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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
This is the first book I've read by this author. Admittedly, I run hot and cold on historical fiction, especially set during WWII. What I liked most about the book was the family element involved, that a secret so big would, of course have repercussions for generations.
Caroline Payne discovers that an aunt (after whom she was named) did NOT die of polio like she thought, and is determined, along with her friend, Matt, to uncover the truth and perhaps repair some family hurt, including her own. Through letters and photographs, Caroline journeys through history to discover what really happened and why her family covered it up.
I had a hard time getting into the story and honestly, a hard time connecting to the characters. This happens whenever I read historical fiction, and like most historical fiction this is obviously really well-researched and detailed but it gets a bit lost at times, in those details. Because the story is told through letters, as Caroline discovers them, the chronology is confusing at times and not always easy to follow who is writing to whom and when.
If you are a fan of novels with family secrets and epistolary novels, this is a book for you. The descriptions of Paris and London are wonderful and there is definitely a sense of place established, here. I'm more of a plot-driven reader, especially if I can't connect to the protagonists.
Caroline Payne discovers that an aunt (after whom she was named) did NOT die of polio like she thought, and is determined, along with her friend, Matt, to uncover the truth and perhaps repair some family hurt, including her own. Through letters and photographs, Caroline journeys through history to discover what really happened and why her family covered it up.
I had a hard time getting into the story and honestly, a hard time connecting to the characters. This happens whenever I read historical fiction, and like most historical fiction this is obviously really well-researched and detailed but it gets a bit lost at times, in those details. Because the story is told through letters, as Caroline discovers them, the chronology is confusing at times and not always easy to follow who is writing to whom and when.
If you are a fan of novels with family secrets and epistolary novels, this is a book for you. The descriptions of Paris and London are wonderful and there is definitely a sense of place established, here. I'm more of a plot-driven reader, especially if I can't connect to the protagonists.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Better than average mystery/espionage novel. Lots of international atmosphere. Believable relationships. Female protagonist. Highly recommended.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
medium-paced
I really enjoyed the take on WWII fiction...the family lying about an Aunt's death because they thought she had been a nazi sympathizer...but was she?
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No