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kaywales's review
2.0
man oh man did it take me a hot minute to finish this one. i used to love historical fiction, specifically ruta sepetys, but this one took me way too long to get sucked into. i don't know if my taste has changed over the years or if this story's characters just didn't resonate as well. it wasn't bad and did keep my attention the last third or so but it put me in a reading slump.
susylamb's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Just wow!
And this is why I read!
Loved learning about the history of Romania seen the eyes of our narrator. Several times during the story I was comparing my daily "hard" life to this teen boy and his life. Such a stark difference between freedom and liberty and dicatorship.
This is my second book from this author and won't be the last. I learn so very much. I appreciate her author notes even more. She interviewed and used people's stories who wished to remain anonymous but still have their storeis be shared.
And this is why I read!
Loved learning about the history of Romania seen the eyes of our narrator. Several times during the story I was comparing my daily "hard" life to this teen boy and his life. Such a stark difference between freedom and liberty and dicatorship.
This is my second book from this author and won't be the last. I learn so very much. I appreciate her author notes even more. She interviewed and used people's stories who wished to remain anonymous but still have their storeis be shared.
jem_carstairs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Terminal illness, Physical abuse, Death, Child abuse, Violence, and Torture
Minor: Domestic abuse
wordyanchorite's review against another edition
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
debmed's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
bencarrick's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
lilybreanne's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kara_schwitters8's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
fridaisabellla's review against another edition
5.0
Shocking that this book is based off such recent real events, made me want to learn more about the history of Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union