Scan barcode
elizajaquays's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When I say this book emotionally devastated me, I mean that I was sobbing so hard I could not breathe. The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was not something that was ever covered in any of my history classes, so I went into this with no idea of what to expect. Csilla's grief, trauma, and survivor's guilt are visceral on every page and the book does not pull any punches about the brutalities of war, what it means to have friends and loved ones on the other side of the fight, and the anti-semitism Jews faced in the aftermath of the holocaust.
Even with the brutal backdrop of a city on the cusp of revolt, the story is beautiful. The slow, careful unfurling of color, the soft tenderness of Csilla's bond with Azriel and Tamas. Csilla's friendship with Zsu and Azil and how they support each other even through their differences.
From start to finish, the book was stunning. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Even with the brutal backdrop of a city on the cusp of revolt, the story is beautiful. The slow, careful unfurling of color, the soft tenderness of Csilla's bond with Azriel and Tamas. Csilla's friendship with Zsu and Azil and how they support each other even through their differences.
From start to finish, the book was stunning. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Homophobia, Violence, and War
cavtasticreader's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is a beautiful story contains an amazing metaphor that the Danube river that divides Buda from Pest is the live blood of the city and it’s people and if you are willing to believe it can give you the strength to run over your banks.
It is set in 1956 Budapest, Hungary and follows Csilla a young Jewish woman born in Budapest before WWII raised in the Jewish Ghetto’s, lived through the war, and in now trying to figure out life in a Hungary that was “freed” by Russia and living under the boot of communism. Every thing she sees are in shades of gray because theye have lost so much that their world is drained of color. Csilla looks into her past for advice to lead her and Hungary into the future. Her ideas of her parents change as she learns more and so does her opinion of herself and her country.
My favorite quote from the book is “We know that tyranny can thrive anywhere. We forget that hope can too, and hope feeds rebellion.”
I did receive this as an ARC copy for my honest opinion and review.
It is set in 1956 Budapest, Hungary and follows Csilla a young Jewish woman born in Budapest before WWII raised in the Jewish Ghetto’s, lived through the war, and in now trying to figure out life in a Hungary that was “freed” by Russia and living under the boot of communism. Every thing she sees are in shades of gray because theye have lost so much that their world is drained of color. Csilla looks into her past for advice to lead her and Hungary into the future. Her ideas of her parents change as she learns more and so does her opinion of herself and her country.
My favorite quote from the book is “We know that tyranny can thrive anywhere. We forget that hope can too, and hope feeds rebellion.”
I did receive this as an ARC copy for my honest opinion and review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Death of parent, Death, and War
Moderate: Violence, Child death, and Religious bigotry
infinitegoldenfloors's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Police brutality, Antisemitism, Death of parent, Genocide, and Violence
Minor: Torture and Child death
More...