Reviews

I loved VH previous books, so I was really looking forward to start this one. Unfortunately it didn't grip me, like her other books. I kept waiting for the book to really start, the first 100 pages, could have easily be shortened to 10-20 pages. The first part read almost like a 60's romance novel for bored housewives.

The second part was a bit better, but still felt nothing like her other books. None of the characters endeared me, most of them annoyed me. Maybe because there was no depth in them. The whole story seemed so far fetched, a feeling that her other books never gave me.

Writing this review 2 star seems high, but only books I really hate get a 1 star (because I cant give 0 stars) and I didnt hate it. It just left me dissapointed.

kathieboucher's review against another edition

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3.0

I’m old enough to remember the invasion and partition of Cyprus. The names from the news soaked themselves into a corner of my childhood brain and stayed there—Archbishop Makarios, Nicosia, Larnaca… This is a story of that invasion and its effect on several families in a seaside resort town called Famagusta. It’s barely more than an overview—the characters are no more than ciphers serving to populate the story and move the narrative along. That said—-it’s diverting enough to get three stars.

aliciagriggs's review against another edition

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3.0

It's with a heavy heart that I give this story 3 stars. I loved this book at first, and have recently become a huge fan of Victoria Hislop books. I didn't think this was any different, until I got to the part of a brutal rape. Rape was mentioned throughout, and that was bad enough, but when it became more explicit my enjoyment of the book was shattered. I skimmed it but knowing it was there, and getting the gist, especially as it was spoken about in the remaining chapters, was enough. Had it not been for that, I would have loved this book, and I think the horror and sadness of what happened to Famagusta was enough, without having to resort to additional horror. So, if you're thinking of reading this book, but are easily triggered by stuff like this, like I am, then it's probably not worth it.
The rest of the book was great, and I enjoy her style of writing.

beckboo88's review against another edition

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5.0

really good. not sure I was going to like it to start with but once I got going with it I couldn't put it down

bmpicc's review against another edition

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2.0

I'm a little torn on this one. It was an easy read once I got into it. My problem is the characters had no real depth. I had no feelings whatsoever about the people. The main couple we follow was (in my opinion) a very unloving marriage and Markos and his siblings felt completely surface level. I did enjoy learning more about Cyprus and its history so I'm not upset I read it.

hazelj's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative 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? Yes

5.0

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