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musicalpopcorn's review
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
When Daniel Kennicott is sent on a trip to Italy, he has no idea what he will learn about his family history and how it has woven into his life since World War 2.
The plot of this book kept me interested and pushed ahead at a good pace. I found parts of the story kind of cheesy, but other than that, the characters were enjoyable and the story taught me about wartime Italy.
I wish that the chapters weren’t quite so short. It felt like you were just falling back into the rhythm of the point of view of a character when you were ripped back to another.
The plot of this book kept me interested and pushed ahead at a good pace. I found parts of the story kind of cheesy, but other than that, the characters were enjoyable and the story taught me about wartime Italy.
I wish that the chapters weren’t quite so short. It felt like you were just falling back into the rhythm of the point of view of a character when you were ripped back to another.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia, Death of parent, Alcoholism, Car accident, Murder, and Religious bigotry
kdickin3's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I found the writing to be very straightforward and right to the point. If you are a fan of history, and aren't as concerned with scenic descriptions then I think you'd enjoy this writing style.
For the first 2-3 parts I was mostly only interested in Kennicott’s sections. The other characters storylines seemed like an odd addition, or simply filler. However once I got further in I became more invested in them, and the reason why they are there starts to come together.
I really enjoyed the little bits of true history we get throughout the book. I'm sure I'll be doing some Google deep dives soon to read more about them.
I didn't love the end though. I thought there could have been more, it really feels like it just stops abruptly. Also I wish we got more of Grandpa Y, and the history that came about from his storyline.
For the first 2-3 parts I was mostly only interested in Kennicott’s sections. The other characters storylines seemed like an odd addition, or simply filler. However once I got further in I became more invested in them, and the reason why they are there starts to come together.
I really enjoyed the little bits of true history we get throughout the book. I'm sure I'll be doing some Google deep dives soon to read more about them.
I didn't love the end though. I thought there could have been more, it really feels like it just stops abruptly. Also I wish we got more of Grandpa Y, and the history that came about from his storyline.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Genocide
Moderate: War
Minor: Alcoholism
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