Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

Our Darkest Night: A Novel of Italy and the Second World War by Jennifer Robson

4 reviews

teacupsandfirereads's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I believe this is my second read from Jennifer Robson. It is clear she is a good historical fiction writer. The detail and story and atmosphere make you feel as though you are loving in the story. I enjoyed this story and the characters, as well as how they were built. However, I can't say anything truly stood out to me. I do feel that historical fiction lovers will enjoy this one.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Antisemitism and Genocide

Moderate: Death and Gun violence

Minor: Rape and Sexual assault

travelthrupages's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Antisemitism, Physical abuse, Violence, Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Blood, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, Hate crime, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, and Torture

Moderate: Confinement, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Pregnancy

amnda527's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Antisemitism, Blood, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, Medical content, Murder, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, and Gun violence

amandamagdic's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Set in WWII era Italy this historical fiction follows Anotonia (Nina) and Nico as the try and survive in a world being overtaken by Hitler and the SS. Nina lives a quiet life in Venice training in the shadows with her physician father to become a doctor. Treating neighbours and other fellow Jews when the can, trying to stay off the radar of the authorities due to the laws prohibiting it. But Hitler is moving closer and Nina's father has a plan to keep her safe. He has arranged with old friend Father Bernardi for Nina to travel to small town Mezza Ciel under they guise of being Nico's new bride. 

As Nina settles into her new life on the farm, she forms a deep friendship with Nico that turns to a love match. All seems well until the nazis make it to the country and Nico's resistance efforts to help move other Jews like Nina come under suspicion. Nico and Nina both soon find themselves prisoners in the internment camps struggling for their lived. 

Robson spins a well written tale, told from the unique perspective of the Italians during WWII. She managed to engage the reader and bring out true emotions. As a reader you feel drawn into the story and empathy for our lovers and their family. The atrocities they endure is heartbreaking. It's an interesting insight to other nationalities that were dragged into Hitlers war. This is my first read of Robson's but won't be my last. A definite must read for fans of historical fiction, especially of the WWII era. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Racism