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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
danadoesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for the gifted ebook of When The Summer Was Ours! All opinions in this review are my own.
I feel like it is a bit misleading to call this a historical fiction novel. It is more like a romance novel set in Hungary during WWII and beyond. However, despite this categorical difference, I did really like the story of Eva and Aleandro. I loved the star-crossed lovers romance and the significant time jumps that help tell the full story of the romance. While I wish the novel included more historical details and descriptions, I haven't read a WWII novel set in Hungary so it was interesting to read about.
I feel like it is a bit misleading to call this a historical fiction novel. It is more like a romance novel set in Hungary during WWII and beyond. However, despite this categorical difference, I did really like the story of Eva and Aleandro. I loved the star-crossed lovers romance and the significant time jumps that help tell the full story of the romance. While I wish the novel included more historical details and descriptions, I haven't read a WWII novel set in Hungary so it was interesting to read about.
bringmybooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-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
3.5
Thank you to Edelweiss, Washington Square Press, and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Having read and absolutely LOVED When the Summer Was Ours, I think I went into this one with expectations that might have been a little too high. The writing was still beautiful, the characters still interesting, the plot still moving, but it didn't hit me the same as The Girl They Left Behind, which I devoured in 24 hours.
HOWEVER, what I think that really means is that even when Roxanne Veletzos writes a book that isn't as good as her previous ones (in my personal opinion, which also should be noted) it's still a fantastic book.
Highly recommend this author, and in a weird way I would recommend you start with this one and then move to The Girl They Left Behind, so you can be properly blown away.
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
Having read and absolutely LOVED When the Summer Was Ours, I think I went into this one with expectations that might have been a little too high. The writing was still beautiful, the characters still interesting, the plot still moving, but it didn't hit me the same as The Girl They Left Behind, which I devoured in 24 hours.
HOWEVER, what I think that really means is that even when Roxanne Veletzos writes a book that isn't as good as her previous ones (in my personal opinion, which also should be noted) it's still a fantastic book.
Highly recommend this author, and in a weird way I would recommend you start with this one and then move to The Girl They Left Behind, so you can be properly blown away.
Content Warnings
Graphic Concentration Camp Descriptions, Parental Abuse, Infidelity
inked_in_pages's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful story about the impact of World War II and it's aftermath on the people of Hungary. When the Summer Was Ours is historical fiction unlike any that I've read before; following Eva Cesar and detailing the impact of World War II on lesser known places such as Budapest and Sopron as well as the impact on the Romani Culture of Hungary, this story captivated me instantly. A heartbreaking story of love, resilience and the sacrifices we make to save those we love. The Notebook meets Tattooist of Auschwitz meets Lilac Girls, this is a fantastic novel for any romance or historical fiction lover.
What I loved:
I've not read much about the Romani culture or their experience during WWII and Veletzos beautifully captured their culture while making me want to learn more.
Eva's character is strong and smart and uses those traits to make a positive impact on the world. She has no problem sacrificing her own safety or security for those she loves and it was profound to read about. I'm always here for a strong heroine.
The relationship between Rufus and Aleandro. Veletzos beautifully wrote about the power of human connection and relationships as a tool for belonging and survival.
What I loved:
I've not read much about the Romani culture or their experience during WWII and Veletzos beautifully captured their culture while making me want to learn more.
Eva's character is strong and smart and uses those traits to make a positive impact on the world. She has no problem sacrificing her own safety or security for those she loves and it was profound to read about. I'm always here for a strong heroine.
The relationship between Rufus and Aleandro. Veletzos beautifully wrote about the power of human connection and relationships as a tool for belonging and survival.
alic59books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
author2223's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lamanda_quiring's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
readswithsyd's review against another edition
4.0
This book broke my heart a few times but I think it was so well done. This story was quick and kept me fairly engaged the entire time. I thought it was a beautiful story. This stands out from other WWII historical fiction novels with the author's personal connection to the history and all the research it is based on.
Thank you to #AtriaBooks and #NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Thank you to #AtriaBooks and #NetGalley for the advanced copy.
jessisreadingbetweenthewines's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 rounded up to 3.
This is a WWII historical fiction set in Hungary, revolving around two main characters, and highlighting how Hungary’s involvement impacted the Romani people.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work well for me. There was something in the flow of writing and the execution that didn’t keep my attention until 3/4 of the way in.
I did, however, enjoy the ending and the fact that the story continues after the war. This allowed a glimpse into what post-war Hungary was like under Soviet rule. Something I hadn’t previously read about.
It wasn’t a bad story, just not the best I’ve read in the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a WWII historical fiction set in Hungary, revolving around two main characters, and highlighting how Hungary’s involvement impacted the Romani people.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work well for me. There was something in the flow of writing and the execution that didn’t keep my attention until 3/4 of the way in.
I did, however, enjoy the ending and the fact that the story continues after the war. This allowed a glimpse into what post-war Hungary was like under Soviet rule. Something I hadn’t previously read about.
It wasn’t a bad story, just not the best I’ve read in the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
alexasreading's review against another edition
3.0
Eventually, things would fade, but for him, it would always continue - beyond this night, beyond this summer. Here in Sopron, there would always be her".