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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
Interesting topic, but I had some problems with the book. Some were undoubtedly on me; it is hardly the author's fault I have read so many books in this subgenre. (Back and forth in time, two women who tragically lost their loves, WW2 resistance) I basically continued to read because I was interested in the French attempts to keep precious art out of the hands of the Nazis. All but the most naive readers will be able to predict the fates of the main characters.
Some of the writing is egregiously awful. I almost gave up at this paragraph:
He looked at her with those eyes, as startling as the chiaroscuro of a Rembrandt painting, then blinked, and she somehow felt as if he had scratched her heart with his eyelashes.
Then there is this gem:
He must have sensed the movement at the window because he looked up, shock erasing the repose that his body had worn as easily as vintage Levi’s.
Some of the writing is egregiously awful. I almost gave up at this paragraph:
He looked at her with those eyes, as startling as the chiaroscuro of a Rembrandt painting, then blinked, and she somehow felt as if he had scratched her heart with his eyelashes.
Then there is this gem:
He must have sensed the movement at the window because he looked up, shock erasing the repose that his body had worn as easily as vintage Levi’s.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was yet another WWII, dual-timeline story, but the subject matter was very unique and I loved listening to the story.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Good story, but the modern day romance part was a bit rushed
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
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:
Complicated
This book is split between the point of view of two women of the same family but one is living during WW2 and the other during the 21st century. I really liked the WW2 part, but the 21st century part was a bit boring sometimes.
There were a lot of plot twists I didn’t expect and the end had me crying for hours.
There were a lot of plot twists I didn’t expect and the end had me crying for hours.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
A very dark and sad read. Too depressing for me.
Things I liked:
Things I liked:
- Xavier MMC - selfless, brilliant painter, loyal
- Eliane FMC - selfless, strong, brave
- The reminder that we take so much for granted. Paris during WW2 was awful.
- The theme that art is worthwhile - even worth risking lives. Made me ponder.
Things I didn’t like:
- The entire future story with Remy and Adam. I don’t get why Adam liked her. She stood up for him one time and
he was in love? - The
surprise pregnancy 🙄 - I kept getting annoyed when we had to bounce back to present time
- There was no compassion for Elka. She was just as trapped as Eliane.