Scan barcode
caitb_05's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
readingandvibin's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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? N/A
5.0
cassyyy18's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
tckcallahan's review against another edition
5.0
Great read. Not exactly what I expected walking in but I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the multiple narrative perspectives.
k_spence92's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Genocide, Child death, Violence, Antisemitism, Death, and War
ksquaredreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
glimpseofkris's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- 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? Yes
5.0
morgob's review against another edition
5.0
What a great historical fiction perspective. Like probably many others, I had no knowledge of the Wilhelm Gustloff prior to reading this. I just thought there were so many wonderful things the author did with this book. It was very simple, writing-wise. I think this book is meant for younger readers, which is great. I actually recommended it to my students because we're in the middle of reading The Book Thief right now and I thought this links well with that. They don't realize just how many different perspectives there are of WWII and the events surrounding it. I enjoyed hearing from all of the characters because their perspectives were so different. The only thing I wish is that the book were longer and a bit more drawn-out. Each of the characters have a past that ties to where they are now, and I think it would have benefited the book to have more of a full story for each of them. It did seem like, for quite a few of the characters, their full stories came out right at the end. I think if it mattered that much, it shouldn't be a last-minute reveal. Besides that, I really enjoyed it. There are so many people who went through the events of WWII and events caused by it that were neither Jewish nor Nazis, and I think we need to tell more of those stories as well. People don't often know much about WWII besides those two perspectives, and their stories are important as well. I liked this book a lot and I enjoy the fact that it is an untold story of sorts, for most people. It shows that war hurts everyone involved in countless ways, but it also shows that even when humans show their worst capabilities, some humans will show the best of themselves to others as well.