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bhunsberger's review against another edition
4.0
I received an advanced copy of this book.
At the beginning of WW2, Hannah attempts to escape Europe and boards a ship bound for America. When the ship is turned away, she finds herself seeking out a cousin in Brussels. While still seeking a way to escape, Hannah finds herself helping the underground, specifically the Sapphire Line. Mateo and his sister Micheline lead this network and Hannah finds herself feeling a strong connection. However, Hannah makes a simple mistake that carries deep consequences for her cousin Lily's family and they are soon deported. The intensity builds from there as efforts increase to help and save more people.
At the beginning of WW2, Hannah attempts to escape Europe and boards a ship bound for America. When the ship is turned away, she finds herself seeking out a cousin in Brussels. While still seeking a way to escape, Hannah finds herself helping the underground, specifically the Sapphire Line. Mateo and his sister Micheline lead this network and Hannah finds herself feeling a strong connection. However, Hannah makes a simple mistake that carries deep consequences for her cousin Lily's family and they are soon deported. The intensity builds from there as efforts increase to help and save more people.
s8snicks's review against another edition
4.0
Code Name Sapphire - Pam Jenoff
Hannah is no friend to the Nazi’s. In fact, she narrowly escapes their clutches on the night her fiancé is killed as a part of the resistance in Germany. She attempts to flee to America but, instead, after their boat is refused entry, ends up in Brussels with her cousin Lily.
I thought that what would follow would be her story of continued resistance with the Sapphire Line. In some ways it was. Until it took a major turn and became the story of her cousin’s escape from a train bound for Auschwitz.
What worked for me:
*three perspectives from strong women.
*the themes of loyalty, resistance and what you do to protect the ones you love
*the relationship between the cousins, Hannah and Lily
What I could have done without:
*the attempt at a love triangle. It wasn’t necessary
*the “twist” at the end. It didn’t fit the character and it made me sad.
*the whip-lash feeling switch in focus from the resistance line to Lily’s family.
Jenoff based this novel on real events in history. It reminded me again of the courage, bravery, brutality and desperation that was needed to do some of the things that were done during the wars. The capacity for such deep evil but also such incredible honour and sacrifice are both shown really well. Don’t skip the author’s note at the end; it’s worth it.
Thank you @netgalley, @PamJenoff and the publisher for my free e arc in exchange for an honest review.
Hannah is no friend to the Nazi’s. In fact, she narrowly escapes their clutches on the night her fiancé is killed as a part of the resistance in Germany. She attempts to flee to America but, instead, after their boat is refused entry, ends up in Brussels with her cousin Lily.
I thought that what would follow would be her story of continued resistance with the Sapphire Line. In some ways it was. Until it took a major turn and became the story of her cousin’s escape from a train bound for Auschwitz.
What worked for me:
*three perspectives from strong women.
*the themes of loyalty, resistance and what you do to protect the ones you love
*the relationship between the cousins, Hannah and Lily
What I could have done without:
*the attempt at a love triangle. It wasn’t necessary
*the “twist” at the end. It didn’t fit the character and it made me sad.
*the whip-lash feeling switch in focus from the resistance line to Lily’s family.
Jenoff based this novel on real events in history. It reminded me again of the courage, bravery, brutality and desperation that was needed to do some of the things that were done during the wars. The capacity for such deep evil but also such incredible honour and sacrifice are both shown really well. Don’t skip the author’s note at the end; it’s worth it.
Thank you @netgalley, @PamJenoff and the publisher for my free e arc in exchange for an honest review.
jessicasilfenroy's review against another edition
5.0
What an incredible story!! This is my first book by Pam Jenoff, and now I need to dive into her backlist!
Synopsis: Set in Belgium in 1942, Code Name Sapphire tells the story of three women during the war. There is Micheline, the leader of the Resistance, who helps bring British airmen from occupied zones to safety. Then, there is Hannah who escapes from the Nazis in Germany and boards a ship to Brussels to stay with her estranged cousin, Lily, until she can make it to America. Finally, there is Lily who is just trying to avoid the Nazis, support her son and lay low. However, when Lily and her family are arrested, likely due to Hannah’s actions, and are given notices that they will be deported to Auschwitz, Hannah decides that she will do whatever it takes to save them before they get on that train.
Thoughts: There is nothing better than finding a HF book that is impossible to put down, is based on real situations/ people and teaches you something new. I was immediately drawn into the plot and while this story, as expected, was heart wrenching and emotional, I love how it highlighted the brave women who helped out during the war. Definitely one to not miss!!
Thank you HTP!! Out 2/7
Synopsis: Set in Belgium in 1942, Code Name Sapphire tells the story of three women during the war. There is Micheline, the leader of the Resistance, who helps bring British airmen from occupied zones to safety. Then, there is Hannah who escapes from the Nazis in Germany and boards a ship to Brussels to stay with her estranged cousin, Lily, until she can make it to America. Finally, there is Lily who is just trying to avoid the Nazis, support her son and lay low. However, when Lily and her family are arrested, likely due to Hannah’s actions, and are given notices that they will be deported to Auschwitz, Hannah decides that she will do whatever it takes to save them before they get on that train.
Thoughts: There is nothing better than finding a HF book that is impossible to put down, is based on real situations/ people and teaches you something new. I was immediately drawn into the plot and while this story, as expected, was heart wrenching and emotional, I love how it highlighted the brave women who helped out during the war. Definitely one to not miss!!
Thank you HTP!! Out 2/7
rachelsb00kreviews's review against another edition
3.0
Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff
Read: March 6 - 8 (Book Review Pages: https://www.facebook.com/rewbookreviews OR Instagram: @rewbookreviews)
Historical fiction is one of my absolute favorite genres and within that genre, I almost always am drawn to works revolving around WWII…I can’t explain why but I love the stories of heroism, sacrifice and love in the face of great danger and horrifying situations. Much like my last WWII HF book I read, this one is unique in it’s own way and while teaching me a few new things about history, this book wasn’t the best by Jenoff I’ve read. I felt it rushed through a lot to tell a quicker story and the way it leaves off just made me think there’s a chance of a sequel…? I rate it with 3.5⭐️ for it being a touching story about the love of family and even in loss, there’s hope but I felt there was more to this story that wasn't explored.
1942—Hannah Martel has narrowly escaped Nazi Germany after her fiancé was killed in a pogrom. When her ship bound four America is turned away at port, she has nowhere to go but to her cousin Lily, who lives with her family in Brussels. Fearful for her life, Hannah is desperate to get out of occupied Europe. But with no safe way to leave, she must return to the dangerous underground work she thought she had left behind. Seeking help, Hannah joins the Sapphire Line, a secret resistance network led by a mysterious woman named Micheline and her enigmatic brother Matteo. But when a grave mistake causes Lily’s family to be arrested and slated for deportation to Auschwitz, Hannah finds herself torn between her loyalties. How much is Hannah willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves?
I have never read a book set in Brussels/Belgium before and it was quite fascinating since it was technically apart of Germany various times throughout history. The characters spoke both German and French(English as well but that’s due to working in for the partisans against the Nazi occupation) and Belgian Jews were safe for a period of time being considered part German. Another thing this book did that was unexpected was split the story in three points of view, all women, who face terrifying odds and show remarkable strength throughout everything. Each woman is different and yet in the end, they are simply working toward the same goal…freedom or fighting for others freedom.
I enjoyed this book but there were moments that made me question if certain aspects could have ever happened. I want to give examples but that might give away the plot of this book and I hate to ruin it for those who want to read it because I will recommend it but I want to know if I’m the only ones with doubts on how things happened. I found a few inconsistencies toward the end and was left a bit disappointed by how they were written.
Again, good book by an author I really like but not the best I’ve read by her in the past few years. Am I alone in thinking this? If you’ve read this book, please let me know and tell me your thoughts!
Read: March 6 - 8 (Book Review Pages: https://www.facebook.com/rewbookreviews OR Instagram: @rewbookreviews)
Historical fiction is one of my absolute favorite genres and within that genre, I almost always am drawn to works revolving around WWII…I can’t explain why but I love the stories of heroism, sacrifice and love in the face of great danger and horrifying situations. Much like my last WWII HF book I read, this one is unique in it’s own way and while teaching me a few new things about history, this book wasn’t the best by Jenoff I’ve read. I felt it rushed through a lot to tell a quicker story and the way it leaves off just made me think there’s a chance of a sequel…? I rate it with 3.5⭐️ for it being a touching story about the love of family and even in loss, there’s hope but I felt there was more to this story that wasn't explored.
1942—Hannah Martel has narrowly escaped Nazi Germany after her fiancé was killed in a pogrom. When her ship bound four America is turned away at port, she has nowhere to go but to her cousin Lily, who lives with her family in Brussels. Fearful for her life, Hannah is desperate to get out of occupied Europe. But with no safe way to leave, she must return to the dangerous underground work she thought she had left behind. Seeking help, Hannah joins the Sapphire Line, a secret resistance network led by a mysterious woman named Micheline and her enigmatic brother Matteo. But when a grave mistake causes Lily’s family to be arrested and slated for deportation to Auschwitz, Hannah finds herself torn between her loyalties. How much is Hannah willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves?
I have never read a book set in Brussels/Belgium before and it was quite fascinating since it was technically apart of Germany various times throughout history. The characters spoke both German and French(English as well but that’s due to working in for the partisans against the Nazi occupation) and Belgian Jews were safe for a period of time being considered part German. Another thing this book did that was unexpected was split the story in three points of view, all women, who face terrifying odds and show remarkable strength throughout everything. Each woman is different and yet in the end, they are simply working toward the same goal…freedom or fighting for others freedom.
I enjoyed this book but there were moments that made me question if certain aspects could have ever happened. I want to give examples but that might give away the plot of this book and I hate to ruin it for those who want to read it because I will recommend it but I want to know if I’m the only ones with doubts on how things happened. I found a few inconsistencies toward the end and was left a bit disappointed by how they were written.
Again, good book by an author I really like but not the best I’ve read by her in the past few years. Am I alone in thinking this? If you’ve read this book, please let me know and tell me your thoughts!
cynthiaherring's review against another edition
3.0
Gosh, this is a hard one for me. I love Pam Jenoff and the premise of most of her books. This one was no exception, though something about the writing felt rushed. Almost as though too many stories were trying to be told at once? I don’t know..it was still a good read and I was invested in the story enough to stay up way past my bedtime to finish, but - in the end - the writing wasn’t as impactful as I feel it could’ve been.
anniina's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
marybeth_1120's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars quick read but not very memorable nor my favorite of the authors
lindsaysmeldrum's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
I was excited to read this one as I liked The Woman With The Blue Star, but what a disappointment! It was very nearly a DNF for me.
The characters were frustratingly clueless and lacked any depth at all. Everything was over explained, even in the height of the moment. What should have been big things were brushed over. The storyline lacked any depth, and the dialogue was very dramatic. It did not seem to do any justice to the historical event (the train rescue) so I don’t even feel like I learned something new. It almost seems like a mockery of what really happened.
Ever have those books where you just can’t be bothered to write a detailed review? I try not to focus on the negative but this is all I’ve got today
I was excited to read this one as I liked The Woman With The Blue Star, but what a disappointment! It was very nearly a DNF for me.
The characters were frustratingly clueless and lacked any depth at all. Everything was over explained, even in the height of the moment. What should have been big things were brushed over. The storyline lacked any depth, and the dialogue was very dramatic. It did not seem to do any justice to the historical event (the train rescue) so I don’t even feel like I learned something new. It almost seems like a mockery of what really happened.
Ever have those books where you just can’t be bothered to write a detailed review? I try not to focus on the negative but this is all I’ve got today
emmajs15's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5