Scan barcode
redheadorganist's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
This book was a slow start for me. At first I thought I might not finish it, but I am so glad I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Death of parent, War, and Death
Minor: Suicide, Confinement, Sexism, Cursing, Genocide, and Sexual content
saracat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-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
4.75
When looking for historical fictional novels, it often feels to me like there are two main categories: WWII and non-WWII. Despite it feeling like the historical fiction market is saturated with stories that take place during WWII, this one feels like an important reminder of some of the lessons the world should have already learned then. While at the same time being very focused on the main characters of the book and their personal stories.
The story is told by going back and forth between three women. Focusing on each of them during a different point in the war. Sometimes the connection between the women became clear before explicitly written, but other times it came as a surprise. And there were more points surrounding the main characters that Labuskes was able to keep a secret until the reveal. Yet the puzzle pieces always easily reworked themselves to make the correct picture.
The story is told by going back and forth between three women. Focusing on each of them during a different point in the war. Sometimes the connection between the women became clear before explicitly written, but other times it came as a surprise. And there were more points surrounding the main characters that Labuskes was able to keep a secret until the reveal. Yet the puzzle pieces always easily reworked themselves to make the correct picture.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Racism, Bullying, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Death, Violence, and War
Minor: Blood, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Genocide, Self harm, Sexism, and Torture
stargazer_ley's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I would absolutely recommend this novel even if historical fiction isn't your thing. The characters are compelling and our three leads are strong women each different but so very similar. While reading this book I looked into some of the things to see what was real and learned about the memorial to the burned books which is brought up in the end and that's pretty neat . I was moved by the women in this story and really didn't want to put it down half the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Alcohol, Torture, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury, Antisemitism, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism and Biphobia
Minor: Suicide and Adult/minor relationship
More...