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kaceilia's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. It was beautifully written. The author makes you believe the bad people are still misplaced people and they are. They are manipulated into a lie. It was gripping and sad. I loved the style of the point of views and how it was descriptive yet short. I was hanging on to every word. Beautiful
_starless's review against another edition
4.0
the last 15% was such a gut punch. horrific and heartbreaking imagery
rebeccaisabelle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-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? Yes
3.5
The reading pace was quite fast for this book. I got to learn about periods of history I didn't know before such as the sinking of the Willem Gustoff. I also loved the relationship between Florian and Joana. However, overall, I found that the book was sad. Characters I didn't expect to pass away, passed away, those such as Ingrid, the shoe poet, Alfred, and Emilia. Emilia's death was the saddest of them all because I really thought she'd make it but I guess that just points to the fact that many people died in that catastrophe. I'm glad that Joana, Florian and Klaus got a happy ending though. I would have liked to hear more about where Eva ended up or if Florian and Joana ever found their respective families.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, War, Violence, Xenophobia, Death, Murder, Antisemitism, Hate crime, Genocide, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Blood, Physical abuse, Grief, Body horror, Racism, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Torture, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Rape
filaret526's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
rstocrat's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
tibbarasden's review against another edition
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I really loved the format and the way the narrative bounced between the different characters. It had a stream of consciousness feel. I found the refugee aspect impactful and loved the different backgrounds and viewpoints of the characters. I loved the variety of ages. The maritime aspect was also a big draw for me, and I appreciate how the author highlights lesser known events from the time period. I read this in one sitting, staying up until three in the morning, so it is safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed this.
beammey's review against another edition
5.0
This book is freaking amazing. I love Ms. Sepetys style of writing and how she draws you in from the very first chapter, I love how this book tied in with Between Shades of Grey, I loved all the all the characters. I literally laughed and cried reading this book and it's so heart wrenching because this actually happened, even if the characters were fictional. Such a great, great book. I would recommend it. Easily 5 out of 5 stars.
bribellej's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0