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cari1268's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a little conflicted on this one. I was very invested in the story at times. However, there were other times where boredom reigned. I almost DNFed this book two hours in.
I did not like the writing. It felt like I really had to focus on what the author was saying to understand what was happening. That's not because the vocabulary was too sophisticated or the prose flowery. The writing stated things in a roundabout way that drove me a little crazy. (After reading other reviews, I'm wondering if this happened because too many unnecessary facts were included?) This made for a tedious read during the boring parts. (I actually listened to this book on 1.75 speed instead of my normal 2.00 speed to help with my understanding). Part of my confusion might have come from the narrator, who was a little hard to understand. However, I think most of my issues were with the writing in this case.
The book had a lot of character perspectives and short chapters. That is not my favorite style for telling a story. Personally, I have a hard time getting invested in stories that do this. *Cough, cough-The Fountains of Silence*
There were things I did like about The Last Train to London. When I was invested, I was invested. I loved getting to learn about "Tante Truus." How have I never heard of her?! I hope that she is taught in school when students learn about the holocaust. She is a hero. Not only was I unaware of Tante Truus, but I also was mostly unaware of the train loads that rescued children. This was a story that needed telling.
Although a little overdone, I loved Stephan's younger brother (I can't remember his name) and his dynamic with Peter Rabbit. So cute.
3 Stars.
*There was a little vulgarity and maybe a swear word or two.*
I did not like the writing. It felt like I really had to focus on what the author was saying to understand what was happening. That's not because the vocabulary was too sophisticated or the prose flowery. The writing stated things in a roundabout way that drove me a little crazy. (After reading other reviews, I'm wondering if this happened because too many unnecessary facts were included?) This made for a tedious read during the boring parts. (I actually listened to this book on 1.75 speed instead of my normal 2.00 speed to help with my understanding). Part of my confusion might have come from the narrator, who was a little hard to understand. However, I think most of my issues were with the writing in this case.
The book had a lot of character perspectives and short chapters. That is not my favorite style for telling a story. Personally, I have a hard time getting invested in stories that do this. *Cough, cough-The Fountains of Silence*
There were things I did like about The Last Train to London. When I was invested, I was invested.
Spoiler
I was dying to learn if Stephan made it onto the train.Although a little overdone, I loved Stephan's younger brother (I can't remember his name) and his dynamic with Peter Rabbit. So cute.
Spoiler
The scene with the little brother getting stuck in the street while pushing the wheelchair was one of the most heartbreaking for me.3 Stars.
*There was a little vulgarity and maybe a swear word or two.*
therowhedgereader's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-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? No
3.0
indydc's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
annemariep68's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I borrowed this e-book from the library and it took a while- and a number of renewals - to finally get into it but once I did I had trouble putting it down. The true story of the Kindertransport and well-crafted tales of children who could have been on those harrowing journeys out of danger in Austria and elsewhere - and of Tante Truus who risked her life to bring 1000+ children to safety in England is devastating and also of course hopeful. These real-life children went on to have full, successful lives and families and children of their own. An important story of how quickly things changed in Austria and the importance of love, friendship and family. Recommend.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
Really hard to read about children forced to leave their parents just to survive and parents sacrificing hoping that sending their children away will save them. Also hard knowing these types of stories actually happened and hardly any countries wanted to help any of the Jewish people trying to escape the Nazis. Thank goodness for the heroics of people like the woman this book is based on. A bright light amidst all the horrors.
kerensa2108's review against another edition
3.0
A wonderful story. I had no idea about this wonderful lady Tante Truus, and the heroic efforts she made to bring Jewish children to safety out of the Reich. The characters are beautifully portrayed and the descriptions of all the locations and events are very evocative. The narrative runs smoothly and I didn’t find the short chapters a problem, personally.
Only 3 stars though as I really struggled with the language, which I found too American for a story set in pre-war Europe (e.g. “visit with” - took me a while to realise that means chatting or talking; “eggplant” instead of aubergine, etc.). There are some errors and inconsistencies too, with no capital letters on words like Führer, etc. and US spellings mixed with GB spellings. Those made it hard for me to enjoy the novel fully. But it’s a keeper, if only because I learned something and would like to know more about Tante Truus and the Kindertransport.
Only 3 stars though as I really struggled with the language, which I found too American for a story set in pre-war Europe (e.g. “visit with” - took me a while to realise that means chatting or talking; “eggplant” instead of aubergine, etc.). There are some errors and inconsistencies too, with no capital letters on words like Führer, etc. and US spellings mixed with GB spellings. Those made it hard for me to enjoy the novel fully. But it’s a keeper, if only because I learned something and would like to know more about Tante Truus and the Kindertransport.
guylou's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of the most moving historical novels I have ever read. This book is based on the life of Geertruida Wijsmuller-Meijer (a.k.a. Tante Truus), an Austrian woman who stood for justice and risked her own life to rescue hundreds of Jewish children during WWII. She was a true hero.
The story follows two Austrian children. Stephan Neuman wants to be a play-writer when he grows up. Zofie-Helene Perger wants to be a mathematician when she grows up. They become friends but when Germany annexes Austria in 1938, Stephan, a young Jew, is no longer permitted to be friend with Zofie, a young Arian. Their beautiful friendship will be shaken but not broken. When offered a chance to go to Great Britain, they both embark on a long journey of discovery, courage and commitment.
cortg15's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
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? No
3.5
tayelspeth's review against another edition
Too many characters and the writing was more history bookish than novel which wasn't what I was in the to read
linesuponapage's review against another edition
5.0
Holy Cow!!! I thought I had read everything that had to do with the Kindertransport, however I missed a lot on my journey to understanding until The Last Train to London rode into my universe. Ms. Clayton has created a world where heartache, Heroism, and horror blend together to honor men and women who tried to do what was best for the Jewish Children of WWII torn German, Austria and the surrounding areas.
Stephan Neumann Is an ordinary Austrian teenager, however what is inordinately different is that he is a phenomenal writer who loves the brilliant math prodigy, Žofie-Helene Perger daughter of a “rabble rousing journalist” and whose family owns the most famous chocolatier factory in all of Austria. The Last Train to London is his story. It’s also. Madame Geertruida Wijsmuller’s (Tante Truus as she was known to those she saved) story, and the thousands of children she helped save from the terrors of the Concentration Camps of WWII. Those adults that ran the Kindertransport were hero's. They risked their own lives and their families lives into the danger of themselves being residents of any of the horrific concentration camps. We owe them the stories that are told of them to help open each other’s eyes so we don’t have a repeat of the terror of trying to annihilate a whole race of people. People of the Jewish faith, ones related to me and my German ancestors. People who believe in peace and love. This is their story, this is a story we all should read and learn from.
I highly recommend The Last Train Of London as not only as a great read, the factual history is dark, deep and revealing AND one that is timely and important.
Stephan Neumann Is an ordinary Austrian teenager, however what is inordinately different is that he is a phenomenal writer who loves the brilliant math prodigy, Žofie-Helene Perger daughter of a “rabble rousing journalist” and whose family owns the most famous chocolatier factory in all of Austria. The Last Train to London is his story. It’s also. Madame Geertruida Wijsmuller’s (Tante Truus as she was known to those she saved) story, and the thousands of children she helped save from the terrors of the Concentration Camps of WWII. Those adults that ran the Kindertransport were hero's. They risked their own lives and their families lives into the danger of themselves being residents of any of the horrific concentration camps. We owe them the stories that are told of them to help open each other’s eyes so we don’t have a repeat of the terror of trying to annihilate a whole race of people. People of the Jewish faith, ones related to me and my German ancestors. People who believe in peace and love. This is their story, this is a story we all should read and learn from.
I highly recommend The Last Train Of London as not only as a great read, the factual history is dark, deep and revealing AND one that is timely and important.