping tale of defiance and resilience.
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.
Antonia Kozak was a university professor who worked with the Resistance to get her beloved Ukraine out from the grips of both the Soviet Union and the Nazis. Along with her fellow compatriots Antonia desperately wanted to see a free, self-governed Ukraine. Members of the Resistance had different opinions about how that should be accomplished. A raid at the university coincided with individual members making their decisions about how to best serve and save the Ukrainian people. Antonia found herself forced away from the university and the man she loved. As she struggled to continue her fight for Ukraine, she found herself in the grips of the Nazis. Once entrenched at the dreaded concentration camp, Antonia struggled to find ways to keep her sister and nephews alive.
This story has so many subplots and intriguing characters. It is an absolutely gripping tale of defiance and resilience.
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.
krissimh's review
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Set in Ukraine during WW2, The Woman at the Gates tells the story of Ukrainian resistance fighters. It shows a world where the sides and the choices aren’t ever black and white, where sometimes you have to choose between two evils just to survive. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, and this managed to be an entirely unique story.
As always with this author, the book was clearly well researched and well written. The characters were all developed and interesting, and there’s a good mix of internal and external struggles that helped make the story feel real.
I’m torn on how to rate this, though. In terms of personal enjoyment, this would be a three stars read for me, but in terms of book quality it’s probably four stars. I point this out to say that this opinion is my own, and I understand why others loved this book. I would’ve loved this book, if not for one character: Ivan.
Ivan frustrated me from his introduction. While he was a very well developed character, I just found him grating the entire time, and I spent most of this book genuinely hoping he wouldn’t be the main love interest. Because the story starts with Antonia in love with Viktor, a man who challenges her and loves her mind, who doesn’t even consider taking the choices that are rightfully Antonia’s away from her. Ivan, on the other hand, came across as feeling entitled to her. Without including spoilers, I can’t really include examples, but how Antonia was with the two characters and how the two men thought about her was so notably different and I just couldn’t get past it.
Set in Ukraine during WW2, The Woman at the Gates tells the story of Ukrainian resistance fighters. It shows a world where the sides and the choices aren’t ever black and white, where sometimes you have to choose between two evils just to survive. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, and this managed to be an entirely unique story.
As always with this author, the book was clearly well researched and well written. The characters were all developed and interesting, and there’s a good mix of internal and external struggles that helped make the story feel real.
I’m torn on how to rate this, though. In terms of personal enjoyment, this would be a three stars read for me, but in terms of book quality it’s probably four stars. I point this out to say that this opinion is my own, and I understand why others loved this book. I would’ve loved this book, if not for one character: Ivan.
Ivan frustrated me from his introduction. While he was a very well developed character, I just found him grating the entire time, and I spent most of this book genuinely hoping he wouldn’t be the main love interest. Because the story starts with Antonia in love with Viktor, a man who challenges her and loves her mind, who doesn’t even consider taking the choices that are rightfully Antonia’s away from her. Ivan, on the other hand, came across as feeling entitled to her. Without including spoilers, I can’t really include examples, but how Antonia was with the two characters and how the two men thought about her was so notably different and I just couldn’t get past it.
my_expanding_bookshelf's review
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
3.5
The Woman at the Gates is the story of Antonia, a Ukrainian resistance fighter captured by the Nazis and sent to a labor camp. It's a very different WWII book from what I've read so far. Being from the UK, I was only taught about the UK/Germany (granted I didn't study this period to exam level). I'm glad I picked up this book as it opened my eyes to learning about the involvement of other countries in the war. (Although, I believe Ukraine wasn't an official country during this time period.)
The Woman at the Gates is set across Ukraine, Poland, and Germany (potentially with a few other Eastern European countries too) in WWII. Although I'm not familiar with this area (I've only been to Krakow), it did feel very real to me. And I did like the characters, although there were so many with similar roles I sometimes got confused. Antonia is such a strong, independent main character who just wants to protect her family and I really felt myself growing to love her.
The story is told in 4 parts which I quite liked as it broke the story up quite nicely. And there was an alternating first-person POV between Antonia and Ivan for the majority of the book. I did find the book quite slow to get into, but once I was past the first part I really began to fly through it. The story is predictable in the sense that we all know how WWII ends, but Antonia's story is just heart-wrenching and poignant and I didn't expect it to end the way it did.
The ending wrapped the story up nicely, but being WWII it was bittersweet. I really felt the emotion throughout the story and was hoping that Antonia and her family would be okay in the end. Especially when it always seemed that any hope was squashed.
I enjoyed The Woman at the Gates and it's definitely reignited my interest in historical fiction and WWII. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical stories and I'm also going to be keeping my eye out for this author in the future.
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