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k_hen's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
brie_reads_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
wendyb00ks's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
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? No
3.5
amylyang's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
jourdanedwards's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.0
dustyshell's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes multiple perspective books can become too convoluted to keep pace with the varying storylines. Not with this book.
This story is a heart rending journey through the Congo and London in two time periods-the early 1900s and the 1970s-90s.
Two children. One attic. A story that weaves across paths through pain, redemption, loss, and family.
This story is a heart rending journey through the Congo and London in two time periods-the early 1900s and the 1970s-90s.
Two children. One attic. A story that weaves across paths through pain, redemption, loss, and family.
lillynn2007's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
mysterymoose's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
medium-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? No
5.0
home_again's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
It made me ugly cry.
The issues touched on in this book are heavy and real. While it's definitely a historical fiction, the historical moments are woven in so seamlessly that they never get in the way of the plot. They are more of a distant setting while the emotional impacts of those moments take center stage.
We get an intimate look at the hearts and minds of the two main characters who are both victims of horrifying abuse. While it is easy to gloss over the horrors found in history, it is impossible not to perceive the terrible impact they had on the characters. The characters also have hard conversations with each other, addressing important issues about equality, abuse, mental illness, and overcoming hardship.
In the end, these two people both find healing in forming loving ties with people who respect and care for them. It's a hopeful and positive ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 12. The issues are difficult but presented in ways that younger readers can digest. While it's troubling material, it also contains very important ideas that are necessary to understand as we move forward to combat the social ills of our day.
The issues touched on in this book are heavy and real. While it's definitely a historical fiction, the historical moments are woven in so seamlessly that they never get in the way of the plot. They are more of a distant setting while the emotional impacts of those moments take center stage.
We get an intimate look at the hearts and minds of the two main characters who are both victims of horrifying abuse. While it is easy to gloss over the horrors found in history, it is impossible not to perceive the terrible impact they had on the characters. The characters also have hard conversations with each other, addressing important issues about equality, abuse, mental illness, and overcoming hardship.
In the end, these two people both find healing in forming loving ties with people who respect and care for them. It's a hopeful and positive ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 12. The issues are difficult but presented in ways that younger readers can digest. While it's troubling material, it also contains very important ideas that are necessary to understand as we move forward to combat the social ills of our day.