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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
I did enjoy reading this, but the way that things seemed to tie themselves up with a neat little bow at the end (literally, actually) weakened the whole plot and point of the novel for me. I don't know. Strong premise and start, but too much of a "perfect" ending. Still, four stars because I did enjoy reading it and it was well-written and an interesting perspective.
I loved characters and the premise. It showed a side of WWII we don't always see. But the last third of the book was lacking. I really wanted to see more struggle between the characters coming to grips with their relationships and felt it was left too much on the surface.
At first I didn’t really want to read this book. I took a chance and am so glad I did! Couldn’t put it down!
interesting, unique concept. The writing wasn't excellent, and a lot of it was anachronistic.
I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book that spans around 15 years. I loved the main characters, Gretl and Jakob. I think I fell in love with Gretl from page 1. I was surprised (in a positive way) that it is such a positive book. I expected it to be about the war a lot, including its atrocities. Though the war played a role in the whole book, and the first part was set during the war, it was about so much more. I was happy that Gretl At the end there was maybe a little bit too much of the love-stuff but ah well.
I really enjoyed this book that spans around 15 years. I loved the main characters, Gretl and Jakob. I think I fell in love with Gretl from page 1. I was surprised (in a positive way) that it is such a positive book. I expected it to be about the war a lot, including its atrocities. Though the war played a role in the whole book, and the first part was set during the war, it was about so much more. I was happy that Gretl
Spoiler
found such a happy home in South Africa. All the time I was worried that after all she had been through in the war she would end up in an unloving family, but thankfully she didn't!Spoiler
(these I love you you love me but we can't be together stories work on my nerves)
I think some of the story or impact may have been lost in translation, but overall a good read. It felt a bit slow in places, but an interesting look at a different aspect of WW II
I was really looking forward to reading The Girl From the Train since I heard that it was coming out last year. I haven't read a Holocaust book that hasn't been compelling. I finally got around to reading it in early March but was disappointed to find that I was having such a hard time getting into it. I couldn't put my finger on what was dragging me down, since I did actually like the characters. When I mentioned it to my mom (another voracious book reader) she said that she hadn't been able to get through it either. So I put it aside at page 65 and continued on with other books. This week I decided to try to muddle through it again. First, I was surprised to find that it wasn't really a Holocaust book at all. Most of the book takes place in South Africa, and I found that once I got to that point, the book became compelling, and I finished it in a day. I still give it only 3 stars, because I liked it, and am glad I read it, but it was only the last half of the book that made me want to keep reading.
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
I sat down to read a "few chapters" of this book last night. I don't think I got up again until I finished it several hours later. I was enthralled with Jakob and Gretl's stories! What a beautiful story of hope and human strength. I fell in love with Gretl from the first page and wanted to just scoop her up and take care of her. What a beautiful heart she has. To have been through so much and yet still continue to have the capacity to care for others and retain the ability to hope, is just so beautiful! Jakob is also resilient. He is genuine and good and trying to figure out how to be those things in a difficult world. The "love conquers all" theme is lovely as it unfolds! It is interesting to note that the author is from South Africa and is this is her first book published in English. I was nervous about that at first, but the story remains powerfully written. The very end drags on a bit, but that is my only complaint. I've read a lot of WW II fiction, but this one put a very unique and interesting spin on it and definitely was among my favorites.
"Just remember, when you suffer and feel the heat of the flames, that's when God is there. He watches carefully, until He can see His own image in you. He'll never leave you in the flames too long." The Girl From the Train by Irma Joubert
FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
"Just remember, when you suffer and feel the heat of the flames, that's when God is there. He watches carefully, until He can see His own image in you. He'll never leave you in the flames too long." The Girl From the Train by Irma Joubert
FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.
Amazing book
Absolutely one of the best I've read in a while. It held my interest the entire time. With a great mix of history and a side of WWII that I didn't really know about
Absolutely one of the best I've read in a while. It held my interest the entire time. With a great mix of history and a side of WWII that I didn't really know about