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stracciastela's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
disregarding the horrible greek accent of the audiobook lol
this was so hearbreakingly lovely
this was so hearbreakingly lovely
sophiahammond24's review against another edition
5.0
Just so so so good. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. RTC!
arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed it. The poetic format permits a laser focus on the essential bones of the story.
I would like to know how Mary fared as an elevator girl. If the plot wasn't based on real history, I would have thought the ending too trite.
I loved the parallel between the parents and Mary and Billy.
Based on the reviews from those who listened to the audio book, I recommend reading it instead.
I would like to know how Mary fared as an elevator girl. If the plot wasn't based on real history, I would have thought the ending too trite.
I loved the parallel between the parents and Mary and Billy.
Based on the reviews from those who listened to the audio book, I recommend reading it instead.
mimi_book_mouse's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful historical fiction based on real life events set both in 1917 and 1932 that tells in verses the intergenerational story of a family of immigrants settled in Detroit, Michigan.
***4.5 stars***
This audiobook is a breathtaking one.
First of all, the three narrators are amazing. Each accent brings a lovely atmosphere to the audiobook without taking from the overall understanding of the story. It adds dept and a sense of reality. I wholly enjoyed they contribution to the tale.
The story itself was also really interesting. This one is, as I said earlier, an historical fiction based on real events (the author being the grandchildren of one of the main character). I loved the fact that it empowered women and showed vulnerability in men. It depicted with authenticity the values of the time period and showed how it affected the different main characters. I absolutely enjoyed that aspect of the book.
Honestly, for me, there is not a thing that really is missing from this one. The audiobook was perfected so that the verses could sound as poetic as if I actually read them with my eyes, the interpretation of each character, the voices of the narrators, and so on. It is really a small gem. I could not bring myself to give it a perfect note on the other hand though, because the pacing was a bit off in the beginning and the middle. Although, it rectified itself quite quickly afterward.
I recommend it if you like really close to life historical fiction novel. I recommend it if you wan to try a good short novel in verse that will touch you. And finally, I recommend it if you want a book tinted with feminism.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
***4.5 stars***
This audiobook is a breathtaking one.
First of all, the three narrators are amazing. Each accent brings a lovely atmosphere to the audiobook without taking from the overall understanding of the story. It adds dept and a sense of reality. I wholly enjoyed they contribution to the tale.
The story itself was also really interesting. This one is, as I said earlier, an historical fiction based on real events (the author being the grandchildren of one of the main character). I loved the fact that it empowered women and showed vulnerability in men. It depicted with authenticity the values of the time period and showed how it affected the different main characters. I absolutely enjoyed that aspect of the book.
Honestly, for me, there is not a thing that really is missing from this one. The audiobook was perfected so that the verses could sound as poetic as if I actually read them with my eyes, the interpretation of each character, the voices of the narrators, and so on. It is really a small gem. I could not bring myself to give it a perfect note on the other hand though, because the pacing was a bit off in the beginning and the middle. Although, it rectified itself quite quickly afterward.
I recommend it if you like really close to life historical fiction novel. I recommend it if you wan to try a good short novel in verse that will touch you. And finally, I recommend it if you want a book tinted with feminism.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
aksmalley's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.5
taketwolu's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the premise and multiple povs of this book, however, I often found it hard to distinguish between the different characters and timelines. Still, I was very immersed in this immigrant war story. There were some painful parts full of grief but also a lot of love and hope throughout this book. I appreciated the cultural traditions, multiple layers, and everyday life. Though I have read other historical fiction, this was my first that featured Greece. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the full circle moment after learning how the various timelines connected!
Thanks NetGalley for my arc!
Thanks NetGalley for my arc!
mysticbanana's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Effective, beautiful verse and an interesting narrative. The historical setting is unique and the characters occupy a distinct position in society (Greek-Americans in Depression Era Detroit).
My one gripe with this book is the romance subplot. The main character, Mary, is Greek-American but longs for social acceptance by being more “American” (e.g. blue eyes, American name). Part of the appeal of her romance is that her boyfriend can give her these things. Specifically, she dreams of taking his name. Instead of exploring the reasons the protagonist feels she must assimilate to American culture, the author takes them at face value and treats them as valid, even including them in the romance. I would have loved to see Mary embracing her Greek heritage in some way instead of treating it as universally oppressive and alienating.
Effective, beautiful verse and an interesting narrative. The historical setting is unique and the characters occupy a distinct position in society (Greek-Americans in Depression Era Detroit).
My one gripe with this book is the romance subplot. The main character, Mary, is Greek-American but longs for social acceptance by being more “American” (e.g. blue eyes, American name). Part of the appeal of her romance is that her boyfriend can give her these things. Specifically, she dreams of taking his name. Instead of exploring the reasons the protagonist feels she must assimilate to American culture, the author takes them at face value and treats them as valid, even including them in the romance. I would have loved to see Mary embracing her Greek heritage in some way instead of treating it as universally oppressive and alienating.
cocoanut7's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Beautiful story of the past. I appreciate hearing about the American Dream mixed with the reality of what that was like for immigrants.