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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
It was an enjoyable book although at times the story lagged when it should have given us much more insight into the characters of Sylvanna and her son, especially when they lived in the forest. Characters are quite well developed but why Tony is there, is a mystery to me. Was the author's intention to simply put temptation in Syl's path or was it to help her to realize how much she still loved her husband? Still not sure. Realistic resolution.
A Polish couple reunites in a British town to renew their married life after being separated for 6 years during WWII. Each has experienced horrors of war and keeps secrets from their time apart from the other.
amazingly strong storytelling for a first novel - set in Europe during and after WWII; would work for a book discussion with the impact of war on people (men, women and children); the kind of characters that will stay with you for a long time
read this for one of my book clubs. Actually found neither of the two main characters very sympathetic. Certainly the author conveyed the hopelessness and fear that many civilians felt in war torn nations in Europe. Although many in my book club didn't like the characters, we had a great discussion...so you never know.
Please visit the blog to enter for this book giveaway, and see my review:
http://www.burtonbookreview.com/2011/04/giveaway-book-review-22-britannia-road.html
http://www.burtonbookreview.com/2011/04/giveaway-book-review-22-britannia-road.html
Really thought this was great in the beginning but it fizzled out in the middle. At the end had to make myself finish it.
My review is for the audio book - nice story at a slow pace, but that was the point I think. Very predictable.
Such a beautiful story about loss and how the war can affect us all, it doesn't matter your origins, status or your currently situation in the world.
Another thing that made me stick with the book and read it in less than two days was the structure - each chapter is subdivided with the couple story before/during the war and their currently story in England. The couple, Silvana and Janusz, have their own sins to pay and you cannot choose sides - both made terrible mistakes in life and none of them are able to forgive or beg for forgiveness, maybe this was the most interesting counterpoint of the story: how can you live a good life if you are not willing to understand your own mishaps and learn with them? Everybody has secrets, but some of them cannot be hidden for so long...
Another thing that made me stick with the book and read it in less than two days was the structure - each chapter is subdivided with the couple story before/during the war and their currently story in England. The couple, Silvana and Janusz, have their own sins to pay and you cannot choose sides - both made terrible mistakes in life and none of them are able to forgive or beg for forgiveness, maybe this was the most interesting counterpoint of the story: how can you live a good life if you are not willing to understand your own mishaps and learn with them? Everybody has secrets, but some of them cannot be hidden for so long...