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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Especially good at scenes that feel incredibly real, but natural - not in an overly descriptive way. I appreciate the complexity of minor characters. The two "worlds" are woven together expertly. Initially the mix of first and third person narrative was confusing, but I fell into the flow of it pretty quickly.
A great literary piece told in a ghost's point of view. I liked how there were multiple stories, but they all connected. It's hard to describe this book without spoiling, so just know that it is one that will immerse you in a world that will break your heart. But, it is full of hope and beauty as well.
I have never read a book that has made me cry so many times.
I really enjoyed this book. Frankie and Pearl's stories are compelling and the setting of the Guardians orphanage is the perfect vehicle for this haunting historical fiction tale to be told.
Really interesting combination of ghost story and historical, set around WWII on the home front. Appealing characters, unique setting (an orphanage), and a family mystery that keeps your interest. Recommended.
I really wanted to like this book, but I struggled to get to the end. 3 stars are because the writing is truly lovely. What the words are saying ramble on a steady, unending, and depressing trail.
I have really mixed feelings about this book. Laura Ruby's writing was absolutely stunning, and the story had a very haunting quality...but there was just something about it. I feel like the conclusion wasn't particularly satisfying - it just kind of happened, and that was that. There was a chance for something really huge to happen with this story, and it just didn't quite make it, in my opinion. I liked the characters, and I liked the book being narrated by a ghost. Hearing both Pearl and Frankie's stories and seeing how they were intertwined was interesting, but I feel like whenever what was meant to be a big reveal happened, my reaction was, "Oh, okay then."
That being said, I did really enjoy this. It was a captivating story, and it showed a different side of WWII then what I'm used to seeing in historical fiction. I also definitely recommend the audiobook - the narrator was fantastic! So I did enjoy this; it just had some problems.
That being said, I did really enjoy this. It was a captivating story, and it showed a different side of WWII then what I'm used to seeing in historical fiction. I also definitely recommend the audiobook - the narrator was fantastic! So I did enjoy this; it just had some problems.
This one took a while. Some parts grabbed me, some I wanted to skip over. There were times when I couldn't figure out who was speaking: Frankie? Pearl? Marguerite? The historical aspect of the story was good. I felt for Frankie when it came to her relationship with Sam. Pearl's story was heartbreaking, but with so many different POV, I felt the true story got lost in the end.
Completely charmed and captivated by this searing read. Finished over a daylight savings weekend, with so many other things to do, but it was impossible to put this one down. The author’s note on the story’s origin and arc is as good as the work itself, you felt that connection on every page. I’ll carry Fran and Pearl in my heart for a long time.