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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
Not sure I can adequately put my feelings about this book into words, but I’ll give it my best shot. I never regret picking up a historical fiction book, as I always learn something and fall hard for the characters in the stories! This one is no exception. I’ve never heard of the little known program, Operation Paperclip, that went on in the very state in which I live. This is a hard story to read and will have you wondering what would you do in these circumstances. It’s a dual POV, multi timeline novel those poses many ethical questions. Sophie and Lizzie’s families and friends had to make choices no one should ever have to make, but you do what you feel is “right” in order to survive. I still don’t think I understand or grasped everything I could to really appreciate this book. Yes, it’s an outstanding five star read and my lack of understanding history shouldn’t deduct stars for that.
Just when I think another tangent of the travesty that was the Nazi regime can possibly be explored, along comes this book. This is from two women’s perspectives when America brings former Nazi rocket scientists to NASA after liberation.
I am leading our book club on this novel, so I dug deeper into recurring themes, character change, etc. than I normally would. With that said, here are a few observations.
I found the time shifts with the parallel storylines a bit fractured. I usually enjoy this type of story, but this one felt tangled somehow.
Both female protagonists experienced extreme changes in Socio-Economic status, making them strong survivors.
I found the sections detailing the Nazis rise in the government strikingly similar to what is happening in America’s party structure currently. Lies are common place and little is done once they are exposed as long as they further party goals.
I did not know regular German citizens during this time routinely had their homes bugged. I only assumed this was Jewish people or those suspected of treason.
Mainly the theme of this book was the thought of loyalty to family safety and stability versus personal values. How far does one go before drawing the line? Also, if one participates in something reprehensible to keep their family safe, do they ever deserve to enjoy liberties and freedoms again even as their deeds are now overwhelmingly for the common good? I know this is a jumble. This book gives the reader much to think about.
I am leading our book club on this novel, so I dug deeper into recurring themes, character change, etc. than I normally would. With that said, here are a few observations.
I found the time shifts with the parallel storylines a bit fractured. I usually enjoy this type of story, but this one felt tangled somehow.
Both female protagonists experienced extreme changes in Socio-Economic status, making them strong survivors.
I found the sections detailing the Nazis rise in the government strikingly similar to what is happening in America’s party structure currently. Lies are common place and little is done once they are exposed as long as they further party goals.
I did not know regular German citizens during this time routinely had their homes bugged. I only assumed this was Jewish people or those suspected of treason.
Mainly the theme of this book was the thought of loyalty to family safety and stability versus personal values. How far does one go before drawing the line? Also, if one participates in something reprehensible to keep their family safe, do they ever deserve to enjoy liberties and freedoms again even as their deeds are now overwhelmingly for the common good? I know this is a jumble. This book gives the reader much to think about.
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very interesting premise-story of preWWII told from the perspective of a German family in Nazi Germany and American family during the Dust Bowl. I do think I need to accept I just don’t like the way this author writes. I went back and reread my review from another book I read of hers and I have similar complaints— characterization limited by first person narrative and often stilted descriptions of what was occurring. The dialogue and pacing was great—I was engaged the whole time and the story itself is fascinating, emphasizing how truly easy it is to find yourself compromising your morals to protect your family.
The Dust Bowl portion of the novel reminded me of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. This novel does make you think, & little bit clunky execution for the ending. There are some parallels to Germany’s political climate and today’s political climate.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The first time I started this book I couldn’t get in to it but I gave it another chance and I’m so glad I did! Between the 2 povs and 2 different time periods for each pov it could get confusing when listening to the audiobook which is why I stopped the first time. I really loved Sofie’s story. Lizzie’s was good but I preferred sofies. It was really thought provoking. Sofie and Jürgen had some hard choices to make and I honestly don’t know if they picked the right ones. While I do believe many members of the nazi party were just terrible people, I’m sure there were many like sofie and Jürgen who were just trying to keep their family alive and safe and were bullied in to making certain decisions.
I do think it could’ve been shorter. Another reader commented that Lizzie’s POV could’ve been taken out and I agree. Or at least less of her story. And Calvin deserved better! Also, I was actually hoping more of a friendship could’ve developed between Sofie and Lizzie.
I do think it could’ve been shorter. Another reader commented that Lizzie’s POV could’ve been taken out and I agree. Or at least less of her story. And Calvin deserved better! Also, I was actually hoping more of a friendship could’ve developed between Sofie and Lizzie.
So good. The fact that it is set in Huntsville for parts and is loosely based on Werhner von Braun and his team of scientists made it so much more interesting to me. I absolutely loved this book. "One day they may call this the Rocket City!" They do, indeed, call Huntsville the Rocket City.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No