emotional reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

bethanyellen73's review

3.5
challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book is an intimate look at complex family dynamics, both blood bonds, and those we consider family. The story brings you back in time, and really shows you how the past can echo through to future generations. It’s a ripple effect, generational trauma that continues to be passed on, tearing families apart and making them distant instead of pushing them closer. War devastates, and even though Lena didn’t directly experience it, she still feels the ways in which it left her parents scarred. I got lost in the memories and emotions that flowed off the page, Wachtel truly brings both characters and setting to life around the reader. It’s like stepping back through time. If you’re looking for an emotional, and at times heartbreaking, read, then you’ll want to grab this. 
reflective sad tense slow-paced
challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense
dawnyamk's profile picture

dawnyamk's review

4.0
emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
reflective sad slow-paced
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No

k_a_r_e_n_b's review

3.25
emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated