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A review by cari1268
The Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton
3.0
I'm a little conflicted on this one. I was very invested in the story at times. However, there were other times where boredom reigned. I almost DNFed this book two hours in.
I did not like the writing. It felt like I really had to focus on what the author was saying to understand what was happening. That's not because the vocabulary was too sophisticated or the prose flowery. The writing stated things in a roundabout way that drove me a little crazy. (After reading other reviews, I'm wondering if this happened because too many unnecessary facts were included?) This made for a tedious read during the boring parts. (I actually listened to this book on 1.75 speed instead of my normal 2.00 speed to help with my understanding). Part of my confusion might have come from the narrator, who was a little hard to understand. However, I think most of my issues were with the writing in this case.
The book had a lot of character perspectives and short chapters. That is not my favorite style for telling a story. Personally, I have a hard time getting invested in stories that do this. *Cough, cough-The Fountains of Silence*
There were things I did like about The Last Train to London. When I was invested, I was invested. I loved getting to learn about "Tante Truus." How have I never heard of her?! I hope that she is taught in school when students learn about the holocaust. She is a hero. Not only was I unaware of Tante Truus, but I also was mostly unaware of the train loads that rescued children. This was a story that needed telling.
Although a little overdone, I loved Stephan's younger brother (I can't remember his name) and his dynamic with Peter Rabbit. So cute.
3 Stars.
*There was a little vulgarity and maybe a swear word or two.*
I did not like the writing. It felt like I really had to focus on what the author was saying to understand what was happening. That's not because the vocabulary was too sophisticated or the prose flowery. The writing stated things in a roundabout way that drove me a little crazy. (After reading other reviews, I'm wondering if this happened because too many unnecessary facts were included?) This made for a tedious read during the boring parts. (I actually listened to this book on 1.75 speed instead of my normal 2.00 speed to help with my understanding). Part of my confusion might have come from the narrator, who was a little hard to understand. However, I think most of my issues were with the writing in this case.
The book had a lot of character perspectives and short chapters. That is not my favorite style for telling a story. Personally, I have a hard time getting invested in stories that do this. *Cough, cough-The Fountains of Silence*
There were things I did like about The Last Train to London. When I was invested, I was invested.
Spoiler
I was dying to learn if Stephan made it onto the train.Although a little overdone, I loved Stephan's younger brother (I can't remember his name) and his dynamic with Peter Rabbit. So cute.
Spoiler
The scene with the little brother getting stuck in the street while pushing the wheelchair was one of the most heartbreaking for me.3 Stars.
*There was a little vulgarity and maybe a swear word or two.*