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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
This book came highly recommended by a colleague of mine who is very supportive of books featuring female relationships. On that front, the novel doesn't disappoint. It's a rare (at least to me) specimen of WWII historical fiction that focuses on female friendships as opposed to a romanticized love story in the time of war or a look at the horrors of war. However, I did find myself held back by the lack of a driving narrative and excessive details on pilot life, which, for me, really prevented me from fully appreciating the things that went well in this novel.
Things I Liked
1. Female Relationships: A large focus of this novel is women’s stories and female relationships, and some of the strongest moments are when Julie and Maddie are interacting or talking about one another. Readers can interpret it as very close friendship or as a romantic relationship, but either way, it was wonderful to have a story where the primary focus was on women.
2. Characters: Weir clearly acknowledges the limited opportunities for women and the struggles they faced during WWII, but that doesn’t stop her from crafting a novel where the characters are determined to be what they want to be. The female characters are allowed to be afraid, fragile, strong, brave, whatever. They’re allowed to be girly sometimes and boyish at others. They’re also allowed to look at the limitations around them and work harder until they get where they want to be. I can’t think of anything more inspiring than that.
3. Humor: Even though Julie is locked up in a Nazi prison, she never loses her sense of humor. I found myself laughing when she pokes fun at her captors and flies into a rage when she’s called English rather than Scottish. It keeps the tone light despite the horrific situation she’s found herself in.
Things I Didn’t Like
1. Narrative: There were times where this novel seemed to drag a bit following lengthy descriptions of planes or flights that seemed to have little purpose than to show the ins and outs of life as a pilot. At some level, I get that part of this book is supposed to resemble a prisoner writing a narrative to buy time or look back fondly on better days, but for me, I was not enthused about multiple descriptions of air bases, protocols, etc. It doesn’t exactly make for a “plot” - just long-winded descriptions. You’ll probably have to already have an interest in piloting and pilots’ lives to really appreciate this novel on the first go - it’s not one for engaging readers of various interests or even casual interest in WWII.
2. References to Sexual Assault: Every time I read a historical fiction/fantasy novel and there’s an instance of sexual assault or threatened sexual assault, I think about why it might be in there. Sometimes, it can be dealt with well. In this case, I felt like Weir was including it to make the setting seem grim.
Recommendations: You may like this novel if you’re interested in World War II historical fiction, planes and flying, and female friendships/women’s history.
Things I Liked
1. Female Relationships: A large focus of this novel is women’s stories and female relationships, and some of the strongest moments are when Julie and Maddie are interacting or talking about one another. Readers can interpret it as very close friendship or as a romantic relationship, but either way, it was wonderful to have a story where the primary focus was on women.
2. Characters: Weir clearly acknowledges the limited opportunities for women and the struggles they faced during WWII, but that doesn’t stop her from crafting a novel where the characters are determined to be what they want to be. The female characters are allowed to be afraid, fragile, strong, brave, whatever. They’re allowed to be girly sometimes and boyish at others. They’re also allowed to look at the limitations around them and work harder until they get where they want to be. I can’t think of anything more inspiring than that.
3. Humor: Even though Julie is locked up in a Nazi prison, she never loses her sense of humor. I found myself laughing when she pokes fun at her captors and flies into a rage when she’s called English rather than Scottish. It keeps the tone light despite the horrific situation she’s found herself in.
Things I Didn’t Like
1. Narrative: There were times where this novel seemed to drag a bit following lengthy descriptions of planes or flights that seemed to have little purpose than to show the ins and outs of life as a pilot. At some level, I get that part of this book is supposed to resemble a prisoner writing a narrative to buy time or look back fondly on better days, but for me, I was not enthused about multiple descriptions of air bases, protocols, etc. It doesn’t exactly make for a “plot” - just long-winded descriptions. You’ll probably have to already have an interest in piloting and pilots’ lives to really appreciate this novel on the first go - it’s not one for engaging readers of various interests or even casual interest in WWII.
2. References to Sexual Assault: Every time I read a historical fiction/fantasy novel and there’s an instance of sexual assault or threatened sexual assault, I think about why it might be in there. Sometimes, it can be dealt with well. In this case, I felt like Weir was including it to make the setting seem grim.
Recommendations: You may like this novel if you’re interested in World War II historical fiction, planes and flying, and female friendships/women’s history.
adventurous
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, War
Moderate: Antisemitism, Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death
Clearly not a YA book. I had to force myself to stick with reading this book. I would say that the action didn't pick up and make me want to keep reading through the end until about page 175. With so many YA books to read, it was quite a commitment to give to finally get to the ending. I don't think I will be able to sell this book to any of my teenaged readers. I think that my adult sister, at 35, will really enjoy this historical fiction tale about two best friends.
I am not sure what all of the hype has been about. While I concur that this is a craftfully created novel, I just don't see this as YA at all. And unfortunately, because of the awards from ALA that labeled it as such, people are going to try and read it so they can be a part of this cult Verity following. I think this is one of those rare times where committees have unintentionally selected a title that has wide adult appeal, but is lost on your average teenaged reader.
I am not sure what all of the hype has been about. While I concur that this is a craftfully created novel, I just don't see this as YA at all. And unfortunately, because of the awards from ALA that labeled it as such, people are going to try and read it so they can be a part of this cult Verity following. I think this is one of those rare times where committees have unintentionally selected a title that has wide adult appeal, but is lost on your average teenaged reader.
So. This was amazing? I was so caught up in the breathlessness of the prose and the twists and turns of the plot (oh, Wein had me going for a bit there). The voices of both Queenie and Maddie were so vivid and distinct and WELL DONE. I fell madly in love with them both, particularly Queenie, and all their ferocious, blinding, gorgeous courage. Also, it's FUNNY. It's also awful and tragic and harrowing and sad as fuck but there are moments of genuine humor. I don't even generally enjoy WWII books! But, well, female pilots and spies and AWESOME GIRL FRIENDSHIPS! I would have bawled my eyes out at the end, if not for the fact that I was on a long-distance bus and my friend Danny would have looked at me askance.
I even highlighted some quotes, which I never do:
"She came home by way of Blackstone Edge above the old Roman road to avoid the smoke haze over Manchester, and landed back at Oakway, sobbing with anguish and love; love, for her island home that she'd seen whole and fragile from the air in the space of an afternoon, from coast to coast, holding its breath in the glass lens of summer and sunlight." ('Lovely', is what the note to myself says.)
"It's like being in love, discovering your best friend." (Yes, it is.)
SO MUCH MORE. I want to read this a thousand more times and I hope this is in Yuletide this year because I want ALL THE FRIENDSHIP STUFF, and maybe a little slash...and maybe Jamie/Maddie stuff, that would be okay too.
I even highlighted some quotes, which I never do:
"She came home by way of Blackstone Edge above the old Roman road to avoid the smoke haze over Manchester, and landed back at Oakway, sobbing with anguish and love; love, for her island home that she'd seen whole and fragile from the air in the space of an afternoon, from coast to coast, holding its breath in the glass lens of summer and sunlight." ('Lovely', is what the note to myself says.)
"It's like being in love, discovering your best friend." (Yes, it is.)
SO MUCH MORE. I want to read this a thousand more times and I hope this is in Yuletide this year because I want ALL THE FRIENDSHIP STUFF, and maybe a little slash...and maybe Jamie/Maddie stuff, that would be okay too.
8/14/22 ETA: Even better the second time around.
Waited too long to write a full review for this--oh, well. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, because I don't normally like historical fiction, but oof, this book hit me in the feels. Now I actually might read the other books in this series--super interested in The Enigma Game coming out next year! This author is amazing.
Waited too long to write a full review for this--oh, well. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, because I don't normally like historical fiction, but oof, this book hit me in the feels. Now I actually might read the other books in this series--super interested in The Enigma Game coming out next year! This author is amazing.
holy moly this was good. I don't like WWII novels, I have not been in the mood for sad books, and I usually hate first person narrators. And I LOVED LOVED LOVED this. It's an amazing story, really well-written, different, and a fantastic portrayal of female friendship. I didn't see any of the twists coming but loved them all. I need to re-read to put it all together! I can't really review without spoiling it, so just go read it.
Re-read for July 2016 UC Book Club selection
It is pleasure to know that some books stay as good as you remember. Now, if you need me I will be the crying mess in the corner that is cursing Hollywood that this hasn't been filmed yet.
Old Review
There is something lacking in war stories that make it to television. We have great battle epics, such as appear on HBO, and we have the rescue stories that appear everywhere. Understandably the battle epics focus on men; what women appear are wives, girlfriends, mothers, nurses, victims. The rescue stories tend to focus more on women rescuers, possibly to make up for the lack of women in the battle stories. I don’t know. And this is true even when the film is not about WW II. Look at Birdsong, War Horse, Cold Mountain.
Yet, women did fight in most, if not all, of the wars. Whether it was as last line of defense, disguised as a man, as spies, in factories, as couriers, as pilots, tank drivers, or snipers; women were fighting in battle long before Congress debated whether or not it should be allowed.
I’m not sure why this gets ignored. Perhaps because the unknown stories outweigh the known ones. Perhaps because it disrupts our view of motherhood. Perhaps because being a wireless operator is less glorious than being a fighter pilot. Maybe because the women didn’t want to talk about it. But it’s been known for awhile. Shoot, The Longest Day has a woman Resistance member.
Another thing that gets downplayed or ignored is female friendship, which always takes second seat to a romance or, more often, fighting over a man. One woman is always superior, better, than the other.
So it is refreshing to read something like this book.
I swear if this book doesn’t win some award, I’ll thump someone. I’ll break legs. I’ll hunt awards committees down. I’m tired of watching good authors get passed over for stupid reasons.
Now the bookstores will tell you this book is Young Adult. That is a lie. It is a historical novel for anyone (though parents should be warned there is torture).
The book relates the experiences of Maddie and Queenie, two young women who joined various British divisions, Aircraft Aux and SOE, during WW II. It starts with Queenie writing as she is imprisoned in occupied France. She has been picked up because she looked the wrong way when crossing the street. The book is told, largely, though first person (the narrative does switch, but the voices are so different), and is a book about friendship as well as a person’s ability to do. The focus is mainly on women, though the men are not depicted as evil or misogynistic. It is such a layered and tight book, and I can’t say why because I don’t want to spoil it. If you are looking for a war torn romance, this isn’t it (a romance is hinted at).
But this book. This is a great book. From the first sentence, you are brought in. The characters, in particular Maddie and Queenie, are so real. It is like they are there before. The novel is also, in some ways, a rebuke to those stupid cat fighting television shows because the women help themselves here.
Just read it. Okay.
P.S. I’ve looked over the negative reviews, and some people do have a point. I will say, however, what they complain about is explained in the second half of the book (and Queenie is tortured for a variety of reasons even as she is writing, though this might have been corrected post ARC).
It is pleasure to know that some books stay as good as you remember. Now, if you need me I will be the crying mess in the corner that is cursing Hollywood that this hasn't been filmed yet.
Old Review
There is something lacking in war stories that make it to television. We have great battle epics, such as appear on HBO, and we have the rescue stories that appear everywhere. Understandably the battle epics focus on men; what women appear are wives, girlfriends, mothers, nurses, victims. The rescue stories tend to focus more on women rescuers, possibly to make up for the lack of women in the battle stories. I don’t know. And this is true even when the film is not about WW II. Look at Birdsong, War Horse, Cold Mountain.
Yet, women did fight in most, if not all, of the wars. Whether it was as last line of defense, disguised as a man, as spies, in factories, as couriers, as pilots, tank drivers, or snipers; women were fighting in battle long before Congress debated whether or not it should be allowed.
I’m not sure why this gets ignored. Perhaps because the unknown stories outweigh the known ones. Perhaps because it disrupts our view of motherhood. Perhaps because being a wireless operator is less glorious than being a fighter pilot. Maybe because the women didn’t want to talk about it. But it’s been known for awhile. Shoot, The Longest Day has a woman Resistance member.
Another thing that gets downplayed or ignored is female friendship, which always takes second seat to a romance or, more often, fighting over a man. One woman is always superior, better, than the other.
So it is refreshing to read something like this book.
I swear if this book doesn’t win some award, I’ll thump someone. I’ll break legs. I’ll hunt awards committees down. I’m tired of watching good authors get passed over for stupid reasons.
Now the bookstores will tell you this book is Young Adult. That is a lie. It is a historical novel for anyone (though parents should be warned there is torture).
The book relates the experiences of Maddie and Queenie, two young women who joined various British divisions, Aircraft Aux and SOE, during WW II. It starts with Queenie writing as she is imprisoned in occupied France. She has been picked up because she looked the wrong way when crossing the street. The book is told, largely, though first person (the narrative does switch, but the voices are so different), and is a book about friendship as well as a person’s ability to do. The focus is mainly on women, though the men are not depicted as evil or misogynistic. It is such a layered and tight book, and I can’t say why because I don’t want to spoil it. If you are looking for a war torn romance, this isn’t it (a romance is hinted at).
But this book. This is a great book. From the first sentence, you are brought in. The characters, in particular Maddie and Queenie, are so real. It is like they are there before. The novel is also, in some ways, a rebuke to those stupid cat fighting television shows because the women help themselves here.
Just read it. Okay.
P.S. I’ve looked over the negative reviews, and some people do have a point. I will say, however, what they complain about is explained in the second half of the book (and Queenie is tortured for a variety of reasons even as she is writing, though this might have been corrected post ARC).
An old book I got from a little free library. And loved. I’m a sucker for good historical fiction, particularly this era and strong women. 4.5 rounded up.
Whew. The level of tension maintained in this (YA??? Really?) novel was stunning; I found myself reading in a posture usually reserved for when I think my fighter plane might go down amid Messerschmidts. Which is to say-- something I'm totally unused to.
Masterful plotting, a genuine female friendship, sneaky amazing historical detail. I will have to read this over again, soon.
I think it's perhaps a little too sophisticated to be classified as YA-- which is a good thing. The references to Kipling, Burns, etc (as well as the "Kiss me, Hardy!" stuff, which I know not at all) may overestimate the YA audience I know.
Masterful plotting, a genuine female friendship, sneaky amazing historical detail. I will have to read this over again, soon.
I think it's perhaps a little too sophisticated to be classified as YA-- which is a good thing. The references to Kipling, Burns, etc (as well as the "Kiss me, Hardy!" stuff, which I know not at all) may overestimate the YA audience I know.
While it took me a while to get into the book, sticking with it really paid off. This is a gripping tale and while fiction does justice to the actual events which inspire it.