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d0nnaw0ng's review against another edition
5.0
This will always be a 5 star read for me! I cannot stop recommending this book enough! I completely balled my eyes out reading this historical fiction. The intense love between Sand and Ash that held no boundaries either its because of the time, culture or religion!
lacyk_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Sand and ash. The ingredients of glass. Such beauty created from nothing. It had been something Babbo had marveled about and something she'd never understood. From sand and ash, rebirth. From sand and ash, new life. With every song and with every prayer, with every small rebellion, Eva felt reborn, renewed, and she vowed to press on. She vowed to push back, to make glass from the ashes, and that courage was a victory in itself.
I didn't expect to be so pulled into this story but at some point (halfway through or so) I couldn't stop thinking about it and reading it. I fell for Eva. Her character development was really good. I didn't feel as strongly about Angelo but I didn't dislike him. I think the biggest issue there was the religious aspect. I can't relate to that, but it is impossible to hold that against Angelo. He did what he felt he had to do.
The biggest takeaway from this "historical romance" is the historical part. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know and didn't really have an idea of the atrocities Italians faced at the hands of the Nazis. Surely, many of the crimes against Jews and sympathizers, including Catholic nuns and priests, mentioned really took place. And worse. This book did well at building on the historical events and how they impacted the characters and the characters' peer groups.
The last quarter of the book or so was extremely ... unbelievable. But I liked that. Mostly, because that's what came out of WWII, right? People who made it through, despite unbelievably impossible odds. The stories of each survivor from this terrible war were told despite the narrow chances they had at living through it. But they did. They lived to tell their stories. And we listen to learn from them so that this awful thing never happens again.
I didn't expect to be so pulled into this story but at some point (halfway through or so) I couldn't stop thinking about it and reading it. I fell for Eva. Her character development was really good. I didn't feel as strongly about Angelo but I didn't dislike him. I think the biggest issue there was the religious aspect. I can't relate to that, but it is impossible to hold that against Angelo. He did what he felt he had to do.
The biggest takeaway from this "historical romance" is the historical part. I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know and didn't really have an idea of the atrocities Italians faced at the hands of the Nazis. Surely, many of the crimes against Jews and sympathizers, including Catholic nuns and priests, mentioned really took place. And worse. This book did well at building on the historical events and how they impacted the characters and the characters' peer groups.
The last quarter of the book or so was extremely ... unbelievable. But I liked that. Mostly, because that's what came out of WWII, right? People who made it through, despite unbelievably impossible odds. The stories of each survivor from this terrible war were told despite the narrow chances they had at living through it. But they did. They lived to tell their stories. And we listen to learn from them so that this awful thing never happens again.
chrissygriffin's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed it, just thought it was about 50 pages too long.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
Never hurts to reread a book that you never wrote a review for, right?
Just like the first time around, I really enjoyed everything about this book. Definitely went through an emotional rollercoaster ride, but oh man - was it worth it. The characters and the overall story were complex, entertaining and kept me interested. I'm not sure if I was sad or mad more than anything else while reading this.
It was honestly nice to take a break from all the spooky reads and I can't wait for my historical book.
Just like the first time around, I really enjoyed everything about this book. Definitely went through an emotional rollercoaster ride, but oh man - was it worth it. The characters and the overall story were complex, entertaining and kept me interested. I'm not sure if I was sad or mad more than anything else while reading this.
It was honestly nice to take a break from all the spooky reads and I can't wait for my historical book.
cathiedalziel's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written novel about WWII, love, service and knowing your truth. This is definitely on my favourites shelf.
More review to follow, maybe
More review to follow, maybe
jbzar's review against another edition
5.0
A gripping, well-written story
I usually enjoy historical fiction and this book was no exception. The plot flowed smoothly from episode to episode. The gore of war and the plight of the people who suffered through it was described distinctly enough to be repulsive but not so much to be repulsive. There as sufficient suspense miracles that were hard to believe but not impossible to imagine. I found myself not wanting to put the book down.
I usually enjoy historical fiction and this book was no exception. The plot flowed smoothly from episode to episode. The gore of war and the plight of the people who suffered through it was described distinctly enough to be repulsive but not so much to be repulsive. There as sufficient suspense miracles that were hard to believe but not impossible to imagine. I found myself not wanting to put the book down.
treparker73's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful historical/fiction
I have read a number of books that depict war. This book thru the relationship between Eva and Angelo provided a pretty accurate account of how I believe some people felt durning this horrific period in time. May we never be silent. Learn from history, be strong and judge no one. Some of the truths of this book are so horrible that you can’t believe this really happened!! But it did and we should remember and honor those who have fallen.
I have read a number of books that depict war. This book thru the relationship between Eva and Angelo provided a pretty accurate account of how I believe some people felt durning this horrific period in time. May we never be silent. Learn from history, be strong and judge no one. Some of the truths of this book are so horrible that you can’t believe this really happened!! But it did and we should remember and honor those who have fallen.
susanp's review against another edition
5.0
Well-written book set in Italy during WWII. A few circumstances were just a little too coincidental, but the book was an excellent read.
julieb118's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. I made a similar statement recently about a completely different book - but, written differently, or by a different, less-skilled author, this could have been a "cheesy" story. Instead, it beautifully combines historical fiction and the horror of the Nazi's with a really human story. It is a love story - but it is so much more than that. Though the love story is prevalent, it is also subtle and not always the main focus. There are so many layers to this story - hope, desperation, love, horror, loyalty, tradition, faith, and family. It will stay with me a long time.
kcummings2040's review against another edition
5.0
For fans of romantic historical fiction... Read this novel - it’s everything I’ve been looking for.
I’m so happy I found Amy Harmon! I’ve been absolutely binging on her novels lately but so far From Sand and Ash is my absolute favorite of hers (a rare 5 star rating).
I almost didn’t finish this book because of the first chapters told though a child’s perspective. I ended up stopping and picking up a few different books before returning to this one... and I’m SO HAPPY I DID.
She gives you just enough of romance to keep you pining for more, but without letting the reader feel shafted. Some people may feel uncomfortable with the subject of the romance (spoiler alert: it involves a priest), but Amy Harmon writes with such lyrical prose and with such tasteful elegance that it’s done beautifully. This novel is harrowing and heart-breaking but full of redemption and compassion. I hope they (whoever “they” are) make this book isn’t a movie or series - I would love to see Amy Harmon’s words reflected on the screen and her characters come to life.
I’m so happy I found Amy Harmon! I’ve been absolutely binging on her novels lately but so far From Sand and Ash is my absolute favorite of hers (a rare 5 star rating).
I almost didn’t finish this book because of the first chapters told though a child’s perspective. I ended up stopping and picking up a few different books before returning to this one... and I’m SO HAPPY I DID.
She gives you just enough of romance to keep you pining for more, but without letting the reader feel shafted. Some people may feel uncomfortable with the subject of the romance (spoiler alert: it involves a priest), but Amy Harmon writes with such lyrical prose and with such tasteful elegance that it’s done beautifully. This novel is harrowing and heart-breaking but full of redemption and compassion. I hope they (whoever “they” are) make this book isn’t a movie or series - I would love to see Amy Harmon’s words reflected on the screen and her characters come to life.