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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
Somehow, in spite of surviving horrific circumstances, Lenka and Josef discover the lasting bonds of true love. Having met and fallen in love shortly before Europe exploded with unthinkable tragedy and human suffering at the hands of Nazi occupation, Lenka and Josef are torn apart just as the war begins. Josef follows his family to America while Lenka stays at home with her family, both hoping for the best and both sure they would one day be reunited in the near future. Neither would find the ending they had hoped for and both would endure lifetimes full of sadness, loss, and heartache. While there is much sadness throughout this novel, there is also a great deal of courage, strength, and happiness. In the darkest moments, the human spirit shines through. Called a "great love story" this book is truly that.
I’m not sure my words could ever do this story justice! Deep, haunting, and painful to read at times but above all love remains. Not idyllic romance novel love, but deep, flawed, tragic love, amidst a world of horror and injustice.
Slow to start but I became completely enraptured with this love story. A tale of two young Jews in love who are torn apart as the Germans invade Prague. A beautiful work of historical fiction with real life characters and events. Now I want to visit the Jewish museum in Prague. Read this with a box of tissues nearby.
I adored this book. It is the story of a young married couple separated by the events of World War 2. He escapes their native Prague. ending up in America; she chooses to stay behind with her family. The chaos of the time causes each of them to think the other dead, and they subsequently remarry.
Many years later at a family event , they finally meet again..
This story begins with that fateful meeting, and takes us back in time to tell of their experiences in the war, including the wife's time in a concentration camp with all that it entails.
I found this to be both beautiful and engrossing..
Many years later at a family event , they finally meet again..
This story begins with that fateful meeting, and takes us back in time to tell of their experiences in the war, including the wife's time in a concentration camp with all that it entails.
I found this to be both beautiful and engrossing..
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
2.5 stars. I loved the first half of this book, but I then found there was too much detail on Lenka's life in the camp, and I just wanted to read how her and Josef reunite. I found the ending very unsatisfying - no more than what the prologue gave us. Very disappointing.
I wish I could have given it 3.5 stars. I liked the characters and the story, but felt that some of it was a bit cliche/overdone. I actually would have wanted to know more about the present day characters and a bit less of the re-explained Holocaust history. Still, a good read with solid writing.
I simply could not put this book down. While I was unable to read it in a day or even two days, it was so wonderfully written, such a fabulous concept, and such a lovely (and sad) story, I really wish my life had allowed me to devour it so quickly.
Like so many of the best novels set during the Holocausts, the author does a wonderful job of weaving beauty and horror, humanity and inhumanity.
Beautiful novel.
Like so many of the best novels set during the Holocausts, the author does a wonderful job of weaving beauty and horror, humanity and inhumanity.
Beautiful novel.
When I finished The Lost Wife, I had to take some time to process and simply feel. An author who can open the heart like this one did, well wow. Just wow.