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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
In Three Words for Goodbye, we follow the story and the journey of two sisters, Clara and Madeleine, as they travel through Europe to deliver goodbye messages for their dying Grandmother. I loved that their adventure took place during 1937 as tensions were on the rise due to the rising threat of Hitler and the war.
Even better, we got to see it through both Maddie and Clara’s perspectives. I enjoyed the fact that they were two very different people, and their often tumultuous relationship felt relatable for someone with a sister of mine own. This was an incredibly moving story as we watched each sister experience their own set of ups and downs on their journey of self-discovery. It was easy to feel and relate to their feelings and there were plenty of moments in this book that had me laughing as well as tearing up. It also had me incredibly anxious as I neared the end knowing that they would be taking the ill-fated Hindenburg after coming to care for them so much.
This book also made me feel like I was exploring these countries and cities with them, but at the same time made me crave going there to see it all for myself. This truly was a great book that was easy to get lost in. I really did love it and would definitely recommend it, especially to those with a sister.
A special thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Even better, we got to see it through both Maddie and Clara’s perspectives. I enjoyed the fact that they were two very different people, and their often tumultuous relationship felt relatable for someone with a sister of mine own. This was an incredibly moving story as we watched each sister experience their own set of ups and downs on their journey of self-discovery. It was easy to feel and relate to their feelings and there were plenty of moments in this book that had me laughing as well as tearing up. It also had me incredibly anxious as I neared the end knowing that they would be taking the ill-fated Hindenburg after coming to care for them so much.
This book also made me feel like I was exploring these countries and cities with them, but at the same time made me crave going there to see it all for myself. This truly was a great book that was easy to get lost in. I really did love it and would definitely recommend it, especially to those with a sister.
A special thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book I read by Hazel Gaynor (the first was When We Were Young and Brave) and she did not disappoint. Two estranged sisters travel to three locations in Europe to deliver letters for their dying grandmother. Even though the plot was nothing special (the only reason it got 4 stars instead of 5), the emotional journeys that Clara and Maddie went through while delivering these messages was beautiful. The characters were so likable that it drew you into the story. And throughout the novel, the tension was high, as they were to fly back to America on the Hindenburg. Recommend this for historical fiction lovers!
Three Words for Goodbye is an absolute masterpiece. What’s better than one masterful historical fiction writer? Two. Gaynor and Webb found a way to not only seamlessly blend a novel together but to do so during the pandemic. A theme I am noticing with books having been written last year is a new, almost urgent surge of passion. It is evident in these pages. This book is a love letter to your soul quietly whispering to live life to its fullest.
I believe the fragility of life is the theme of this book. Two estranged sisters are brought together only at the wish of their dear dying grandmother. It is her wish that they personally deliver three farewell letters for her- in France, Italy, & Austria. Clara and Madeleine are more than a little reluctant to travel along side their insufferable sister but choose to see this through for their grandmother, Violet.
The theme of how short life can be is further driven home by the fact that it is 1937 and Europe is on the precipice of war. On their travels, as the sisters witness sights of the eminent threat of a Hitler and Mussolini, life frivolities of life begin to come into perspective.
Told in the alternating viewpoints of Maddie & Clara, we travel along the two through as they navigate their love lives, their quarrels, & moments of revelation and wonder.
This was an absolute pleasure to read. Page-turning, heart-warning and wrenching. Empowering and reassuring.
Like I said in the beginning- a true masterpiece.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
I believe the fragility of life is the theme of this book. Two estranged sisters are brought together only at the wish of their dear dying grandmother. It is her wish that they personally deliver three farewell letters for her- in France, Italy, & Austria. Clara and Madeleine are more than a little reluctant to travel along side their insufferable sister but choose to see this through for their grandmother, Violet.
The theme of how short life can be is further driven home by the fact that it is 1937 and Europe is on the precipice of war. On their travels, as the sisters witness sights of the eminent threat of a Hitler and Mussolini, life frivolities of life begin to come into perspective.
Told in the alternating viewpoints of Maddie & Clara, we travel along the two through as they navigate their love lives, their quarrels, & moments of revelation and wonder.
This was an absolute pleasure to read. Page-turning, heart-warning and wrenching. Empowering and reassuring.
Like I said in the beginning- a true masterpiece.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
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:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a hard book for me to rate. It was a really engaging book, and I had so many emotions (especially with the sisters' relationship and their relationship with their grandma). Throughout the book, though, I felt myself growing irritated by the books' romantic view/portrayal of sexual relations outside of marriage. There was not one thing exactly and it could have been worse (I thought one sister would pursue a relationship with someone who was unhappily married while she herself was engaged and the book didn't go there, nor did it have any steamy scenes). But, it still tainted my personal experience with the book.
3-3.5 stars. Quick read. Good premise. Easy writing. But wanted a bit more depth and felt that everything was wrapped in a nice bow at the end. Good sister story.
I read this book in one day!
Gaynor and Webb have found a partnership that works! This book is so endearing. It captures so many emotions. While this is not a book that fits what many would define as a "typical" historical fiction novel, it identifies with so many experiences of the past that often get swept to the side amidst larger events. Estranged sisters must learn to set their differences aside so that they may fulfill their grandmother's dying wish. As the tensions of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy increase, the girls embark on their journey. Gaynor and Webb immerse the reader in the splendor of the Queen Mary and the Orient Express. The girls uncover family stories and secrets while also uncovering more about themselves and each other. Each discover their own worth and that impacts their relationship with each other and those they surround themselves with. A momentous ending that will leave readers with all the feels. LOVED it!
I received an advance copy of this title via NetGalley.
Gaynor and Webb have found a partnership that works! This book is so endearing. It captures so many emotions. While this is not a book that fits what many would define as a "typical" historical fiction novel, it identifies with so many experiences of the past that often get swept to the side amidst larger events. Estranged sisters must learn to set their differences aside so that they may fulfill their grandmother's dying wish. As the tensions of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy increase, the girls embark on their journey. Gaynor and Webb immerse the reader in the splendor of the Queen Mary and the Orient Express. The girls uncover family stories and secrets while also uncovering more about themselves and each other. Each discover their own worth and that impacts their relationship with each other and those they surround themselves with. A momentous ending that will leave readers with all the feels. LOVED it!
I received an advance copy of this title via NetGalley.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes