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wilibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
SO not a fan of historical fiction but this was one of the best books I've ever read! I was sucked in immediately!
abbymac99's review against another edition
4.0
This book was incredible. I slammed through it in 3 days (which is so very fast for me) so that should tell you what you need to know.
Ruta Sepetys truly never misses. Ever. She strikes yet again with a story of forgotten history. Multiple points of view, multiple characters stories that are unfolding at once. Cutting straight into your heart and giving chapters so quick that I would sit there and say “ok just one more” about 50 times before I actually put the book down.
The reason I’m giving this one a 4 star instead of 5 stars is because it’s honestly devastating and really horrific. But there was no other way to be when telling the story of the Wilhelm Gustoff. A story that is a historical event - it couldn’t be and shouldn’t be sugar coated or glossed over. But then it’s a double edge sword because you have to sit with the fact that these things actually happened on this earth.
Gonna take a few days to get over this one
Ruta Sepetys truly never misses. Ever. She strikes yet again with a story of forgotten history. Multiple points of view, multiple characters stories that are unfolding at once. Cutting straight into your heart and giving chapters so quick that I would sit there and say “ok just one more” about 50 times before I actually put the book down.
The reason I’m giving this one a 4 star instead of 5 stars is because it’s honestly devastating and really horrific. But there was no other way to be when telling the story of the Wilhelm Gustoff. A story that is a historical event - it couldn’t be and shouldn’t be sugar coated or glossed over. But then it’s a double edge sword because you have to sit with the fact that these things actually happened on this earth.
Gonna take a few days to get over this one
madimoss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
lattenightread's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
catbrigand's review against another edition
3.0
I feel bad about giving such a thoughtful and well-researched book three stars. But let me explain.
The book uses four narrators whose paths eventually converge. While it allows for four perspectives, it also makes for convoluted reading. I felt disconnected from a few of the narrators, and in two particular instances, it was not at all clear what was happening. In others, it was sort of a matter of:
Narrator A: I knew he must never find out my secret.
Narrator B: I saw that the girl was wounded.
So it was sort of a pattern of unnecessary cliffhangers resolved by a different person on the very next page. An interesting stylistic choice, but not one that was for me.
Ultimately I must commend the author for choosing to bring the tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff to light. It's amazing that the deadliest maritime disaster in history is so unknown. I hope that this book encourages people to pick up more books on the subject and brings it more into the public conscious.
The book uses four narrators whose paths eventually converge. While it allows for four perspectives, it also makes for convoluted reading. I felt disconnected from a few of the narrators, and in two particular instances, it was not at all clear what was happening. In others, it was sort of a matter of:
Narrator A: I knew he must never find out my secret.
Narrator B: I saw that the girl was wounded.
So it was sort of a pattern of unnecessary cliffhangers resolved by a different person on the very next page. An interesting stylistic choice, but not one that was for me.
Ultimately I must commend the author for choosing to bring the tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff to light. It's amazing that the deadliest maritime disaster in history is so unknown. I hope that this book encourages people to pick up more books on the subject and brings it more into the public conscious.
abbyl819's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so amazing and powerful that I am actually having difficulties wrapping my mind around it. I had heard great things about this book, and it did not disappoint. I was completely unable to put it down and finished it in around half a day. The characters in this book are so well written and emotionally developed. The switches in perspective really help to display the reasoning and motives behind their actions, words, and thoughts. I was in love with this book and it's characters, and felt every twist and turn emotionally as I went through it with them. I love them all so much it is difficult to pick a favorite. Their bravery and positivity through hardship really are to be admired, as is that of many in history who don't get the recognition and memory that they deserve. This has definitely got to be one of the best historical fiction books that I have ever read, and I would definitely recommend it. Fans of Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire will love this as much as I loved both that series and this book.
erinricks's review against another edition
5.0
Oh. My. Gosh. This book was SOOOOOO good! I read it in a little under two hours, I just couldn't put it down! Great job Ruta Sepetys! I was crying at the end, which was nasty because I was sick, but STILL IT WAS SO GOOD. READ IT NOW.
melodicpiano's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot express how much I loved this book.
My English teacher last year recommended it to me and I absolutely loved it, the characters, the plot ,THE ENDING :( omg dude the ending was so sad it's one of my favourite reads of all time.
My English teacher last year recommended it to me and I absolutely loved it, the characters, the plot ,THE ENDING :( omg dude the ending was so sad it's one of my favourite reads of all time.