Scan barcode
gloriazthompson's review
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Death
tahdens's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I don't know why but this queer reader thought when there was this mystery surrounding these two women and why the girl's grandma never talked about her past it was because it was a TRAGIC SAPPHIC LOVE STORY lol but instead I got something way, way, waaay worse. Nothing close to my wishful thinking.
I still enjoyed the book because the characters felt real. And I enjoyed the way the book was written, with the switching of the point of views of the women. Although I think I liked original timeline better than the 2016 timeline for most of the book, and frequently kept on wishing for Heather's chapters to be over so I could read about Ann and Miriam's life.
I also feel this book would've been much more enjoyed by people who either live in Toronto or London and know the locations the author spent a lot of time talking about because most of those paragraphs went right over my head. But if I knew these locations I probably would've gotten a clearer picture and enjoyed it more. Also with all the talk about embroidering. If you were a reader that knew anything about it I bet it would've been more entertaining. For me, it was just words.
This book has taught me though that I really enjoy historical fiction that include real historical people and/or actual historical events because it feels more grounding. But also taught me that I really... don't like books that use rape and unexpected pregnancies as its major plot point. I know it happens more frequently than we wish in real life but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to read about it, especially when it ends the friendship of the two main characters.
I still enjoyed the book because the characters felt real. And I enjoyed the way the book was written, with the switching of the point of views of the women. Although I think I liked original timeline better than the 2016 timeline for most of the book, and frequently kept on wishing for Heather's chapters to be over so I could read about Ann and Miriam's life.
I also feel this book would've been much more enjoyed by people who either live in Toronto or London and know the locations the author spent a lot of time talking about because most of those paragraphs went right over my head. But if I knew these locations I probably would've gotten a clearer picture and enjoyed it more. Also with all the talk about embroidering. If you were a reader that knew anything about it I bet it would've been more entertaining. For me, it was just words.
This book has taught me though that I really enjoy historical fiction that include real historical people and/or actual historical events because it feels more grounding. But also taught me that I really... don't like books that use rape and unexpected pregnancies as its major plot point. I know it happens more frequently than we wish in real life but that doesn't necessarily mean I want to read about it, especially when it ends the friendship of the two main characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: War, Death of parent, and Death
pagesfromhome's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved every second of this. I listened on audio and, while the Canadian accent of the narrator wasn't perfect, hearing this story rather than just reading it was lovely. I love books focused on friendship and what it means to be a friend and this story does exactly that. Normally I can wax poetic about books I loved but honestly, this one took me by surprise. It's so much deeper and more emotional than I expected. I loved Anne and Miriam and following Heather on her journey to discover her family through the well-kept secrets. If you're interested in multi-generational storytelling and multiple POVs, I'd recommend adding this one to your list!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Antisemitism
Moderate: Death and Violence
More...