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enchantingreads_rosyreviews's review
3.75
"You know the greatest lesson of history? It's that history is whatever the victors say it is. That's the lesson. Whoever wins, that's who decides the history. We act in our own self interest. Of course we do. Name a person or a nation who does not. The trick is figuring out where your interests are."
Reasons why this book is great:
- Every sentence and paragraph paints a vivid picture in your head; almost as if creating a world for someone who is unable to physically see it (like the main character, Marie-Laure).
- Definition of a beautifully tragic tale. The author doesn’t shy away from the dark side of war or survival during occupation, but also describes the world to remind us to cherish every day.
- Written as an epic tale, with high-stakes, action, character growth, and drama.
- For anyone who’s a fan of independent films or typical Oscar-nominated films, this story taps into that same general vibe.
Whew! This book is one of those that feeds and starves your soul. It's a hard read because it focuses on tragedy (WW2) and the tough choices regular people have to make in times of extreme circumstances. Although the Netflix series did an AMAZING job adapting this book, there is SO. MUCH. MORE. to absorb from the book. Doerr's descriptive language, epic scenery, unique world-view, and likeable characters are truly something to experience.
Also, this was my first book that I used an audio guide to follow along. Honestly, because of the book's epic-ness, I found myself getting lost in the words/descriptions. Having the audiobook companion to keep me on track with my paperback version, was a great help to stay grounded in the story.
Graphic: Colonisation, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Gun violence, Racism, Racial slurs, and War
Minor: Xenophobia and Death of parent
This book takes place during Nazi occupation in France, bringing all of the historical elements into this story.medini_l's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Blood, Death, Forced institutionalization, Child abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Classism, Colonisation, Confinement, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Torture, War, Xenophobia, and Bullying
polpolpolulu's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Antisemitism, Gun violence, Hate crime, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Torture, War, Vomit, Cancer, Chronic illness, Colonisation, Police brutality, Rape, Religious bigotry, Child death, Classism, Murder, Racial slurs, Racism, Abandonment, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Genocide, and Grief
alittlelifer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Antisemitism, Violence, War, Blood, Colonisation, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, and Physical abuse
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Vomit, Abandonment, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Animal death, and Death of parent
aaryan's review
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Antisemitism, Racial slurs, and Racism
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Colonisation, Confinement, Cultural appropriation, Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence