magiklee's review against another edition
4.0
The Year it all Ended was quite the emotional story. It tore at your heart strings and forced you to confront the tragic possibility of living during a war and losing someone you loved. Through Tiney’s eyes you got to see firsthand the struggle she went through in order to understand the death of her brother and the frustration she felt with her family and other circumstances that prevented her from fulfilling her dream of wanting to find where he was buried; to find closure and say goodbye. For some people death is the end and when you’ve heard that someone has died you say your peace and you move on but some people need more. Tiney’s Dad needed more. He needed to understand how something so tragic could have happened. He needed to hear from someone, someone that he would 100% listen to, that he lost his only son. Tiney needed to be close to her brothers body in order to move forward and because she couldn’t she felt the gaping hole that was left inside of her at not being able to say “goodbye” properly; ie. Face to face in a way. That was all she wanted. All she needed and it was a struggle to get there.
The opening, “Before” describes a time that has a habit of coming to the forefront many a time because it helps the reader relate to Tiney and understand her close connection to her brother. You were able to place yourself in her shoes and see firsthand the affects the war has had on her and the people around her and it struck a chord inside you that made you realise that death and war has lasting effects on the ones that were left behind.
There was one part in particular that brought tears to my eyes and that was when Tiney met an old lady in the graveyard her brother was buried. She was looking for where her son might be even though it would be in an unmarked grave and she had no way of knowing if that was where her son really was. And the old lady had said to Tiney “…A mother should be able to sense where her boy is resting, shouldn’t she?...” She was distraught at not knowing where he was; couldn’t make herself select one grave and be happy with it. And as a mother myself, I realised just how she felt. I would be at a loss if either of my two boys had died and I never knew where they were. I would feel as if I could never rest or move forward until I could see my baby/babies and say goodbye. And that was the point of this story – to see how hard it would have been for thousands of people/families to take the word of a military letter that their child was dead and that they may never see them again.
It is one of a kind novel that gives you the point of view that no one ever reads about: the point of view of those that are left behind and having to deal with the effects of the war. It was very real and easy to relate to and one I will most likely never forget. Kirsty Murray has created a fantastic novel about history that I recommend everyone read if they really want to understand what war does to everyone and not just the soldiers.
The opening, “Before” describes a time that has a habit of coming to the forefront many a time because it helps the reader relate to Tiney and understand her close connection to her brother. You were able to place yourself in her shoes and see firsthand the affects the war has had on her and the people around her and it struck a chord inside you that made you realise that death and war has lasting effects on the ones that were left behind.
There was one part in particular that brought tears to my eyes and that was when Tiney met an old lady in the graveyard her brother was buried. She was looking for where her son might be even though it would be in an unmarked grave and she had no way of knowing if that was where her son really was. And the old lady had said to Tiney “…A mother should be able to sense where her boy is resting, shouldn’t she?...” She was distraught at not knowing where he was; couldn’t make herself select one grave and be happy with it. And as a mother myself, I realised just how she felt. I would be at a loss if either of my two boys had died and I never knew where they were. I would feel as if I could never rest or move forward until I could see my baby/babies and say goodbye. And that was the point of this story – to see how hard it would have been for thousands of people/families to take the word of a military letter that their child was dead and that they may never see them again.
It is one of a kind novel that gives you the point of view that no one ever reads about: the point of view of those that are left behind and having to deal with the effects of the war. It was very real and easy to relate to and one I will most likely never forget. Kirsty Murray has created a fantastic novel about history that I recommend everyone read if they really want to understand what war does to everyone and not just the soldiers.
bella_granger's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
anigrace18's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
elouise_l's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book but if you’re looking to read something happy, this isn’t it (except for the perfectly romantic ending). This wonderful book maps out all the trials and tribulations an Australian family faces during World War One, and in the aftermath. It is an emotional ride for the reader and it made me realise how fortunate I am. From the first chapter, the characters draw the reader in, allowing them to experience the past and understand the history of Australia. This book is a great edition to the Australian WWI canon and it makes me excited to explore more books as Australia commemorates the centenary.
sharon_geitz's review against another edition
3.0
The end of WWI from the perspective of those left behind; sisters, friends, mothers. A good read, but not brilliant, makes a nice companion read with the abc series The war that changed us.
tuesdayangel's review
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Death
elouise's review
4.0
I loved this book but if you’re looking to read something happy, this isn’t it (except for the perfectly romantic ending). This wonderful book maps out all the trials and tribulations an Australian family faces during World War One, and in the aftermath. It is an emotional ride for the reader and it made me realise how fortunate I am. From the first chapter, the characters draw the reader in, allowing them to experience the past and understand the history of Australia. This book is a great edition to the Australian WWI canon and it makes me excited to explore more books as Australia commemorates the centenary.
sharon4d046's review
3.0
The end of WWI from the perspective of those left behind; sisters, friends, mothers. A good read, but not brilliant, makes a nice companion read with the abc series The war that changed us.
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