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no_more_shelf_control 's review for:
The Goddess of Warsaw
by Lisa Barr
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was one of the most gripping and cinematic stories of a badass woman surviving the atrocities of the Nazi's in Poland. Surviving is putting it mildly.
When @tlcbooktours & @harperbooks offered this @lisabarr18 book, I was all in! I loved Woman on Fire, and knew this would be the author I will read for WWII fiction. I know she adds so much truth to her books, and it is so important to remember this horrendous period so as not to repeat it or let others erase it.
Whatever you think about WWII historical fiction, this book takes that and projects a people that fight against their erasure. I don't hear about that often, so it really is important to remember that there were strong resistance fighters.
I loved the set up of a new starlet interviewing a seeming hero of hers, only to have a phenomenal history spill through the pages. I instantly fell for the Lena Browning that began as Bina Blonski. Bina was self aware and strong, yet still had desires. When the Nazi's imprison her community in the ghetto, she courageously moves into danger as a spy, sacrificing much. This part of the story was packed with depth & intensity that never let up.
When the narrative moved to the Hollywood portion of Lena, I was surprised to find the action continued and loved that even more! The final chapters had me absolutely engrossed in a way I didn't expect.
My only "fault" is that I didn't care for all the intensity of the romance. It makes total sense for the fullness of character creation, but that part is just not for me. Big surprise, I know!
That said, it didn't take too much away from the overall impact of this book for me. I will absolutely remember and respect the Jewish resistance when I think about the Nazi's efforts, and ultimate failure.
I did pair the book with the audio, which was also stunning. You will want the physical book, however, to hold on to some great insights and beautiful lines.
When @tlcbooktours & @harperbooks offered this @lisabarr18 book, I was all in! I loved Woman on Fire, and knew this would be the author I will read for WWII fiction. I know she adds so much truth to her books, and it is so important to remember this horrendous period so as not to repeat it or let others erase it.
Whatever you think about WWII historical fiction, this book takes that and projects a people that fight against their erasure. I don't hear about that often, so it really is important to remember that there were strong resistance fighters.
I loved the set up of a new starlet interviewing a seeming hero of hers, only to have a phenomenal history spill through the pages. I instantly fell for the Lena Browning that began as Bina Blonski. Bina was self aware and strong, yet still had desires. When the Nazi's imprison her community in the ghetto, she courageously moves into danger as a spy, sacrificing much. This part of the story was packed with depth & intensity that never let up.
When the narrative moved to the Hollywood portion of Lena, I was surprised to find the action continued and loved that even more! The final chapters had me absolutely engrossed in a way I didn't expect.
My only "fault" is that I didn't care for all the intensity of the romance. It makes total sense for the fullness of character creation, but that part is just not for me. Big surprise, I know!
That said, it didn't take too much away from the overall impact of this book for me. I will absolutely remember and respect the Jewish resistance when I think about the Nazi's efforts, and ultimate failure.
I did pair the book with the audio, which was also stunning. You will want the physical book, however, to hold on to some great insights and beautiful lines.