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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
"An attack on books, on rationality, on knowledge isn't a tempest in a teacup, but rather a canary dead in a coal mine."
A highly quotable and well-researched book with dozens of beautifully written moments — and also a warning. Because as the author points out, history may not repeat itself, but it often rhymes.
It was fascinating learning about the ASE program, the libraries of burned books, and the 1930s queer community in Berlin — all of which I knew very little about before picking this up. (It was also nauseating to recognize the parallels between the early days of the Nazi party and the hateful rhetoric, anti-LGBTQ sentiments, and book bans we're facing in the U.S. today.)
This book covers the experiences of three women, in three different locations across three pivotal moments in the 1930s/1940s — leading up to, amid, and toward the end of WWII. While I loved the different perspectives and the way the characters' lives intersected, the short chapters and timeline jumps sometimes made for a chaotic read.
But, overall, this was a gripping read (and a great book club pick).
A highly quotable and well-researched book with dozens of beautifully written moments — and also a warning. Because as the author points out, history may not repeat itself, but it often rhymes.
It was fascinating learning about the ASE program, the libraries of burned books, and the 1930s queer community in Berlin — all of which I knew very little about before picking this up. (It was also nauseating to recognize the parallels between the early days of the Nazi party and the hateful rhetoric, anti-LGBTQ sentiments, and book bans we're facing in the U.S. today.)
This book covers the experiences of three women, in three different locations across three pivotal moments in the 1930s/1940s — leading up to, amid, and toward the end of WWII. While I loved the different perspectives and the way the characters' lives intersected, the short chapters and timeline jumps sometimes made for a chaotic read.
But, overall, this was a gripping read (and a great book club pick).
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I’m about half-way through and decided to stop. I’m having a hard time following any of the storylines and just do not feel interested enough to continue.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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:
No
I don't understand the high ratings on this book. The theme is interesting enough, but the delivery is elementary and trite. Quit about 100 pages in.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes