katierussell798's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
echo_finished_cake's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars from me!
This book took my breath away, especially in the second half.
I would say the first 100 pages of this book were kind of a bore to me. So much so, I considered putting in on my "DNF" list. But right when I was about to give up on it, the story picked up and the plot started to thicken. And I was hooked! And this is primarily why I cannot give it a full 5 stars. So if you choose to read this book, don't give up on it. It is well worth the read!
So I tend to refrain from restating the synopsis in my book reviews unless I feel it necessary. But with this book, the synopsis is pretty accurate in describing the plot of the story. The only part of it I found a bit misleading, as any reader would probably know the synopses of most books are usually misleading to some degree. Anyway, what I thought was the most misleading part of it was that in my opinion, the synopsis implied Emily's journey to find out the truth behind the painting and her family's history that took her from Florida to Munich to Atlanta and back to Florida would be one that was a huge part of the story. However, I think this journey was only a part of it. Most of the book took place in Atlanta and Florida. For some time while reading it, you think the gallery in Munich and the art historian would have something more to do with the plot, but they didn't and it's like you read more and find this out and are like "Oh, okay!".
With that said, I particularly liked this book because not only is it classified under the historical fiction genre, which is one of my favorite genres, but I liked that fact that art and a famous writer and his popular piece had a significant role in connecting the two long lost lovers in the story: Peter & Margaret. I thoroughly enjoy books that do this! And to choose Ralph Waldo Emerson was a great choice by Ms. Harmel. While I haven't read much of Emerson's work, some of my favorite quotes were penned by him!
I think using this writer as a glue that kept a 70 year love alive whether the characters knew that or not was quite intelligent and brilliant on behalf of the author. I also thought it brilliant that she had art become this thing that brought a broken family together, even after death. That art brought healing to so many characters' lives was amazing and a real pleasure to read!
I am so happy the main character, Emily, found her way towards healing. I was hoping for that while reading, despite the fact I found her rather unlikeable in the beginning of the story. But I like to think that feeling made her transformation all the more significant, emotional and satisfying!
But I would forewarn my fellow reader that this book discusses death a lot it seems. There are 6 deaths that are part of this story, so just know there are some paragraphs that might stir up emotions about death for the reader.
And can I just say...poor Ingrid! I felt sorry for her. And for Nick to a lesser degree. What am I talking about? Well, you'll just have to read to find out if you haven't already!!
This book took my breath away, especially in the second half.
I would say the first 100 pages of this book were kind of a bore to me. So much so, I considered putting in on my "DNF" list. But right when I was about to give up on it, the story picked up and the plot started to thicken. And I was hooked! And this is primarily why I cannot give it a full 5 stars. So if you choose to read this book, don't give up on it. It is well worth the read!
So I tend to refrain from restating the synopsis in my book reviews unless I feel it necessary. But with this book, the synopsis is pretty accurate in describing the plot of the story. The only part of it I found a bit misleading, as any reader would probably know the synopses of most books are usually misleading to some degree. Anyway, what I thought was the most misleading part of it was that in my opinion, the synopsis implied Emily's journey to find out the truth behind the painting and her family's history that took her from Florida to Munich to Atlanta and back to Florida would be one that was a huge part of the story. However, I think this journey was only a part of it. Most of the book took place in Atlanta and Florida. For some time while reading it, you think the gallery in Munich and the art historian would have something more to do with the plot, but they didn't and it's like you read more and find this out and are like "Oh, okay!".
With that said, I particularly liked this book because not only is it classified under the historical fiction genre, which is one of my favorite genres, but I liked that fact that art and a famous writer and his popular piece had a significant role in connecting the two long lost lovers in the story: Peter & Margaret. I thoroughly enjoy books that do this! And to choose Ralph Waldo Emerson was a great choice by Ms. Harmel. While I haven't read much of Emerson's work, some of my favorite quotes were penned by him!
I think using this writer as a glue that kept a 70 year love alive whether the characters knew that or not was quite intelligent and brilliant on behalf of the author. I also thought it brilliant that she had art become this thing that brought a broken family together, even after death. That art brought healing to so many characters' lives was amazing and a real pleasure to read!
I am so happy the main character, Emily, found her way towards healing. I was hoping for that while reading, despite the fact I found her rather unlikeable in the beginning of the story. But I like to think that feeling made her transformation all the more significant, emotional and satisfying!
But I would forewarn my fellow reader that this book discusses death a lot it seems. There are 6 deaths that are part of this story, so just know there are some paragraphs that might stir up emotions about death for the reader.
And can I just say...poor Ingrid! I felt sorry for her. And for Nick to a lesser degree. What am I talking about? Well, you'll just have to read to find out if you haven't already!!
booksmjc's review
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
stairclimber's review against another edition
4.0
I have tears n my eyes as I write this. As usual, Kristin Harmel crafted a beautiful story, with characters that I cared about. I learned that after WW11, hundreds of German prisoners of war were brought to the United States to work in labor camps. Later they were sent to England to help in rebuilding what war had destroyed.
Harmel wove a multi- generational saga in two timelines. I couldn't put this fast paced book down. 4 ⭐️'s - it lost a star because of the ending. It wrapped up a little too perfectly for me
Harmel wove a multi- generational saga in two timelines. I couldn't put this fast paced book down. 4 ⭐️'s - it lost a star because of the ending. It wrapped up a little too perfectly for me
alycille's review against another edition
4.0
Good easy read…I did tear up at the end… but not my fav Kristin Harmel. Wish it had more of the past than present.
nursenell's review against another edition
5.0
This book will stay with me for a long while. I have read a lot of good books this summer, this was definitely my favorite. I almost never cry over a book but reading the last chapter in this book had me crying. The story is very bittersweet about love found and lost. The take away message is to honor the past but live in the present.
raquel_reads's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the book and was drawn until the end. It was tied up like a neat little bow like too many american movies.
msethna's review against another edition
5.0
I have now added When We Meet Again to my list of "historical fiction books that have taught me something new about WWII." I never realized that their were German POW camps in the United States during WWII. In the beginning I did struggle with the chapters as they moved back and forth between Emily, the main character searching to find her grandfather that she never knew, and the past love affair between Emily's grandmother and the POW, Peter, who is her grandfather. Once I made the connection between the past and present, I would not put the book down. The story was beautifully written and tears formed in my eyes as I got to the closing chapters. I did not want the story to end. Not only was it a story of true love, but it was also a story of forgiveness and letting go of the guilt that comes with not being a "perfect" parent. This was the first story I have read by Kristin Harmel, but it will not be the last.
#mustread2016 #bookaday
#mustread2016 #bookaday