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4.49 AVERAGE
4.49 AVERAGE
Multiple perspectives moving between and connecting the Ukrainian Holodomor and the COVID pandemic anchor this excellent YA:
The Holodomor - a man-made famine orchestrated by the oppressive totalitarian communist regime that devastated Soviet Ukraine in 1932-1933, with an estimated death toll of 3.5 to 5 million people.
Amidst these staggering numbers lies the heartrending story of the book's main characters. Their story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The book is so well written that it almost didn’t feel like it was told from the perspective of 3 people in different place and time.
5/5
Amidst these staggering numbers lies the heartrending story of the book's main characters. Their story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The book is so well written that it almost didn’t feel like it was told from the perspective of 3 people in different place and time.
5/5
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Would give this book more stars if I could. Everyone should read this story that entwines Covid in 2020 and 1930s Russia/Ukraine. Audiobook was beautifully done.
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What an absolutely beautiful book.
Did cry/tear up more than expected. But that was on grief.
Did cry/tear up more than expected. But that was on grief.
I think this book is a strong Newbery Honor contender, I give it 4.5 stars. It tells the story of the Holodomor, the Great Ukrainian Famine of the 1930s. The story alternates between 2020 with 13-year-old Matthew, who is dealing with the difficulties of living through the pandemic, and with the storyline of his great-grandmother and her cousin in the 1930s. This book was well-done, I liked it. Relevant to the news headlines today.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Another book I wanted to like more than I actually did. It has some tender scenes with the elderly grandmother - that is the best part.