Reviews

The Last Green Valley by Mark Sullivan

missmaly07's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

mudder17's review against another edition

5.0

Like the author's previous novel, Beneath the Scarlet Sky, this was a historical fiction novel based on the life of a family fleeing their country for a safer life. Unlike most of the WWII novels I've read, this story focuses on the ethnic Germans in Ukraine who settled there in the 1800s to farm the land long before the war started. As the war begins, many of these Germans decide to leave with the German army to escape the brutality of the Russian army, but they are stuck between two oppressive forces. The story alternates between Emil and Adeline Martel, in two different times as the experiences of the past have repercussions to their current time.

The real couple eventually made it to Montana, where Sullivan lives, and when he heard their story, it inspired this tale of triumph and redemption over tremendous hardship. Personally, I liked this story even more than Scarlet Sky, and I found both Emil and Adeline to be amazing characters. The author did an incredible job in his research and I loved his choice to develop Emil's faith journey from the time he lost it completely to his eventual reclamation of it. Throughout it all, Adeline held fast to her faith, but even she experienced doubts (how could you not?).

I listened to this book and the narrator did a wonderful job, but I will probably buy the digital book because I want to go back and collect quotes.

sueperlibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

I get all of the reviews now. I don’t need to add to the pile, but this was a wholly unbelievable story, in a good way, that kept me page turning despite its length. Based on a true story but understandably told as a compilation of things that had happened to many refugees during this time. I think for book club, there is a lot to discuss.

juliemowat's review against another edition

4.0

This is a very good book. So well written and engaging. It is historical fiction plus. It is really based on real life people-some who are alive now. It gave me a glimpse into understanding even more about ww2 history and the communist rule-how people were caught up in it. Recommend!

thaisharlow's review against another edition

5.0

Such an amazing story about refugees from Ukraine during WW2. The book started a little slow for me, but once it grabbed me I was enthralled with this family's journey. At times, the story was difficult to hear, primarily because of what is happening with the current crisis in Ukraine. There are so many parallels. I could just picture current Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russian control into safer land, minus the horse-drawn wagon the Martels used. A chilling true account of the unimaginable events refugees endure. My compassion for refugees was further strengthened after reading The Last Green Valley, which is based on the actual lives of a refugee family who finally settled in the United States.

carlalou's review against another edition

4.0

Not my usual choice of book, and listening to it was tough because there are a lot of depressing parts. But it really comes together in the end and I got attached to the characters and wanted them to win.

jasmin_carrington's review against another edition

5.0

Based on a true story of Ukrainian family with German heritage fleeing Stalin’s army under the “protection” of the SS. After having living under Stalin’s regime and endured poverty and starvation, father’s sent to Labor camp in Siberia. the family seeks freedom and a better life in the West.

What a beautiful story!

krissypsu's review against another edition

5.0

I really liked this book as it was another take on WWII that I haven’t read about. It was nicely written; good pace/not confusing with the different characters and gave a follow up at the end - again, heart wrenching to read about this era, but interesting to read about those who were German and how they lived through this time. Definitely recommend, and I’m glad this is for book club.

emkatec's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

mandysatan's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75