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sarah_reading_party's review against another edition
3.0
Magda and Imogen are two girls, living normal lives that are disrupted by war. While I loved that this book was based on a true story, I was hoping and expecting that the lives of these two girls would be intertwined more than they were. The premise was interesting, but the storyline just did not measure up to my expectations. I did find it incredibly interesting to read about the German resistance, so to speak.
bcgg's review against another edition
5.0
Initially I was uncomfortable reading yet another book about the second WW. I have read a lot of them! In almost all, the Germans and the bad guys, the English the good guys and the Americans the saviours of all. But in this book, it brings out more about the people on both sides, doing what is right, and focusing on fighting cruelty and brutality.
I came to appreciate the groups like the White Rose and the Germans actually fighting against the Nazis. Against war.
I won't go into a lot of details as I don't like spoilers but there were a number of other things I learned about that I was unaware of.
All in all, a definitely more balance book about the war and more so, about the people.
I also have to give tremendous kudos for the narrator Jacqueline Quinn. She did an amazing job with the accents and especially giving each character an individual voice. That is something quite unique in audio books.
I came to appreciate the groups like the White Rose and the Germans actually fighting against the Nazis. Against war.
I won't go into a lot of details as I don't like spoilers but there were a number of other things I learned about that I was unaware of.
All in all, a definitely more balance book about the war and more so, about the people.
I also have to give tremendous kudos for the narrator Jacqueline Quinn. She did an amazing job with the accents and especially giving each character an individual voice. That is something quite unique in audio books.
catreader18's review against another edition
3.0
This novel has two stories. One is a young woman on the Allied part of the war and the other is a young woman on the German part of the war. Debbie Rix does a great job showing both stories and how even though the woman are on different sides, they are similar. I liked this book but felt the action was missing towards the end. I would still recommend this book because of the great writing.
thegeekybibliophile's review
5.0
The gorgeous cover and intriguing title alone pretty much had me sold on reading this book, but the blurb sealed the deal. I seem to be especially drawn to historical novels about WWII lately. What appealed to me most about this novel is that the two main characters are on opposing sides of the war. Imogen is British, Magda is German, and each are expected to do their patriotic duty.
Imogen was evacuated to the Lake District in the early days of the war, safely away from the cities the Germans were bombing. She eventually joins the WRENS where she works on Top Secret projects for the war effort. Magda despises Nazi ideals, and secretly joins the White Rose movement after befriending Sophie Scholl at the University of Munich. Magda is determined to do what is right at all times, despite the risk of discovery—leading to a decision that affects the lives of both women.
This was a fast read for me. It pulled me in right from the start, and I just couldn't put it down. Both Imogen and Magda fascinated me, but it was Magda's part of the story that had me frantically tapping the screen. She was constantly dealing with a threat of some sort or another, and had a few close calls that left me feeling terrified for her. Imogen's part of the story didn't leave me with an impending sense of doom all the time, but the difficulties she faced touched my heart, and I just wanted her to be happy.
I found this novel to be beautifully written, and I was a little sad to reach the end. This is the first time I've read a book written by Debbie Rix, and I'm wondering why it took me so long to 'discover' her books. I can't wait to read more from this author!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Bookouture via Netgalley.
Imogen was evacuated to the Lake District in the early days of the war, safely away from the cities the Germans were bombing. She eventually joins the WRENS where she works on Top Secret projects for the war effort. Magda despises Nazi ideals, and secretly joins the White Rose movement after befriending Sophie Scholl at the University of Munich. Magda is determined to do what is right at all times, despite the risk of discovery—leading to a decision that affects the lives of both women.
This was a fast read for me. It pulled me in right from the start, and I just couldn't put it down. Both Imogen and Magda fascinated me, but it was Magda's part of the story that had me frantically tapping the screen. She was constantly dealing with a threat of some sort or another, and had a few close calls that left me feeling terrified for her. Imogen's part of the story didn't leave me with an impending sense of doom all the time, but the difficulties she faced touched my heart, and I just wanted her to be happy.
I found this novel to be beautifully written, and I was a little sad to reach the end. This is the first time I've read a book written by Debbie Rix, and I'm wondering why it took me so long to 'discover' her books. I can't wait to read more from this author!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Bookouture via Netgalley.
samanthajo232's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
dennyhb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
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
nursenell's review against another edition
5.0
This was an excellent book about two families, one in Britain, one in Germany. Imogen in Britain is separated from her parents as an evacuee, and Magda, in Germany is forced to be in a young Nazi orgnization despite not wanting to be. Imogene goes on to become a Wren, and Magda becomes part of the Resistance in Germany. Their lives unknowingly intersect through Magda's brother, a scholar caught in England when war breaks out, who works on the side of the Allies, and a RAF pilot who is shot down and given refuge by Magda and her parents. They of course don't know their lives are intertwined until after the war.
I especially liked the character of Magda, who took great risks not ony in the Resistance, although her involvement was minimal and short lived, but more so in her rescuing and hiding two different RAF pilots, at different times, in the attic of her parents' home.
I especially liked the character of Magda, who took great risks not ony in the Resistance, although her involvement was minimal and short lived, but more so in her rescuing and hiding two different RAF pilots, at different times, in the attic of her parents' home.
grace_edwards's review against another edition
5.0
I am always a fan of historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. i enjoyed reading about two women who found their own way to fight for their beliefs in a time women weren’t really allowed to believe, or fight, for anything. Some parts of this book also felt all too real as it seems history really does repeat itself.
sarahhysong96's review
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5