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steelcranberrybatman's review against another edition
2.0
Relatively easy read. The characters are 3 dimensional and real. But not much really happens in the book. There is never a 'oh my gosh' moment, eveything sort of just happens and nothing is too exciting.
I wouldn't read it again, it was lovely but not ground breaking.
I wouldn't read it again, it was lovely but not ground breaking.
crystalstarrlight's review against another edition
4.0
Bullet Review:
I'm still pondering over the events of this novel. I'd say it's got a great message and portrays a time period that tends to get sanitized (oh sure, every woman from the 40's was a virgin on her wedding night - right) rather honestly.
Not sure what the rating will be - probably will stick to 4 stars for all the meat and thoughts it's dredged up in me.
Superb work by the author who wrote "Jedi Apprentice". More YA needs to be written like this.
Full Review:
Evie Spooner lives with her mom, Bev, and her step-dad, Joe. After the War, the family reunites, but it isn't easy. One day, Joe comes home to whisk them away to Palm Beach. But in Palm Beach, Evie meets Peter, someone Joe knew. While she starts to develop a crush on Peter, other lies and truths come to the forefront and before she knows it, she's the only one who can keep her family together.
Judy Blundell is quite the prolific writer. She is also known as Jude Watson, who many Star Wars fans may recognize as the brilliant mastermind of the Jedi Apprentice Series, several journals (including the standout, [b:Darth Maul|359797|Darth Maul|Jude Watson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1374773882s/359797.jpg|349914]), the Jedi Quest series, and finally the Last of the Jedi series. They were all about middle grade reading levels, and I got more enjoyment from the Jedi Apprentice series than the others, but for Star Wars entertainment, this was some of the best reading enjoyment you could find.
Anyway, Jude Watson impressed me so much, I wanted to read more from her and stumbled upon her real name, Judy Blundell. I think I've been pretty honest that I don't like World War 1 or 2 novels nor am I a fan of anything too "modern" (i.e. McCarthy/Eisenhower, 50's, 60's, you get my drift). However, it was my desire to read Blundell's non-Star Wars work that really drove me to purchase and read this book - even if it took me YEARS after purchasing to read. (Ah, the life of a book hoarder, amirite?)
What I Saw and How I Lied is really a fascinating character study, a mystery of sorts and a coming of age novel. The characters are just so well done, from Evie to her mom to her dad to the Graysons to Peter. I wouldn't say they are all top-notch "likeable" people, but they are flawed. Imperfect. Joe has a temper - but he really does love his wife and daughter and wants to do right by them. (I also think he shows potential signs of PTSD, which made me think of all the men from WWII who came home with PTSD but never got it treated.) Bev has a wandering eye, hates being a housewife - but she LOVES her daughter and would do anything for her. And Evie comes across as naive, but when she needs to grow up, she does so.
There is so much STUFF that happens here. We talk about the continued persecution of the Jews - in the US! We see slut-shaming and victim-blaming in its 40's glory. (Never once glorified though BTW.) I had hazy, summery vibes, reminders of childhood books like [b:The Pink Motel|229847|The Pink Motel|Carol Ryrie Brink|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387744656s/229847.jpg|222585], a book my mom read to me in the summer after 3rd grade, and that I've loved to death ever since.
I think if there is a flaw in this book, it's that it's so full with all these tiddly-bits, I'm not sure how to tie them all up in the end. Ruthie...Mrs. Grayson...Peter...murder...lies...adultery...coming of age.
In some ways, though, I feel the ending of this coming of age novel was more powerful than a similar one I read for book club, [b:A Northern Light|64481|A Northern Light|Jennifer Donnelly|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1376507768s/64481.jpg|3337093]. At the end of the day, Evie does something big, something that sacrifices her character for her parents. Is it right? It's hard to say - but one thing that Evie comes away with is that she is her own person, with her own voice, and her own choices, and no longer will she bend and sway to the rhythm of other people.
This was a powerful book, one that definitely stuck with me, but also one I feel you have to be in the "right" mood to read. It's not happy or super uplifting, but it's important and impactful.
Judy Blundell has really showed me that she is a great crafter of words, that she is just as good outside Star Wars as in, that she is better at young adult than middle grade, and that more Young Adult authors need to write like she does - conflicted characters, great stories with touches of realism, and important messages without the feeling of being clubbed over the head. I would definitely pick up another of her books in the future.
I'm still pondering over the events of this novel. I'd say it's got a great message and portrays a time period that tends to get sanitized (oh sure, every woman from the 40's was a virgin on her wedding night - right) rather honestly.
Not sure what the rating will be - probably will stick to 4 stars for all the meat and thoughts it's dredged up in me.
Superb work by the author who wrote "Jedi Apprentice". More YA needs to be written like this.
Full Review:
Evie Spooner lives with her mom, Bev, and her step-dad, Joe. After the War, the family reunites, but it isn't easy. One day, Joe comes home to whisk them away to Palm Beach. But in Palm Beach, Evie meets Peter, someone Joe knew. While she starts to develop a crush on Peter, other lies and truths come to the forefront and before she knows it, she's the only one who can keep her family together.
Judy Blundell is quite the prolific writer. She is also known as Jude Watson, who many Star Wars fans may recognize as the brilliant mastermind of the Jedi Apprentice Series, several journals (including the standout, [b:Darth Maul|359797|Darth Maul|Jude Watson|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1374773882s/359797.jpg|349914]), the Jedi Quest series, and finally the Last of the Jedi series. They were all about middle grade reading levels, and I got more enjoyment from the Jedi Apprentice series than the others, but for Star Wars entertainment, this was some of the best reading enjoyment you could find.
Anyway, Jude Watson impressed me so much, I wanted to read more from her and stumbled upon her real name, Judy Blundell. I think I've been pretty honest that I don't like World War 1 or 2 novels nor am I a fan of anything too "modern" (i.e. McCarthy/Eisenhower, 50's, 60's, you get my drift). However, it was my desire to read Blundell's non-Star Wars work that really drove me to purchase and read this book - even if it took me YEARS after purchasing to read. (Ah, the life of a book hoarder, amirite?)
What I Saw and How I Lied is really a fascinating character study, a mystery of sorts and a coming of age novel. The characters are just so well done, from Evie to her mom to her dad to the Graysons to Peter. I wouldn't say they are all top-notch "likeable" people, but they are flawed. Imperfect. Joe has a temper - but he really does love his wife and daughter and wants to do right by them. (I also think he shows potential signs of PTSD, which made me think of all the men from WWII who came home with PTSD but never got it treated.) Bev has a wandering eye, hates being a housewife - but she LOVES her daughter and would do anything for her. And Evie comes across as naive, but when she needs to grow up, she does so.
There is so much STUFF that happens here. We talk about the continued persecution of the Jews - in the US! We see slut-shaming and victim-blaming in its 40's glory. (Never once glorified though BTW.) I had hazy, summery vibes, reminders of childhood books like [b:The Pink Motel|229847|The Pink Motel|Carol Ryrie Brink|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1387744656s/229847.jpg|222585], a book my mom read to me in the summer after 3rd grade, and that I've loved to death ever since.
I think if there is a flaw in this book, it's that it's so full with all these tiddly-bits, I'm not sure how to tie them all up in the end. Ruthie...Mrs. Grayson...Peter...murder...lies...adultery...coming of age.
In some ways, though, I feel the ending of this coming of age novel was more powerful than a similar one I read for book club, [b:A Northern Light|64481|A Northern Light|Jennifer Donnelly|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1376507768s/64481.jpg|3337093]. At the end of the day, Evie does something big, something that sacrifices her character for her parents. Is it right? It's hard to say - but one thing that Evie comes away with is that she is her own person, with her own voice, and her own choices, and no longer will she bend and sway to the rhythm of other people.
This was a powerful book, one that definitely stuck with me, but also one I feel you have to be in the "right" mood to read. It's not happy or super uplifting, but it's important and impactful.
Judy Blundell has really showed me that she is a great crafter of words, that she is just as good outside Star Wars as in, that she is better at young adult than middle grade, and that more Young Adult authors need to write like she does - conflicted characters, great stories with touches of realism, and important messages without the feeling of being clubbed over the head. I would definitely pick up another of her books in the future.
itsjadenbaby's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Enjoyable and quick read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Infidelity, and Antisemitism
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Murder, War, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Grief, and Toxic friendship
jgurniak's review against another edition
4.0
It's not very often I come across a YA historical mystery that I actually like. Well done, Judy Blundell!
nooks_en_books's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
steffski's review against another edition
4.0
This was a quick and clean and quaint YA with some lessons learned in a time where most YA is more adult than young adult. I like that it was historical fiction that gave nods to what life was like post WW2 but was a stand alone story without that.
stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
5.0
All you need to know about this book is that it's historical fiction set after the second world war, the writing is wonderful and it's definitely worth reading. Everything is spot on. The descriptions, the characters and the tone of the 50's.
And last but not least - it lingers. It kept me up late at night and still pops up in my head now and then, reminding me of how great it is.
That's it.
And last but not least - it lingers. It kept me up late at night and still pops up in my head now and then, reminding me of how great it is.
That's it.
stephxsu's review against another edition
3.0
After her stepfather Joe returns home from serving in the Second World War, 15-year-old Evie Spooner believes that things can now return to normal. No more rationing, no more faking, no more worrying with her beautiful mother Bev if he will be in a particular battle on a particular day.
However, things from Joe’s war past seem to come back to haunt him, and he spontaneously moves his family down to a hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. There they befriend the Graysons, a wealthy-looking couple, and Peter Coleridge, a handsome young man who knew Joe from the war. Joe doesn’t seem to like Peter, and Evie can’t figure out why. She certainly likes him very much, as they go out to town together with Bev and occasionally have romantic encounters.
But something is seriously wrong with this group. Lies, betrayals, and hatred arise, culminating in a devastating event that forces Evie to choose whether to be loyal to her parents or be just. Bev can’t hide Evie behind a makeup-less face and childish dresses anymore; it’s time for Evie to grow up and face the complex adult world.
Judy Blundell packs so much into this small but giant book. Issues regarding anti-Semitism, family loyalty, love, growing up, and lying all come up, among others. While I thought Evie seemed over-the-top naïve sometimes with relationship tensions that are obvious to readers, Blundell does a fantastic job of making her grow up through the book. WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED is by no means perfect, but it’s a good read if you’re looking for a historical suspense coming-of-age story.
However, things from Joe’s war past seem to come back to haunt him, and he spontaneously moves his family down to a hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. There they befriend the Graysons, a wealthy-looking couple, and Peter Coleridge, a handsome young man who knew Joe from the war. Joe doesn’t seem to like Peter, and Evie can’t figure out why. She certainly likes him very much, as they go out to town together with Bev and occasionally have romantic encounters.
But something is seriously wrong with this group. Lies, betrayals, and hatred arise, culminating in a devastating event that forces Evie to choose whether to be loyal to her parents or be just. Bev can’t hide Evie behind a makeup-less face and childish dresses anymore; it’s time for Evie to grow up and face the complex adult world.
Judy Blundell packs so much into this small but giant book. Issues regarding anti-Semitism, family loyalty, love, growing up, and lying all come up, among others. While I thought Evie seemed over-the-top naïve sometimes with relationship tensions that are obvious to readers, Blundell does a fantastic job of making her grow up through the book. WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED is by no means perfect, but it’s a good read if you’re looking for a historical suspense coming-of-age story.
gothbean's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
This was the first book I ever wrote fanfiction for as a kid. Rereading it as an adult has been a treat, now that I can actually understand what was going on. A perfect beginner mystery book.