Reviews

El Último Tren a la Libertad by Meg Waite Clayton

amcarley's review against another edition

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

ben_svensson's review against another edition

emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

nicjohnston's review against another edition

3.0

At the core of this book is an incredible story and, based on true events, it is one that needs to be told. Around that real life pivot is a fictionalised tale of children being assisted to flee Nazi occupied territories. The characters are fairly strong but perhaps unnecessarily complex (maths genius, playwright prodigy ... ) but their journey keeps the book moving with pace. However, having loved numerous other similar books (The Nightingale, Lilac Girls, All The Light We Cannot See, Beneath A Scarlett Sky), this felt a little disjointed. I can’t quite put my finger on the reason; possibly some elements were flabby with detail and focus which detracted from the overall story or it may have been short chapters from the outset which prevented the narrative from settling. Overall a strong 3.5*

lancastergainesville's review against another edition

inspiring sad

4.0

Even though it is fiction, it is based on the actual Kindertransport. I never really knew anything about Eichmann and his methods of getting Jews to leave. This was harrowing. 

nina_0159's review against another edition

dark emotional medium-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

4.0

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.

Spoiler

I was dying to learn if Stephan made it onto the train.

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.

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.