Take a photo of a barcode or cover
heidirgorecki's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled with this one a bit and I rounded up from 2.5 stars. The story of Eva and Aleandro during WW2 in Hungary was a good perspective I haven’t yet read. And learning about how the country essentially entered into the war so late into it, it wasn’t really affected until 1943, was very interesting.
However, I really did not like the writing style of the book. It was far more narrative than anything, especially in the first half of the book, which felt more like someone retelling a story than being allowed into it. And when there was dialogue it felt very dramatic and a bit detached. Not really realistic often.
If I’m honest, I really didn’t like Eva’s character either. She came across as somewhat self absorbed when it came to her relationships other than her daughters. The decisions she made and the way she treated Eduard and Aleandro both, without regard for how it would affect them, made her very dislike-able in my opinion. I seem to be in the minority when looking at the ratings but all in all I was a bit disappointed in the book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, I really did not like the writing style of the book. It was far more narrative than anything, especially in the first half of the book, which felt more like someone retelling a story than being allowed into it. And when there was dialogue it felt very dramatic and a bit detached. Not really realistic often.
If I’m honest, I really didn’t like Eva’s character either. She came across as somewhat self absorbed when it came to her relationships other than her daughters. The decisions she made and the way she treated Eduard and Aleandro both, without regard for how it would affect them, made her very dislike-able in my opinion. I seem to be in the minority when looking at the ratings but all in all I was a bit disappointed in the book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
quolwy's review against another edition
4.0
First of all I would like to thank Netgalley and publishers for providing me a free e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel.
Historical fiction, focusing on a romantic relationship is probably as far out of my comfort zone as possible, so while the summary sounded appealing I was still apprehensive picking this up.
I really didn't need to be.
Although it did take a moment for me to get grounded in a book that doesn't have magic or supernatural creatures of some sort, the story caught my attention rather quickly. The introduction of the two protagonists Eva and Aleandro was done with beautiful prose that enticed me into their story. I found myself flying through this book, the storytelling flowing in such a lovely way I felt like I was gliding through their life while reading.
Throughout their journeys I really found myself rooting for both their loves together as well as their individual aspirations and lives apart, and it is with great testament to the author, I found myself tearing up more than once over a story I never originally thought could move me so much.
I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it highly to anyone who wanted to read a novel full of sorrows, hope, and love.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this novel.
Historical fiction, focusing on a romantic relationship is probably as far out of my comfort zone as possible, so while the summary sounded appealing I was still apprehensive picking this up.
I really didn't need to be.
Although it did take a moment for me to get grounded in a book that doesn't have magic or supernatural creatures of some sort, the story caught my attention rather quickly. The introduction of the two protagonists Eva and Aleandro was done with beautiful prose that enticed me into their story. I found myself flying through this book, the storytelling flowing in such a lovely way I felt like I was gliding through their life while reading.
Throughout their journeys I really found myself rooting for both their loves together as well as their individual aspirations and lives apart, and it is with great testament to the author, I found myself tearing up more than once over a story I never originally thought could move me so much.
I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it highly to anyone who wanted to read a novel full of sorrows, hope, and love.
sparklepup's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
suetrav's review against another edition
4.0
WW II is my favourite era of historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. I was glad it focused more on Hungary and less on Germany as it depicted a whole other side of the war I did not know much about.
I loved this story but felt it was somewhat rushed and maybe tried to cover too many years in one book. and jumped around a bit. Overall the storyline was good and I especially enjoyed the ending.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
I loved this story but felt it was somewhat rushed and maybe tried to cover too many years in one book. and jumped around a bit. Overall the storyline was good and I especially enjoyed the ending.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
lynnski723's review against another edition
4.0
This is a love story that begins in Hungary, 1943. As Eva’s wedding date approaches, she goes to relax at her family’s country home. While there she befriends a gypsy who sweeps her off her feet. A tragic event and World War II then interrupts their lives and Eva is left with neither man in her life, at least for a little while. Whereas their lives all go in different directions, eventually their paths will cross again. But which man is her heart’s true love? Time will tell.
This is the first WW II historical fiction I’ve read that takes place in Hungary. The city streets of Budapest and the small country town of Sopron make a beautiful setting, especially for a love story. There is sadness and heartbreak but there is also love, courage, and determination. I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first WW II historical fiction I’ve read that takes place in Hungary. The city streets of Budapest and the small country town of Sopron make a beautiful setting, especially for a love story. There is sadness and heartbreak but there is also love, courage, and determination. I definitely recommend this one.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
whatmadsreads's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, though WW2 fiction is always a fave, and it’s set in Budapest, one of my favorite cities in the world!
thekentuckyfriedbibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
Set in 1943, Sopron, Hungary a young socialite named Eva is engaged to be married to an aspiring doctor who is away doing his part during the great WWII. While Eva is spending time at her summer home studying to be a nurse in Sopron her purse is stolen by a young gypsy boy, however one day, a young man named Aleandro, a poor, Ramani fiddler and artist, finds and returns the purse to Eva. Aleandro is smitten by Eva and cannot stop thinking about her. Eva and Aleandro fall deeply in love while engaged to another man and Eva has to choose between a life with Aleandro where he has nothing to offer her or a more stable, financial life with Eduard. Will one summer night with Aleandro change the lives of both Eva and Aleandro forever?
WWII is one of my favorite time periods and the historical aspect of the Hungary/Russia cold war was a new adventure for me through this piece. The author had me completely engrossed with both Eva and Aleandro and their struggle of class differences. I felt their love from the beginning to the end. I felt their heartbreak from beginning to the end. My heart was broken with theirs. This was such a beautiful story of love and sacrifice.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
WWII is one of my favorite time periods and the historical aspect of the Hungary/Russia cold war was a new adventure for me through this piece. The author had me completely engrossed with both Eva and Aleandro and their struggle of class differences. I felt their love from the beginning to the end. I felt their heartbreak from beginning to the end. My heart was broken with theirs. This was such a beautiful story of love and sacrifice.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
noble_editorial's review against another edition
3.0
The market for WWII fiction seems to be oversaturated and authors need to work extra hard to set their books apart from the others. I just didn't really feel like that happened here. It's an enjoyable read and is well-written, but there weren't really any elements to the story that made it stand out.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada, and Roxanne Veletzos for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada, and Roxanne Veletzos for the ARC.