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kxc319's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Death of parent, War, Alcoholism, and Toxic relationship
thislibrarylife's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book was unbelievably good. It has alternating perspectives, which is super helpful in understand the dynamic between Jews and non-Jews in the Soviet Union post WWII. There's also another perspective that you get fleetingly through the book that jumps back to WWII. All the pieces are tied up at the end. The story of the friendship between Valentine and Oksana is beautiful and redemptive, and I even got a little emotional, which was unexpected. There's great educational info about the Chernobyl disaster, and I learned a lot.
Recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, middle grade, and stories about strong friendships.
TW for child abuse by a parent, alcohol use, and war settings.
Recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, middle grade, and stories about strong friendships.
TW for child abuse by a parent, alcohol use, and war settings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Religious bigotry
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