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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
Entertaining, but felt implausible, even though it’s based on a true story. Some sexual stuff, violence, Nazi brutality, language. 18+, maybe younger after a reread.
I loved this book. Thank you Mark Sullivan for writing this beautiful book!
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
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:
Complicated
dark
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
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:
Complicated
Compelling and raw. Told in a narrative style, I found it easier to read (composition-wise) than Unbroken for example. Life doesn’t end wrapped up in a neat little bow. Especially Pino’s experience regarding the Nazi general he was a driver for. Additionally, Pino didn’t even talk about his story until close to his passing, and that was mostly because of multiple serendipitous encounters that got the author connected to Pino. Makes you wonder and revel over how many people didn’t get the chance to tell their stories, or never wanted to. We would never know.
Fav excerpt:
[“But after everything, and even when the skies turn scarlet and threatening, I still believe that if we are lucky enough to be alive, we must give thanks for the miracle of every moment of every day, no matter how flawed. And we must have faith in God, and in the Universe, and in a better tomorrow, even if that faith is not always deserved.”
…
He drank from his Chianti. His eyes misted and unscrewed, and for a long time we sat in silence, and the old man was far, far away.
…
When at last he took off his glasses, the sun was setting, casting the lake in coppers and golds. He wiped away tears and put his glasses back on. Then he looked over, gave me a sad, sweet smile, and put his palm across his heart. “Forgive an old man his memories,” Pino said. “Some loves never die.”]
Fav excerpt:
[“But after everything, and even when the skies turn scarlet and threatening, I still believe that if we are lucky enough to be alive, we must give thanks for the miracle of every moment of every day, no matter how flawed. And we must have faith in God, and in the Universe, and in a better tomorrow, even if that faith is not always deserved.”
…
He drank from his Chianti. His eyes misted and unscrewed, and for a long time we sat in silence, and the old man was far, far away.
…
When at last he took off his glasses, the sun was setting, casting the lake in coppers and golds. He wiped away tears and put his glasses back on. Then he looked over, gave me a sad, sweet smile, and put his palm across his heart. “Forgive an old man his memories,” Pino said. “Some loves never die.”]
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Interesting book!
Slow start, but Great read overall for historical fiction fanatics! Such a unique tale with a romantic interest story line as well.
Slow start, but Great read overall for historical fiction fanatics! Such a unique tale with a romantic interest story line as well.
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No