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A review by blanxx_2102
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's taken me a while since finishing this book to write a review because I had to gather my thoughts. This is already a big plus; I love books that make me reflect and force me to marinate in my opinions.
I approached this book in full knowledge of the *very* general overarching plot: two young men (Ellwood and Gaunt) enlist in the war effort and fall in love in the meantime. However, I was not expecting the sheer depth of the novel. I was firstly taken aback at how real and beautiful the main characters' friendship is while they're attending Preshute school. The way in which Winn explores both boys' longing (with a capital L) for each other- all the while being in denial that their affections are reciprocated- completely pulled at my heartstrings. Then, Winn added salt to the wound when they enlist, which is only healed when they reunite. I will avoid spoilers, but I will say that the emotional rollercoaster does not lessen, however, her writing is so captivating and vivid and stunning that even the pain is worth the read.
In addition, I was truly in awe at how much research must've gone into the book, which Winn perfectly showcases in a way that doesn't feel like you're reading a history book. I learned so much about World War I- be it about life in the front and trenches, how enlistment worked, the variety of afflictions and injuries possible, the treatment of prisoners of war, the In Memoriam columns... You name it, Winn covers it. I also really like that she doesn't sugarcoat any dark history facts, it made the narrative all the more credible. It often felt like, as readers, we were right at the frontline with the characters.
I would urge everybody to read this because it is such a fantastic, emotionally intricate, thought provoking read that kept me raptured for every page and which will make me reflect for a long time to come.
I approached this book in full knowledge of the *very* general overarching plot: two young men (Ellwood and Gaunt) enlist in the war effort and fall in love in the meantime. However, I was not expecting the sheer depth of the novel. I was firstly taken aback at how real and beautiful the main characters' friendship is while they're attending Preshute school. The way in which Winn explores both boys' longing (with a capital L) for each other- all the while being in denial that their affections are reciprocated- completely pulled at my heartstrings. Then, Winn added salt to the wound when they enlist, which is only healed when they reunite. I will avoid spoilers, but I will say that the emotional rollercoaster does not lessen, however, her writing is so captivating and vivid and stunning that even the pain is worth the read.
In addition, I was truly in awe at how much research must've gone into the book, which Winn perfectly showcases in a way that doesn't feel like you're reading a history book. I learned so much about World War I- be it about life in the front and trenches, how enlistment worked, the variety of afflictions and injuries possible, the treatment of prisoners of war, the In Memoriam columns... You name it, Winn covers it. I also really like that she doesn't sugarcoat any dark history facts, it made the narrative all the more credible. It often felt like, as readers, we were right at the frontline with the characters.
I would urge everybody to read this because it is such a fantastic, emotionally intricate, thought provoking read that kept me raptured for every page and which will make me reflect for a long time to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, and Classism