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dunnadam's review against another edition
4.0
A great book that I really enjoyed which veered a little to melodrama at the end.
The book starts with a secret and it kept me going to find out what it was. Sometimes I find this device tiresome, as I would prefer to be let in on secrets, not have them kept from me. This book however the story and writing is good enough to carry you to the end on its own. The story of life in the World War One trenches was captivating, I had heard of the battles but never to this extent.
There were very moving passages, such as when the author spoke of coming home after a kiss, or of meeting new recruits who think “the only reason this blasted war is still going on is because the likes of him have not yet been involved in it.” Early on I looked for other books the author had written as the book was written so well.
I read this for my book club and only remembered four days before the meeting. Still this was a very engaging read and I quickly got through it in two days. A great story slightly let down by the ending.
The book starts with a secret and it kept me going to find out what it was. Sometimes I find this device tiresome, as I would prefer to be let in on secrets, not have them kept from me. This book however the story and writing is good enough to carry you to the end on its own. The story of life in the World War One trenches was captivating, I had heard of the battles but never to this extent.
There were very moving passages, such as when the author spoke of coming home after a kiss, or of meeting new recruits who think “the only reason this blasted war is still going on is because the likes of him have not yet been involved in it.” Early on I looked for other books the author had written as the book was written so well.
I read this for my book club and only remembered four days before the meeting. Still this was a very engaging read and I quickly got through it in two days. A great story slightly let down by the ending.
kkdelrey's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lesemotte's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
gradytrimble's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
peaknit's review against another edition
5.0
I simply love this author. I have listened to three of his novels...the setting, the curious topics, the rich language, the accent are a perfect marriage for me. He does a wonderful detail job of foreshadowing with teasers, going back and forth in the story seamlessly. There are several common elements in all three: stories of men - things are complicated and controversial.
apinkcloudsummer's review against another edition
5.0
I could just feel my heart break reading towards the end of this book, almost made me cry.
It's been so long since a book actually made me cry
I can't believe I didn't read this sooner.
I can't believe I didn't read this sooner.
chelseatm's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book as I do all of John Boyne's book. At times, I found that I was bored during the war scenes but that is more a symptom of my apathy towards war-storytelling than a reflection of Boyne's narrative.
I will say that I did notice a growing trend in Boyne's characterization in his novel. He seems to consistently be drawn to developing characters who seem to float along in life. His characters seem to lack strength or decisiveness. I am not saying whether this is good or bad, but just an observation I have made.
I greatly enjoy reading John Boyne's books and recommend him highly.
I will say that I did notice a growing trend in Boyne's characterization in his novel. He seems to consistently be drawn to developing characters who seem to float along in life. His characters seem to lack strength or decisiveness. I am not saying whether this is good or bad, but just an observation I have made.
I greatly enjoy reading John Boyne's books and recommend him highly.
modrockz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Pain. Just pain.