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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
This book was half long-form journalism and half poorly developed romance. Contemporary fiction has ruined me I guess -- the dialogue between Catherine and the protagonist was so forced and insincere.
That said, "We were blown up while eating cheese" is one of my favorite lines I've ever read.
That said, "We were blown up while eating cheese" is one of my favorite lines I've ever read.
The writing is fast-paced and straightforward. It's very awkward-sounding if you're reading it out loud or as an audio book. The pace and dialogue have to be seen rather than heard. Otherwise, you'd be lost and probably hate it.
Reading a book from the 1920s about WWI shouldn't be judged in the context of 2025's world and culture (unless you WANT to dislike it). I expect to see political incorrectness and scenes that wouldn't fly in today's world. It's a glimpse into the past, and you can still enjoy a story despite it being from an antiquated set of values.
I felt like the style of writing, characters, and plot all fit together well. I appreciated it for being what it was: a man's experiences in his life from his perspective, during wartime, and in love.
Reading a book from the 1920s about WWI shouldn't be judged in the context of 2025's world and culture (unless you WANT to dislike it). I expect to see political incorrectness and scenes that wouldn't fly in today's world. It's a glimpse into the past, and you can still enjoy a story despite it being from an antiquated set of values.
I felt like the style of writing, characters, and plot all fit together well. I appreciated it for being what it was: a man's experiences in his life from his perspective, during wartime, and in love.
*sniff* This is the last time I read romance.
For the past thousand years, my sister has been trying to get me to read romance. “It’s great! Romance makes your heart feel good.” I’m not a fan of chocolate hearts and confessions in the rain.
But this book was different. While, yes, it was a romance, it was so much more than that. It involved war, life, death, going AWOL and a lot of action. Romance was just the tip of this Hemingway iceberg. But this man likes to shatter hearts.
Just as I was getting into it. JUST as I was starting to think “maybe romance isn’t so bad” tragedy struck. And that’s all I’ll tell you. Tragedy seems to be Hemingway’s vibe. “Oh, you like this story? HAHA SUCKER, LET ME JUST DESTROY THE REASON YOU LIKE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! BWAHAHAHA!!”
as you can see, I’ve harbored these resentments for a very long time.
Now I’ve taken a firm stance on Romance. Nuh uh. No, sir. Now you’ll have to force me to read a romance book. I am DONE. THROUGH.
After that long rant, I think it’s time for me to point out the good things. To me, this book seemed like a great dark comedy. Like why this was ever labeled a drama is beyond me (well, that’s not true. Just read the book, bro). If you have fans of Hemingway, or maybe you just want a book to read that isn’t some trashy romance your sister is obsessed with, then read this book.
It’s great, trust me.
For the past thousand years, my sister has been trying to get me to read romance. “It’s great! Romance makes your heart feel good.” I’m not a fan of chocolate hearts and confessions in the rain.
But this book was different. While, yes, it was a romance, it was so much more than that. It involved war, life, death, going AWOL and a lot of action. Romance was just the tip of this Hemingway iceberg. But this man likes to shatter hearts.
Just as I was getting into it. JUST as I was starting to think “maybe romance isn’t so bad” tragedy struck. And that’s all I’ll tell you. Tragedy seems to be Hemingway’s vibe. “Oh, you like this story? HAHA SUCKER, LET ME JUST DESTROY THE REASON YOU LIKE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! BWAHAHAHA!!”
as you can see, I’ve harbored these resentments for a very long time.
Now I’ve taken a firm stance on Romance. Nuh uh. No, sir. Now you’ll have to force me to read a romance book. I am DONE. THROUGH.
After that long rant, I think it’s time for me to point out the good things. To me, this book seemed like a great dark comedy. Like why this was ever labeled a drama is beyond me (well, that’s not true. Just read the book, bro). If you have fans of Hemingway, or maybe you just want a book to read that isn’t some trashy romance your sister is obsessed with, then read this book.
It’s great, trust me.
dark
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Such a beautifully written story by my favorite author. ❤️
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Up until the end, the book was good. I found the climax to be an unexpected, unpleasant surprise. It was tucked into the last few pages, and appears as an afterthought which taints the plot. I was dumbfounded and thought to myself, 'Really? Where did this come from?'