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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
I’ve read many books set in and around WW2, but this was a book I really enjoyed. Despite the unavoidable retelling of hardship and suffering, it also told the story of resilience, friendship and loyalty and this is what stays with you.
Tough story
I did not know any of this happened in WWII. When the Japenese invaded China during the war they put lots of foreigners in internment camps. There was a school that mainly had missionary kids in it that was captured by the Japenese and placed in a camp. This is the story told from the viewpoint of a young girl and a teacher from the school of their experiences in the camp. They did not see their families for 6 yrs. Worth a read.
I did not know any of this happened in WWII. When the Japenese invaded China during the war they put lots of foreigners in internment camps. There was a school that mainly had missionary kids in it that was captured by the Japenese and placed in a camp. This is the story told from the viewpoint of a young girl and a teacher from the school of their experiences in the camp. They did not see their families for 6 yrs. Worth a read.
I thought this was great. Obviously incredibly harrowing at times but also really engaging. Quick TW for mentions of SA throughout though so just be mindful of that if it's on your TBR.
I really liked the alternating narrators and the differences and similarities in the POVs of adult and child, and the retrospective chapters scattered throughout were a really nice touch.
Given that the story spans about 7 years and that there are considerable time jumps throughout, I thought the pacing was great.
I felt like maybe the ending was a little bit rushed and could have done with a bit more fleshing out, but other than that it was super emotional, and the inclusion of the epilogue was great too.
I really liked the alternating narrators and the differences and similarities in the POVs of adult and child, and the retrospective chapters scattered throughout were a really nice touch.
Given that the story spans about 7 years and that there are considerable time jumps throughout, I thought the pacing was great.
I felt like maybe the ending was a little bit rushed and could have done with a bit more fleshing out, but other than that it was super emotional, and the inclusion of the epilogue was great too.
ARC from William Morrow and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This story was beautifully written. I love WWII novels but you tend to read the same story just a different person. But this, this was so refreshing. Having a Japanese occupied China. To have English children and educators living and learning in China and being taken into an interment camp. All of this was so new to me. We never heard this side. You were so invested in Elspeth and Nancy. You wanted them to have happy endings. You wanted everyone to make it out. And you want people punished for making these ladies suffer. This book is highly recommended for Historical fiction lovers! Brilliant
This story was beautifully written. I love WWII novels but you tend to read the same story just a different person. But this, this was so refreshing. Having a Japanese occupied China. To have English children and educators living and learning in China and being taken into an interment camp. All of this was so new to me. We never heard this side. You were so invested in Elspeth and Nancy. You wanted them to have happy endings. You wanted everyone to make it out. And you want people punished for making these ladies suffer. This book is highly recommended for Historical fiction lovers! Brilliant
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Loved this so much! Come of age story told by both child and teacher, when Japan invades China and ultimately declares war on UK/US. Poignantly told tale of a time when adults were superheroes and children were children. With each new situation they are more and more in peril; I was wrapt. Excellent audio except for lack of author’s note. Gotta have that, especially for this book!
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
4.0 stars
I received a complimentary Kindle copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Hazel Gaynor, William Morrow Paperbacks, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is my first book by this author and the first book, I believe, about the PACIFIC arena during WWII. I have read a lot of books about WWII, but they have seemingly taken place in the EUROPEAN theatre. I had no idea of what to expect in this book, but it was historical fiction and based on a very true story. The story was fascinating, most especially as my daughter is currently taking an entry-level Asian-American Studies class in her first semester of college. One of their recent questions was WHY was WWII in the PACIFIC and the EAST not known as well as EUROPE. I don't know the answer to that question, but this book definitely educated me.
There are some incidents of extreme violence, horrible conditions, and two very non-detailed rape scenes. I think that everything in the book was necessary and non-gratuitous, but I wanted to mention it in case someone could be triggered.
This book had very descriptive and beautiful language even though the story was difficult. It was not a pleasant story to read, but it was a VERY good book.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I received a complimentary Kindle copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Hazel Gaynor, William Morrow Paperbacks, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is my first book by this author and the first book, I believe, about the PACIFIC arena during WWII. I have read a lot of books about WWII, but they have seemingly taken place in the EUROPEAN theatre. I had no idea of what to expect in this book, but it was historical fiction and based on a very true story. The story was fascinating, most especially as my daughter is currently taking an entry-level Asian-American Studies class in her first semester of college. One of their recent questions was WHY was WWII in the PACIFIC and the EAST not known as well as EUROPE. I don't know the answer to that question, but this book definitely educated me.
There are some incidents of extreme violence, horrible conditions, and two very non-detailed rape scenes. I think that everything in the book was necessary and non-gratuitous, but I wanted to mention it in case someone could be triggered.
This book had very descriptive and beautiful language even though the story was difficult. It was not a pleasant story to read, but it was a VERY good book.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND