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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 rounded up to 4. The book just didn't draw me in. Maybe it's because I read a fantastic WW2 right before that and my expectations and excitement were too high.
I’ve been reading a lot of novels lately where the line gets blurred between the reader and the story (The Ten Thousand Doors of January, The Starless Sea…). In Emuna Elon’s House on Endless Waters (recently released in English), it’s the writing process where the line blurs, in part, because the main character is attempting to tell an autobiographical story. Confronting the secrets of his early years as a Jew in Amsterdam during World War II and the occupation, the reader watches as research and being in the city help him to develop and shape the novel he is going to write.
Despite traveling the world for his book tours, Israeli writer Yoel Blum has always honored his late mother’s wishes that he never visits Amsterdam — despite the fact that he was born there. But when a publisher pushes and he yields, a visit to the Jewish Museum begins to reveal the secrets behind his mother’s request. Turning to his older sister for what she knows, Yoel ultimately decides to write his next book about his mother, her experiences in Amsterdam during the occupation, and how those tied back to who he became.
For my full review, please visit my blog: https://wp.me/pUEx4-Xc
Despite traveling the world for his book tours, Israeli writer Yoel Blum has always honored his late mother’s wishes that he never visits Amsterdam — despite the fact that he was born there. But when a publisher pushes and he yields, a visit to the Jewish Museum begins to reveal the secrets behind his mother’s request. Turning to his older sister for what she knows, Yoel ultimately decides to write his next book about his mother, her experiences in Amsterdam during the occupation, and how those tied back to who he became.
For my full review, please visit my blog: https://wp.me/pUEx4-Xc
I tried to read this book 2-3 times. I think the farthest I got was 60-70 pages. I wouldn’t normally post a review of a book I didn’t finish, but I received an advanced reader copy via a goodreads giveaway.
I struggled with this book (if that wasn’t already obvious from my previous paragraph). I believe this was a translated work, and I think that created my big disconnect. After 70 pages, I have no idea what is happening, couldn’t tell you any of the characters’ names, and reading it felt like work.
I’m in the minority with my thoughts. And life is too short for my hobby to feel like work. On to my next book!
I struggled with this book (if that wasn’t already obvious from my previous paragraph). I believe this was a translated work, and I think that created my big disconnect. After 70 pages, I have no idea what is happening, couldn’t tell you any of the characters’ names, and reading it felt like work.
I’m in the minority with my thoughts. And life is too short for my hobby to feel like work. On to my next book!
Audio book review.
Really atmospheric, dark, gritty, but also emotional. I can't say I enjoyed this book outright, like it wasn't fun to read, but I appreciate what it made me think about and feel. WWII tends to be a subject I always avoid in books, but this one worked. Not my first choice for genre or subject matter, but I liked it while reading, and would recommend for anyone looking for a slower-paced wartime story that focuses less on the battle and more on the people affected.
Really atmospheric, dark, gritty, but also emotional. I can't say I enjoyed this book outright, like it wasn't fun to read, but I appreciate what it made me think about and feel. WWII tends to be a subject I always avoid in books, but this one worked. Not my first choice for genre or subject matter, but I liked it while reading, and would recommend for anyone looking for a slower-paced wartime story that focuses less on the battle and more on the people affected.
This is my own opinion.I did not enjoy reading this book I felt like a ping pong, it is translated from Hebrew to English. Don"t know if that is the cause but the story did not have a flow.
I likded the base of the story about family secrets and the discovry of one"s past and who they are. Liked the cover of the book too.
I want to thank Netgalley,Simon & Schuster Canada, Atria Books and Emuna Elon for this advance e-copy in exchage of an honest review.
I likded the base of the story about family secrets and the discovry of one"s past and who they are. Liked the cover of the book too.
I want to thank Netgalley,Simon & Schuster Canada, Atria Books and Emuna Elon for this advance e-copy in exchage of an honest review.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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:
Complicated