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kaylasonlyheart's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Death of parent, and Violence
emileereadsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.25
Thank you for the Gifted Book Libro.fm, Simon Audio, and Atria Books.
I have had a hard time coming up with words for how to review this one. Overall I really enjoyed the book and think many historical fiction fans will as well. This book has many things going for it. It's a book that celebrates the power of libraries and books. It highlights some of the lesser known resisters of the Germans in occupied France and how even seemingly small actions can have big consequences.
What I didn't love about this book is that it alternates POVs and spends disproportionate amounts of time with each character making it a bit of a shock when the POV changes. Also I did not really see where this book was headed for 75% of it and although I did enjoy the ending, it took so long to get there. That being said, once I listened to the author's historical note, I did appreciate the whole scope of the book more. The amount of research that went into this title made me reflect on each element of the story and how it all ties together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Bullying
Moderate: Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity and Terminal illness
linesiunderline's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.25
This novel offers us views of grief, loss, and self discovery from many perspectives. The two main narratives centre on Odile, a young French woman working during the German occupation at the American Library in Paris, and Lily, Odile’s neightbor, a teenager in the 1980s in small town Montana. Lily views Odile’s past as mysterious and readers discover more about her wartime experience as the novel unfolds and alternates perspectives.
What I loved:
- it’s an ode to libraries, how they are essential and can serve such a noble purpose, carrying people through dark times
- the relationships between the colleagues and patrons at the library were well captured and endearing
- reading a WWII novel that presents a different kind of story than is often portrayed
Howevers:
- as is often the way for me with books that have dual (or more) perspectives, I wasn’t as interested I. Lily‘a story compared to Odile’s
- I found it unusual that the author inserted a few sections from the perspectives of secondary characters, but only a few. For me, I’d have liked more, or for the structure to stick to just the POVs of the two central women
This is a wartime novel that focuses more on daily life in occupied territory and the relationships between those not on the front lines. There are times when it is lighter in tone, and for that reason I think it would be a good readalike for those who enjoyed Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Dear Mrs Bird, or The Chilbury Ladies Choir.
What I loved:
- it’s an ode to libraries, how they are essential and can serve such a noble purpose, carrying people through dark times
- the relationships between the colleagues and patrons at the library were well captured and endearing
- reading a WWII novel that presents a different kind of story than is often portrayed
Howevers:
- as is often the way for me with books that have dual (or more) perspectives, I wasn’t as interested I. Lily‘a story compared to Odile’s
- I found it unusual that the author inserted a few sections from the perspectives of secondary characters, but only a few. For me, I’d have liked more, or for the structure to stick to just the POVs of the two central women
This is a wartime novel that focuses more on daily life in occupied territory and the relationships between those not on the front lines. There are times when it is lighter in tone, and for that reason I think it would be a good readalike for those who enjoyed Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Dear Mrs Bird, or The Chilbury Ladies Choir.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism, Death, Grief, and Police brutality
Minor: Death of parent and Terminal illness
internationalreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Death, Death of parent, Gun violence, Infidelity, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Genocide, and Murder
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