Reviews with content warning for Death - The Good Left Undone

"Who waits around for a compliment? Ask for it. Then take it. And when you do, you realize you knew the truth all along and you didn't need anybody else's opinion in the first place. No one has to tell you that you did a great job."

I call books like this "Hallmark" books. (Probably similar to what other people call "Beach Reads.") It was not bad, not great. Not unique. Not memorable.

Character development was good, but I didn't fully bond with any of them. They just felt a bit flat to me.

The story was a typical WWII one. (I'm not going to say any more because I don't like giving spoilers.)

I did appreciate learning about the real life story of the SS Arandora Star. This was a new one for me....horribly TRAGIC.

Although my review is lukewarm, it wasn't a chore to read this book so it went quickly. If you just like an interesting character-driven story, don't rule it out. At this point in my life, I'm a bit more book snobby because I'm really looking for books that shake me up in some way.

Content Warnings

microbemom's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

2.5

The author tried to do too much and ended up doing too little. I understand she wanted to introduce us to the plight of the Italian people during WWII, but the character development was lacking. The only character I cared about was Dominica. I did not care about the modern storyline. I have loved every other book by this author. Disappointed. Almost DNF.

Content Warnings

rosa_inverno's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

I don't know if this book is truly wonderful or if it's just exactly the right book read at exactly the right time, but either way, I adored it.

A little meandering sure, but as the threads of the various lives weave together, I felt more of a sense of hope than any book that

ends in death

has any right to give me.

Content Warnings

kimveach's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

oceanwriter's review

Go to review page

emotional 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

5.0

When I really enjoy a book, I procrastinate finishing it. Alas, eventually I must come to know the ending. I put this one off as long as I could and I loved every minute. I miss it already!

The Good Left Undone is a touching story about family and lineage. Anina, the youngest of the Cabrelli women finds herself interested in her family history and seeks the stories her grandmother Matelda has to tell. These stories predominantly focus on her mother Domenica's life.

I loved so much about this story, but my favorite part was the involvement of Catholicism. It's not often I read more mainstream books that paint such an authentic picture of living life while maintaining these traditions. I really appreciated the reverence. Secondly, the writing was beautiful and there were many thought-provoking passages that I need to go back and re-read. All in all, a wonderful book.

Content Warnings

katieimre's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

victoriarosalesvt's review

Go to review page

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

It took me 50 pages to get into the story and style of writing but overall it was an incredibly impactful story and I loved the jumping timelines.

Content Warnings

More...