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lauradvb's review
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
dhensley002's review against another edition
Lost interest in story. Characters not very engaging
oopscara's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tyerface's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
girlglitch's review against another edition
4.0
The Metal Heart is a beautifully written historical novel, a romance with hidden depths.
While the history must be taken with a pinch of salt, the story itself is heartfelt. Lea explores the trauma and tragedy of war - but also captures the resilience of the human spirit, of hope and love. The remote landscape of Orkney is deliciously Brontësque, rich with atmosphere and singed with magic. The characters feel real, their emotions palpable. While some parts are slightly overwritten (perhaps channeling a bit too much of the Brontë melodrama) there is some intricate plotting at play and the finale had me hooked.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
While the history must be taken with a pinch of salt, the story itself is heartfelt. Lea explores the trauma and tragedy of war - but also captures the resilience of the human spirit, of hope and love. The remote landscape of Orkney is deliciously Brontësque, rich with atmosphere and singed with magic. The characters feel real, their emotions palpable. While some parts are slightly overwritten (perhaps channeling a bit too much of the Brontë melodrama) there is some intricate plotting at play and the finale had me hooked.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
krobart's review against another edition
2.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022/07/25/review-1897-the-metal-heart/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022/07/25/review-1897-the-metal-heart/
aliciagriggs's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent book. However, for those who are triggered by sexual violence, be warned that there is 3 episodes/attempts of this in the book. For me, this spoilt the book a bit, and I had to skip them (so I can't say for sure what it included but I think they were attempts rather than successes...I could be wrong). Just a warning if people like me would rather know before reading.
Aside from that though, this is an excellent book that makes you explore the range of human emotions.
Aside from that though, this is an excellent book that makes you explore the range of human emotions.
jacki_f's review against another edition
3.0
The Metal Heart is set in the Orkney Islands during WW2. After a German submarine torpedoed a ship moored there in 1941, a group of Italian prisoners were sent to build barricades which would close off the straits and prevent enemy submarines being able to enter again. While the soldiers were in Orkney, they also constructed a tiny Catholic chapel which stands to this day (google Orkney's Italian Chapel to see photos).
Caroline Lea's novel takes places against these events. She focuses on twin sisters Dorothy (Dot) and Constance (Con) who have cut themselves off from the local community after something happened to Con. They volunteer to help nurse the POWs and this is how Dot will come to know and fall in love with Cesare although it's hard to imagine how there can possibly be a happy ending for them.
I liked learning about a piece of history that I didn't know and this is a very atmospheric read.
Caroline Lea's novel takes places against these events. She focuses on twin sisters Dorothy (Dot) and Constance (Con) who have cut themselves off from the local community after something happened to Con. They volunteer to help nurse the POWs and this is how Dot will come to know and fall in love with Cesare although it's hard to imagine how there can possibly be a happy ending for them.
I liked learning about a piece of history that I didn't know and this is a very atmospheric read.