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A review by dianafraser17
Stateless by Elizabeth Wein
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Elizabeth Wein describes this book as being a precursor to the war when young people could be full of hope for a better outcome. That tracks. The Gestapo are still conniving and terrifying but the young people triumph in the end. I really enjoyed the international ties incorporating the multilingualism and the connection to the Russian Revolution and Spanish Civil War which is often left out of the WWII narrative.
The characters are likable and intriguing, if not particularly deep or fleshed out. This is an action mystery thru and thru. If you're looking for the emotional depth and narrative complexity of Code Name Verity, this won't do it, but if you loved The Pearl Thief, this will be a good followup read. I usually have trouble sleeping after a CNV reread and this book is less dark so that was not a problem here.
One thing I appreciated was that none of the pilots were caricatures of their country of origin - it allowed for the difference of opinion and influence of others in a positive way. It introduced the idea and practice of courage instead of dogma.
Overall, a fun murder mystery book about European youth in the midst of the war brewing. These are the young people who would likely go on to fight in and win that war.
The characters are likable and intriguing, if not particularly deep or fleshed out. This is an action mystery thru and thru. If you're looking for the emotional depth and narrative complexity of Code Name Verity, this won't do it, but if you loved The Pearl Thief, this will be a good followup read. I usually have trouble sleeping after a CNV reread and this book is less dark so that was not a problem here.
One thing I appreciated was that none of the pilots were caricatures of their country of origin - it allowed for the difference of opinion and influence of others in a positive way. It introduced the idea and practice of courage instead of dogma.
Overall, a fun murder mystery book about European youth in the midst of the war brewing. These are the young people who would likely go on to fight in and win that war.