Reviews

Well-written, gripping story. The characters are likeable (or not, as appropriate!) and believable, the scenes and events are described in fascinating detail. Just a few little inconsistencies (including one in the blurb on the back cover!) and to be honest the last few chapters seemed a bit rushed, as though the author was trying to wrap the story up. But it wasn’t enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book. A good read, with lots of interesting information as an added bonus - for example, I had never heard of netsuke so I’ve learned something new. I love it when a good story also teaches me something!

kindleandkettle's review against another edition

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5.0

The Last Reunion is a testament to the power of friendship & the ability for women to band together and get the job done.

This book is a masterpiece of historical fiction. The Last Reunion is set over two timelines and follows the main characters Bea and Olivia. In 1945, Bea and four other young women join the Wasbies (Women's Auxiliary Service (Burma)) in search of adventure. They soon find themselves working near the front to provide the soldiers with food and other necessary items. In 1999, Olivia crosses paths with Bea and is caught up in a mystery of how Bea came to possess a Netsuke that had been reported stolen from the Ashmolean in the 1970's. Olivia soon finds herself at a reunion with Bea and the remaining members of her Wasbie unit, as the mystery starts to piece itself together.

The pacing of this book was perfect. For the majority of the story, the timelines alternated from chapter to chapter but in the odd section it was necessary to continue in a particular timeline for a couple of chapters. I found myself enjoying the alternating style and not prefering a particular storyline more than the other, it was perfectly blended. The book had a unique and likeable cast of characters. Each character had their own particular style and it was evident that the author paid particular attention to their heritage (including the use of the appropriate slang words).

This book is based upon a lot of historical fact, the Wasbie unit did actually exist during WW2. It was a delight to read this book with its alternating historical & contemporary timelines and know that a lot of the historical story was based upon events. Kayte Nunn has weaved together a mesmirising story and I highly recommend it. I rate this book 5 ⭐️

Thank you to @tandemcollectiveglobal @hachetteaus and @kaytenunn2 for gifting me copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

clianthus's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed the characters in this book and although a work of fiction, it was fascinating to learn about the work of the Womens Auxiliary Service (Burma) (WAS(B)) during WWII that this story was based on. I plan to follow up the real life accounts the author mentions in the acknowledgements.

tinkik's review against another edition

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adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

sophiedp's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-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

3.75

craftyemma's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I'm not a war-time book lover, but this novel about a group of women who sign up to run a travelling canteen in Burma was really insightful and heart-warming.

The book travels back and forth from the second world war to 1999/2000 England and is a story about true friendship, whatever gets thrown its way.

lydialane0103's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

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