You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
Yes yes yes. Absolutely yes. Drop everything and read this book. If you like historical fiction, this is one of the best historical fiction books I've ever read. I loved the dual timelines. I loved the subplot of the autistic son and the granddaughter's family in general. Such a good book with so many twists and turns that had me sobbing in the end. Highly highly recommend.
I have read many books about the Holocaust, but this was the first book from the point of view of a Catholic woman living in Poland and how everyone suffered from the war.
The gradual linking of the story and the unraveling of secrets was really perfectly written and the overall revelation of the truth was surprising and at the same time sad in its own way.
The story absorbed me also because it took place in Krakow and the places described were familiar and close to me.
A really excellent book. I recommend it to all readers.
The gradual linking of the story and the unraveling of secrets was really perfectly written and the overall revelation of the truth was surprising and at the same time sad in its own way.
The story absorbed me also because it took place in Krakow and the places described were familiar and close to me.
A really excellent book. I recommend it to all readers.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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:
N/A
This was a terrific historical fiction. The unconventional communication angle felt a little contrived to me but it didn’t detract from an otherwise solid story.
A remarkable story, truly enjoyed this from start to finish. I loved the switch between past and present and how the story was woven together in this way.
1942, Poland. Alina and Tomasz are deeply in love, but due to the war, Tomasz disappears. When he returns, he tells Alina that she must escape to Russia and take his friend, Saul, with her.
Present day, Alice's grandmother is dying, and her marriage is stressing under the weight of having a brilliant child and a child on the spectrum. But, when her grandmother begs her to find Tomasz, she is confused as her grandfather died. Yet, her grandmother insists, and Alice takes a trip to Poland where she finds the truth about Alina and Tomasz and the family they left behind.
A story which examines the heartache of war and its far-reaching effects, decades later. I really loved the way Rimmer told the story and each part of Alice's family, both past and present.
Present day, Alice's grandmother is dying, and her marriage is stressing under the weight of having a brilliant child and a child on the spectrum. But, when her grandmother begs her to find Tomasz, she is confused as her grandfather died. Yet, her grandmother insists, and Alice takes a trip to Poland where she finds the truth about Alina and Tomasz and the family they left behind.
A story which examines the heartache of war and its far-reaching effects, decades later. I really loved the way Rimmer told the story and each part of Alice's family, both past and present.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
This book was so intriguing. It was a mystery about a family history during and after WWII. It is heartbreaking to think people had to make these type of decisions and live with these weighted secrets. Grab your tissues, it's a doozy.
challenging
dark
emotional
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
What a story. Although I was a bit lost at times with the shifts in perspective and timeline, the narrative was beautiful. It’s a powerful exploration of survival, hardship, heartbreak, and what comes after.
Beautifully written book that shows two vastly different POVs and ties them together beautifully at the end
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
the ending to this is really so powerful—it made me tear up. It’s a real testament to the boundless ways people can communicate and express love.