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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I listened to this on CD in the car. I was glad to learn about the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in Paris in 1942. Embarrassingly, I had never heard of this shameful piece of French history before now. Appallingly, it's too easy to imagine how Trump's agenda of hate can lead to this very thing for Muslims in America.
For Sarah's heartbreaking story, and Julia's unearthing of it, I give 4 stars. But Julia's insipid character, the storyline of her pathetic relationship with her husband, and her musings on her pregnancy are all aspects I could well have done without. For those, I give 2-3 stars.
For Sarah's heartbreaking story, and Julia's unearthing of it, I give 4 stars. But Julia's insipid character, the storyline of her pathetic relationship with her husband, and her musings on her pregnancy are all aspects I could well have done without. For those, I give 2-3 stars.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
10/11/2012 Noble Readers Book Discussion
This book evoked too many emotions in me at this time - so I stopped reading it.
This book evoked too many emotions in me at this time - so I stopped reading it.
Good story, I just wished I had liked the characters more and that it wasn't so predictable.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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:
No
This is the second time I've picked this book up, however I'm determined to finish it this time. I hate that it is so depressing. It was a good book, just not for me.
The Vel d'Hiv was a sad and horrible event, of course, and should be remembered - and there are some twists that make this story particularly heartbreaking. Unfortunately, the writing is awkward, with clunky exposition and cheesy repetition of obvious emotional points, and de Rosnay misuses the word "ironic" several times. Really, not good.
Sarah's story was heartbreaking and beautifully written. Julia's story was a bit more clunky and didn't work as well. Ultimately, I applaud the author for taking on such a challenging topic and educating a new generation of readers on this dark period of history. I hope holocaust historical novels will always be written. So we never forget.