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4.33 AVERAGE
4.33 AVERAGE
Didn’t like Lizzie’s character but really loved Sofie’s character and storyline, so still giving 4 stars.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book made me think, but perhaps not in the way the author hoped. My thought was: how many people were and are hated and reviled for surviving? There were terrible people who believed and lived Hitler’s lies and willingly did his work. But is it possible that there were real people like Sofie and Jurgen, who participated out of fear for their families and under constant threat. But then the question from the author: are they any less to blame for what they didn’t do? The best books are the ones that make you think, which this book did!
This book presented an interesting juxtaposition of viewpoints on responsibility. Set in the US after WWII, all of the characters are compelling - but ultimately too convenient. Everyone thinks the “right” thing (in a way the reader can sympathize with), but they act the total opposite. And these thinly-reasoned actions drive the plot. Sophie thinks like she regrets their forced Nazi affiliation, but she feels entitled to welcome in America and is very surprised/upset not to get it. Lizzie sees reality clearly then deliberately acts against it with no compunction. The story that’s happening isn’t the story they are feeling - and that was the story I wanted to read.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I do not want to leave too lengthy of a review lest I ruin the book -- but this is worth the read. Rimmer does such a wonderful job at depicting a different side and not making you fall in love with anything. It really just caused me to sit in tension a lot. Very challenging.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Torture, Antisemitism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Love love love. I have been wanting to read more about wwii from the perspective of German citizens. This book was just really lovely. Such a good exploration of ethics. Leaves lots of room for the reader to ponder justice and right vs wrong and moral dilemmas. Rimmer, as always, explores topics so tastefully.
Of the two timeliness, I preferred Sofie's though both were done well.
The time and location hopping was clear and easy to follow. A large enough cast to facilitate a story, but not so many characters that you get lost.
No language, no sex, no excessive violence. Would provide a great discussion for a book club.
Of the two timeliness, I preferred Sofie's though both were done well.
The time and location hopping was clear and easy to follow. A large enough cast to facilitate a story, but not so many characters that you get lost.
No language, no sex, no excessive violence. Would provide a great discussion for a book club.
First WW2 book I’ve read from the German perspective and I love reading about the Dust Bowl too so it was perfect! And an ending that was true to the time, sad, but still amazing. “There has to be an after”!
This was a quick, enjoyable weekend read. I was engrossed and had a hard time putting it down. The book asks some important questions and shares viewpoints that seem even more relevant today given our current political climate, let alone the significance of the historical events described.