nikimorr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is a true woman-power book spanning two wars. The ladies of this book were truly remarkable, especially learning that the WWI spy “Lilli” was a true war heroine and many of her stories were historically accurate.
This book can get very dark, especially describing Eve’s time as a spy during the war and during prison. However, it added a layer of authenticity. The author’s ability to relay the horror of what was happening in this setting was incredible. It was palpable.
It felt like multiple books in one book reading the lifetime of Eve and journey of Charlie, yet I never got bored or felt the book dragged. Everything felt necessary.
This is definitely a book that will stay with me. The character of Eve was fascinating and memorable. Her journey with grief, self acceptance, and guilt gives a lot to reflect about. Charlie’s story of self acceptance, self forgiveness, and her taking control of her own life despite stigma and scorn is aspirational.
Graphic: Abortion, Forced institutionalization, Alcoholism, Grief, Gun violence, Mental illness, Hate crime, Medical trauma, Murder, Sexism, Torture, Death, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and War
clarissa_joy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Sexual assault, Abortion, and Torture
Minor: War
emka12's review
- 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
4.75
Eve's side of the story is definitely more interesting, but I found Charlie's POV helped balance the tension a bit. It's also nice to see Eve from a 3rd person perspective. What a beautifully written story, and what a great tribute to our actual war heroines and heroes.
Graphic: Abortion, Alcohol, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, War, Suicide, Death, and Torture
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, and Drug use
Minor: Excrement
mohsina_anee's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Violence, War, Abortion, Alcoholism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Torture
sarahflanders's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Moderate: Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, War, Alcoholism, Abortion, Alcohol, Child death, Cursing, Death, Medical content, Murder, Suicide, and Pregnancy
makmo722's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I will note that it was far more challenging to read than I expected. War is dark and the effect is has is seen clearly on every page of this book.
Graphic: Abortion, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, and War
Moderate: Alcohol, Child death, Cursing, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Suicide, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Antisemitism
am4man's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: War, Torture, Suicide, Abortion, Murder, and Gun violence
emily_koopmann's review against another edition
1.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Violence, Gun violence, and War
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Suicide, and Antisemitism
htoomanybooks's review
3.0
Graphic: Violence, War, and Torture
katieellisrhodes's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Rape, War, Torture, Suicide, and Abortion