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krismcd59's review against another edition
3.0
The first rule for epistolary novels is that the letters that make up a narrative should sound like they've been written by different people. In that, this comfortable story of domestic life in southeastern England during the Blitz doesn't hit the mark. But each character has an interesting set of relationships and secrets, and the community of Chilbury is a warm, cozy lens through which to view the fear, pluck, and determination of wartime British folks. The plot is melodramatic but entertaining. Nothing new here, but for readers who like the familiar, value women's voices, and can't get enough of the WWII home front, it will do.
bethanybeyondthejordan's review against another edition
Abandoned at 10%. Not sure why, but the characters refused to grip me, the story failed to engage me.
icegoddess09's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jackifitz's review against another edition
5.0
Small town near the southern coast of England during the early days of WWII. The ladies start a choir, since all the men have gone to fight. The story is told through letters and diary entries. Spies, theft, misdeeds, seduction, a Jewish refugee -- all play a part.
I love love love this book. So many good people doing good things. Of course, there were a few bad folks. There has to be, since there is a war going on.
Sad things happen, but I don't want to give spoilers.
I could have read many more chapters in this book. I wish it had gone on for many more pages. This might be my favorite book of 2023, and it's only June!
I love love love this book. So many good people doing good things. Of course, there were a few bad folks. There has to be, since there is a war going on.
Sad things happen, but I don't want to give spoilers.
I could have read many more chapters in this book. I wish it had gone on for many more pages. This might be my favorite book of 2023, and it's only June!
solenn_lmg's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jillj's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
renwoo's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
j9m's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
zbmorgan's review against another edition
4.0
Grab a pot of strong tea, this village drama of women in a quaint English town left to deal with the horrors of the first year of war reads like a BBC miniseries. Bonus - it's all written in journal entries and letters, so if you're a fan of the Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, it's charming. The plots wove together nicely, the characters had believable growth, and the ending was satisfying.
This would have been a five star book for me save for the fact that the voices of the characters was all remarkably similar. The letters of the 13 year old girl read just like the journal of the 45 year old widow which read like the letter the maid wrote which has exactly the same grammar and level of vocabulary the uneducated blackmailing midwife had. But really, if you just want a good story of women in times of trouble supporting each other and growing. a delight.
This would have been a five star book for me save for the fact that the voices of the characters was all remarkably similar. The letters of the 13 year old girl read just like the journal of the 45 year old widow which read like the letter the maid wrote which has exactly the same grammar and level of vocabulary the uneducated blackmailing midwife had. But really, if you just want a good story of women in times of trouble supporting each other and growing. a delight.
kimreadz's review against another edition
2.0
I received a copy of this book through there Library Thing Early Reviewers program. I read this one almost two years ago and have yet to review it. I just didn’t know what to say about it. I read it, but it was a very slow read and I never really connected to it. I’m not sure why, because it gets high ratings on the review sites.
It wasn’t a particuarly memorable story for me. The story reminds me a lot of [b:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|39832183|The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|Mary Ann Shaffer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529026760i/39832183._SY75_.jpg|2754161]—The setting is a small town in Great Britain during World War II. The people are facing hardship. They bond together and prove to be resilient. But still, there is a difference. I can’t put my finger on it, but I connected much more to ‘Guernsy’ and enjoyed it. ‘Guernsey' was a book club selection and often a good discussion improves how I feel about a book, so that may be part of why I feel that was a better book.
I won a copy of this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers program.
My rating: 2-1/2 stars
It wasn’t a particuarly memorable story for me. The story reminds me a lot of [b:The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|39832183|The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society|Mary Ann Shaffer|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529026760i/39832183._SY75_.jpg|2754161]—The setting is a small town in Great Britain during World War II. The people are facing hardship. They bond together and prove to be resilient. But still, there is a difference. I can’t put my finger on it, but I connected much more to ‘Guernsy’ and enjoyed it. ‘Guernsey' was a book club selection and often a good discussion improves how I feel about a book, so that may be part of why I feel that was a better book.
I won a copy of this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers program.
My rating: 2-1/2 stars