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bwallace22's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mohaa's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
anniecan's review against another edition
2.0
Slow going, not much historical depth. Characters felt under-developed and overall the story line just felt choppy and rushed. I don’t mind some fluffy romantic content if there is a depth of historical or other valuable content, and this lacked delivery on all fronts.
kaylasbookishlife's review
5.0
Espionage, conspiracies, betrayal...this book was so captivating! Turns out it’s the prequel to a series too! I had no idea lol.
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Margot Rosenthal arrives in Paris prior to the signing of the Versailles Treaty to mark the end of WWI. Her father, a former Oxford professor, is part of the German delegation and hopes to help secure a promising future for Germany. Margot meets Krysia, a Polish musician, and meets her ‘underground’ friends who seem to be plotting something much bigger under the noses of all the diplomats in the city. .
When the rest of the German delegating arrives, Margot also meets Georg, a naval officer. She agrees to help him translate reports but also finds herself tangled in an espionage mission. Not only is Margot possibly endangering Europe, but she is also in danger of breaking a promise to her fiancé back in Germany. .
I loved the twists and turns in this book! Set in Paris, one of my favourite settings for books, the secrets and alliances come to life and really paint a picture of what a strenuous time this was in history. I really enjoyed the pieces of Margot’s life that we slowly learned and how she felt conflicted about her feelings for Georg (a non-Jew) and her fiancé who is recovering from injuries sustained during the war. Margot is struggling with who to be loyal to, how to live an exciting life before marriage and what her passions are. That ending left me wanting more immediately!
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Margot Rosenthal arrives in Paris prior to the signing of the Versailles Treaty to mark the end of WWI. Her father, a former Oxford professor, is part of the German delegation and hopes to help secure a promising future for Germany. Margot meets Krysia, a Polish musician, and meets her ‘underground’ friends who seem to be plotting something much bigger under the noses of all the diplomats in the city. .
When the rest of the German delegating arrives, Margot also meets Georg, a naval officer. She agrees to help him translate reports but also finds herself tangled in an espionage mission. Not only is Margot possibly endangering Europe, but she is also in danger of breaking a promise to her fiancé back in Germany. .
I loved the twists and turns in this book! Set in Paris, one of my favourite settings for books, the secrets and alliances come to life and really paint a picture of what a strenuous time this was in history. I really enjoyed the pieces of Margot’s life that we slowly learned and how she felt conflicted about her feelings for Georg (a non-Jew) and her fiancé who is recovering from injuries sustained during the war. Margot is struggling with who to be loyal to, how to live an exciting life before marriage and what her passions are. That ending left me wanting more immediately!
mandyb_75's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this, although I didn’t love it. Probably more of a three star, but the last bit brought it up for me.
reader_jenn's review
1.0
There were so many problems with this book. So many plot points that just dropped off, seemingly going nowhere. A lot of the book was pretty dull actually. And then in the last 40 pages all of these plot points are tied up, but unsatisfyingly is you ask me. There were just too many things that weren't developed in the story that made it jarring and nonsensical. Also the protagonist was so frustrating the way she refused to admit the truth to herself about her own life. I finished the book just to say I read it all but I really lost interest about half way through.
kszr's review against another edition
4.0
While interesting read from the perspective it brings, a German Jewess at the end of WWI. I had forgotten this was part of the series - I must admit while I enjoyed this one, I liked the Kommandant's girl better.
sean67's review against another edition
2.0
Somewhat superfluous prequel in the series - I am waiting now for the Prime Minister's Second cousin Once Removed - anyway below average and not as engaging as the other books in the series which has indeed worn out its welcome.
daybreak1012's review against another edition
4.0
After reading the first two books in this series, it was interesting to read the "prequel" of a character I'd already met. I enjoy historical fiction from many time periods, but I haven't read much from the World War I era, so it made the storylines fresh. Like the previous two books, there was intrigue and espionage, and with it, twists and turns that made me start or gasp a bit as they were revealed. But this book had a bit more of a love story than the previous two (though they had their own romance as well). I was definitely as caught up in Margot and Georg's romance as I was in Margot's inner turmoil over her unintended involvement with Red Thorn. My only regret is that there is no real resolution to their love story, despite the Epilogue. I do enjoy Jenoff's writing though, and I have more of her books on my "to-read" list. I also wouldn't be disappointed if another book was released in this series.