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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I had unfortunately seen the movie prior to reading this book and I wish I hadn't spoiled the story. If you're thinking of just watching the movie, please also consider reading the book.
Sarah's story was haunting, I think Rosnay did a good job in capturing the empathy someone should feel when knowing they're linked to horrible events in someones life (past, present or future). Julia's story was just that; her whole storyline was about empathy and living with the reality of how we are all somehow connected to the Jewish people (and many others who were in the camps that weren't Jews) assasinated by Hitler. I felt Sarah (Sirka)'s story ended really abruptly and then went and only focused on Julia. Now after finishing the book, I can see why it was important for the author to cut off Sarah's story so quickly after she finally got back to Paris. This book is definitely not supposed to be around the Holocaust while it's happening but more so around what the after effects of the Holocaust has done, and will continue to do to future generations. I respect Rosnay's approach to writing this book. It wasn't too heavy but definitely enough to make me thankful for my own family, ancestors and story. Highly recommend reading.
Sarah's story was haunting, I think Rosnay did a good job in capturing the empathy someone should feel when knowing they're linked to horrible events in someones life (past, present or future). Julia's story was just that; her whole storyline was about empathy and living with the reality of how we are all somehow connected to the Jewish people (and many others who were in the camps that weren't Jews) assasinated by Hitler. I felt Sarah (Sirka)'s story ended really abruptly and then went and only focused on Julia. Now after finishing the book, I can see why it was important for the author to cut off Sarah's story so quickly after she finally got back to Paris. This book is definitely not supposed to be around the Holocaust while it's happening but more so around what the after effects of the Holocaust has done, and will continue to do to future generations. I respect Rosnay's approach to writing this book. It wasn't too heavy but definitely enough to make me thankful for my own family, ancestors and story. Highly recommend reading.
3.5 ⭐s
I found the beginning of Julia's story slow and boring, but it improved eventually and was really good in the middle. The end however wasn't that good in my opinion.
Sarah's story on the other hand was absolutely heartbreaking and was beautifully written.
I found the beginning of Julia's story slow and boring, but it improved eventually and was really good in the middle. The end however wasn't that good in my opinion.
Sarah's story on the other hand was absolutely heartbreaking and was beautifully written.
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This book is very raw and real. With so many books written about the holocaust and the way it is always able to be turned into a romance version based on lost loves, this one is different. It shows a side that is painful and shameful and honest. Sarahs story is about strength until it becomes unbearable, shame and regret, family secrets and the side of the people who did not stand up and sat idle, then tried to ignore their part in their lack of action or regretful actions.
It was a great book!! I cried through the first 3/4 of the book. What happened to the French people by the French people was so sad!! They should be ashamed they did that to fellow countrymen. The one thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars was the story of Julia. It seemed out of place and incredibly trivial compared to the story of Sarah. The romance she shared with her husband was superficial and I quickly skimmed through it. Then the end of the story was unnecessary and terribly out of place. I wish the author would have found a different more interesting way to intertwine these to women's lives.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially books that take place during WWII you will love this book. I finished this book in a day and a half! Highly recommend to all!
I liked this book. I think it deals with a really important subject from a bit different perspective. I really liked the oscillating narratives and the contemporary investigation and linkages with the past. I found the main character realistic and interesting. I like that things were complicated and that some of the characters demonstrated facets that made them harder to categorize. It is sad and touching, but not dismal. Despite the weighty subject matter, it is quite a page turner.
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Once I got over the narrator's tone, I enjoyed listening to the book. The book is interesting, and heartbreaking - although not as much as it could have been, thanks to the somewhat boring writing style, and focus on Julia rather than Sarah - and has some interesting twists. I liked the pace of the book, it was full of suspense without making you constantly want to flick to the end to find out what happened because you just couldn't wait - great for someone like me with a short attention span! But other than that I was quite disappointed with the book, I was expecting more.
Overall I think I would read it once more just because I like reading books again once I know the ending, but not anytime soon.
Overall I think I would read it once more just because I like reading books again once I know the ending, but not anytime soon.