kiperoo's review
5.0
As always, an immersive historical from Weina Dai Randel, taking the reader into a different side of the Nazi takeover of Vienna, partially based on the real actions of Dr. Hu Fengshan.
christinecasey's review
I think I’m going to put this one down for a while at 26%. I started reading it 3 months ago, and it hasn’t engaged me. Usually I’ll finish a book in a few days, a week or two at the most if I’m really busy.
And two days ago the author’s daughter came out with criticism about the liberties taken with this historical fiction that perhaps overstates its basis on a true story. In reading about that, I saw some spoilers about the book and more details about Dr Fengshan’s true heroic efforts. So I’m good for now.
And two days ago the author’s daughter came out with criticism about the liberties taken with this historical fiction that perhaps overstates its basis on a true story. In reading about that, I saw some spoilers about the book and more details about Dr Fengshan’s true heroic efforts. So I’m good for now.
sshenkin's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ccanne's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lancastergainesville's review
I was googling about the true story this book is based on and found this scathing article by the real daughter of the real Ho Fengshan, and I feel if the author can't even spell people's names correctly and is making up things that never happened, while at the same time profiting off a real family, well, it's wrong. I got the book for free on Amazon First Reads, but I'm not going to waste my time with it. I get that it is "historical fiction," but don't be lazy. Daughter: Novel distorts father's WWII rescue of Jews - Chinadaily.com.cn
alwayspizza's review against another edition
5.0
Bought this book knowing nothing more than its brief description. The story of Dr. Ho Fengshan brings to life a piece of WW2 and the horrific experience of the Jewish people of Vienna faced most, myself included, may not have known. This book has inspired me to learn more about China during WW2.
Weina Dai Randel has written such a wonderfully well written novel and I look forward to reading her other works.
Weina Dai Randel has written such a wonderfully well written novel and I look forward to reading her other works.
alissamargaret's review
4.0
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. While I enjoyed her other book (the last rose of Shanghai) better, this one was still really good. Definitely an emotional rollercoaster, going through the story from three different points of view. There were some truly sad, crushing moments in the book but it does end with somewhat of a HEA.