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A review by tessa_talks_books
Lovely War by Julie Berry
4.5
Lovely War by Julie Berry is a profoundly emotional tale. It begins with Aphrodite's mock trial in Olympus after her husband Hephaestus catches her in a hotel room with Ares, a scene that sets the stage for the heart-wrenching love stories she shares. These tales, set amidst the backdrop of WWI, vividly illustrate the link between love and war, the essence of love, the anguish of war, and the redemptive power of music. This epic had me in tears, so deeply was I touched by the profound love that permeates its pages.
I did a read-and-listen combination and enjoyed the cast of narrators. Having different narrators for each main character helped me focus on the story as I listened and brought the tale to life.
The meticulous research that underpins Lovely War left a deep impression on me. The war-time narratives are not just informative, but they also resonate with a profound sense of respect, empathy, and authenticity. From the harrowing experiences of war to the societal prejudices in a post-civil war era, every issue and aspect is portrayed with a level of detail that is both enlightening and compelling.
The purity and beauty of the two relationships the story focuses on, Aubrey and Colette, and Hazel and James, are deeply moving. Aubrey and Colette, a mixed-race couple united by their love of music, face the harsh reality of prejudice. Hazel and James, a new couple torn apart by war, navigate the challenges of developing a relationship in such a difficult time. Their struggles and triumphs are so poignant that I couldn't help but weep for them.
One of the most captivating aspects of Lovely War is the interplay between tragedy and humor. The gods' interactions, providing a much-needed humorous respite, were witty and observant, while the lessons they learned were profound. This skillful balance of emotions adds to the undeniable beauty of the story. I found myself wondering why it's considered YA, as it will undoubtedly resonate with adult readers, particularly those who enjoy historical fiction, mythology, and true love stories.
I did a read-and-listen combination and enjoyed the cast of narrators. Having different narrators for each main character helped me focus on the story as I listened and brought the tale to life.
The meticulous research that underpins Lovely War left a deep impression on me. The war-time narratives are not just informative, but they also resonate with a profound sense of respect, empathy, and authenticity. From the harrowing experiences of war to the societal prejudices in a post-civil war era, every issue and aspect is portrayed with a level of detail that is both enlightening and compelling.
The purity and beauty of the two relationships the story focuses on, Aubrey and Colette, and Hazel and James, are deeply moving. Aubrey and Colette, a mixed-race couple united by their love of music, face the harsh reality of prejudice. Hazel and James, a new couple torn apart by war, navigate the challenges of developing a relationship in such a difficult time. Their struggles and triumphs are so poignant that I couldn't help but weep for them.
One of the most captivating aspects of Lovely War is the interplay between tragedy and humor. The gods' interactions, providing a much-needed humorous respite, were witty and observant, while the lessons they learned were profound. This skillful balance of emotions adds to the undeniable beauty of the story. I found myself wondering why it's considered YA, as it will undoubtedly resonate with adult readers, particularly those who enjoy historical fiction, mythology, and true love stories.