Reviews

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

bscarlin's review against another edition

informative inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.75

nikki_d09's review against another edition

5.0

This has to be one of THE BEST books that I’ve ever read. Hands down, this is a must read!

hebgraham's review against another edition

2.0

I hate to be harsh but this book just isn’t it. If you’re interested in the topic I’d read Lilac Girls, Alice Network, or The Nightingale.

The issues I had: little description or care for the protagonists Jewish identity, the mother character who refused to understand the war (I really thought it would be revealed she had memory loss or the protagonist would realize her mother was verbally abusive?), the centralization of the romance, the difference between the synopsis and the actual story, etc.

I finished it because while I didn’t enjoy it, I wanted to be able to compare it to the others I’ve read with similar storylines and settings.

gymstic's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.25

jenamber00's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense 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? No

5.0

This book was so beautiful, I forgot to add it to my "read" pile back in March but I haven't quit thinking about it. This author did a fantastic job of weaving this story together. It felt SO real!! It made me feel so many things. The ending was everything I could ever hope and want for in an ending and I was just left with this beautiful feeling. It felt very complete. 
I enjoyed the back and forth of the chapters where some were of the "here and now" and most were of the "back then". 
Sometimes I can "hear" the authors regular tone in each character where none of them feel different but I could completely feel a difference in each character. They all had their own voice, their own personalities. 
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially with a side order of a true love trope, then this is your book. Definitely worth the read!!

yana's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

kristinalh's review against another edition

5.0

"Eva looked away and thought again of her mother's despair. They are erasing us, and we are helping them. 'Because someone should remember. How else will they find their way home?' "


I really enjoyed this read. This had just enough history and story to keep me entertained and eager to turn the pages. I hope there is a sequel to find out what happened with the names within the Book of Lost Names! I enjoyed the different snippets into everyone's backstory. And the ending had me pleasantly surprised with tears in my eyes!

brwhite's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

novelette's review against another edition

3.0

Okay, I seem to be the only one mentioning this. Why is her mother such a horrible woman? Standing up for her daughter, or allegedly standing up for her daughter, does not negate the mean and spiteful words and actions. Selfish woman.

youguadareadwithme's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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? No

4.0