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4.26 AVERAGE
4.26 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Generally a fictionalized version of Pino Lella's WWII experiences. If half of what is written as true, it's an amazing story of resistance. Pino, a young man from Milan, helps people in hiding escape by walking them across mountain passes and then later becomes a driver for Hitler's left-hand man, General Leyers, as a spy for the resistance. Difficult to tell what's completely true or not. There are many, many coincidental close calls and well-known people rubbing elbows. Much controversy can be found about the novel online...
But regardless of that controversy, the main issue I had was with the writing style. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it doesn't flow and was hard to get into. I felt the same way with Sullivan's All the Glimmering Stars at first, but then getting into the story sorted out those bumps. I never quite felt like I could suspend my disbelief enough for this story to get into it like that one. It also ends super abruptly with an Aftermath Afterword that name drops a hundred people and is really difficult to follow. All in all, 2 ⭐ writing, 5/4 ⭐ story (if the events are real/which not all probably are). Average 3 ⭐.
But regardless of that controversy, the main issue I had was with the writing style. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it doesn't flow and was hard to get into. I felt the same way with Sullivan's All the Glimmering Stars at first, but then getting into the story sorted out those bumps. I never quite felt like I could suspend my disbelief enough for this story to get into it like that one. It also ends super abruptly with an Aftermath Afterword that name drops a hundred people and is really difficult to follow. All in all, 2 ⭐ writing, 5/4 ⭐ story (if the events are real/which not all probably are). Average 3 ⭐.
Fantastic!
Amazing story about WWII from a different perspective. It was an amazing story that kept me on my toes. I learned a lot about what Milan was like during that time period.
Amazing story about WWII from a different perspective. It was an amazing story that kept me on my toes. I learned a lot about what Milan was like during that time period.
Loved this book. Couldn't put it down. Well written.
3.7⭐️ DNF close to end (reading slump) this book was so beautifully written. The descriptions of mountains especially. I love the first half the book before more (surprisingly). I feel the mountain trail scenes are amazingly written but when Pino returns back to the city book becomes a lot more repetitive and dull.
Hands down the best book I’ve read in years. I usually don’t write reviews because I’m lazy but this book was the most incredible story and everyone should read it
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
not my usual kind of book but i’m so glad i read it because it was an amazing story
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-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
I quite enjoyed the story, although i didn’t particularly enjoy the writing style. There was a lot of unnecessary detail that drew out the story for no reason, and critical moments seemed to have been glossed over when they should have had more time dedicated to them.
A good, solid book with all it takes to make bestsellers which this was among. Historical fiction with WWII setting blends good story including suspense, action, adventure and romance.