A review by debbysreads
Lovely War by Julie Berry

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

"Just listen to my silly little love story." 

Another gem added to my list of favourites. I'd seen a lot of great reviews for Lovely War but didn't have a clue what it was really about, and I was pleasantly surprised.

This is such a beautifully woven tale of love and loss and music and souls brought together in times of destruction, World War 1. It is so rich, that's the word. This book explored complex themes of love, grief and even racism. Soldiers fighting on the same side, for the same cause, are separated by their colour of their skin. It really hits you.

The narration style is also one of my favourites! Greek gods narrating parts they identify with - like Aphrodite narrating the hopeful, romantic parts; Hades narrating the tragic bits sprinkled with death; Ares describing the war - made for a wonderful reading experience. It was so unique and beautiful. I didn't physically cry but felt all the emotions deep in my soul, because WOW this book had a lot of them. The main characters are absolutely delightful and have distinct, loveable personalities. Hazel and James are my OTP <3 And I adored Colette and Aubrey too.

Yes, it was a bit instalovey, but it was so well-written I didn't mind it. I was on the edge of my seat any time these couples met. The tension. 

Also am I the only one who imagined James McAvoy from Atonement as James? They even have the same name >.< 

Overall, brilliant. A fascinating, captivating story of how love and war walk hand in hand that will stay with you for a long time.

"Let them start their dreadful wars, let destruction rain down, and let plague sweep through, but I will still be here, doing my work, holding humankind together with love like this"
Expand filter menu Content Warnings