leahsuchet's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Very emotional story, as all WW2 books are. I’ve never read anything about the experience of those nations caught between the Germans and Russians before. There were some significant and horrific events that took place which I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of before, and I respect this author for telling the important stories of those who perished. It was also particularly thought provoking to consider how much responsibility very young people took on in such a heavy time.
rosielazar1's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
abbey2swag's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holy shit
lindapool's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
elizowen12's review against another edition
4.0
A great historical fiction read. That’s it. That’s the review.
michelle_me's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, I have tears in my eyes as I’m writing this.
samfavorite's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
eweindesign's review against another edition
3.0
Even if you go into this novel knowing about the history behind it (I didn't), the ending will still be a shock of cold water.
As Sepetys weaves this WWII era story, a rag-tag group of suspicious strangers become family. Alliances are made, for better or worse. Priorities shift when the scale of value is life or death. The character development was quite good for the characters Sepetys chose to make responsive to their circumstances, and predictably bitter or foolish for those she chose not to.
The Titanic, and other horrific tragedies have been romanticized; it's good to read books like this that remind us of how intricate every life is.
Love doesn't guarantee you make it out alive, but it helps you know what to hold onto.
As Sepetys weaves this WWII era story, a rag-tag group of suspicious strangers become family. Alliances are made, for better or worse. Priorities shift when the scale of value is life or death. The character development was quite good for the characters Sepetys chose to make responsive to their circumstances, and predictably bitter or foolish for those she chose not to.
The Titanic, and other horrific tragedies have been romanticized; it's good to read books like this that remind us of how intricate every life is.
Love doesn't guarantee you make it out alive, but it helps you know what to hold onto.