A review by cora_hreads
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 The Book of Lost Names is a story of bravery, the strain of seemingly-forbidden love, and incredible strength of one woman during a time of great peril. Though the pacing seemed slow for a majority of the book, the character development of Eva and Rémy greatly made up for any drag. When Rémy wanted to go off and fight for France via the Resistance, I understood how both characters felt. I wanted Rémy to trust his gut and fight, but, as Eva felt, I wanted him to stay so he’d at least be alive and around. The ending had broken and mended my heart, given everything that had happened. I was rendered speechless -- something unusual -- and it told me everything I needed to know about how I felt about The Book of Lost Names. The only reason I take off .5 points is because some of the dramatic moments didn’t feel very impactful. Otherwise, this piece was a work of art.