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miahars's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rayrayvolver's review against another edition
2.0
I hate giving this book only 2 stars. I waited months on hold for this book from my library, so perhaps my expectations were unduly high. It is an exceptional and beautiful story, but I did not like the style of writing. It felt like the author meant to write it for the screen without the benefit of descriptive language. Other parts are disjointed. The three stars are completely for the remarkable story and not the telling.
leahreadz's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.25
bethaniekay's review against another edition
4.0
This was a compelling, quick, endearing-yet-heartbreaking story. I'm a bit of a sucker for WWII novels, and this ranks up there among the best I've read. I almost rated this 5-star, but I reserve that for very few books - so we'll call this 4.5 stars.
First, while this book is listed as historical fiction, it's notable that it's actually based on a true story, so it really is a non-fiction/memoir, which toes the line of fiction only because the author used some creative license in certain parts. But for the most part, it's a true account from the main character himself. So that for sure makes me view the whole thing in a different light. Because this is actually a memoir, the writing is a little bit elementary at times, but I didn't find it detracted from the storytelling at all. Overall I really enjoyed the book and will be sharing it with others.
It still sickens me that the events of the Holocaust ever happened. The atrocities that were committed are horrifying, and it's absolutely incredible that the oppressed were able to still find happiness, friendship, and even love amongst all the horror.
First, while this book is listed as historical fiction, it's notable that it's actually based on a true story, so it really is a non-fiction/memoir, which toes the line of fiction only because the author used some creative license in certain parts. But for the most part, it's a true account from the main character himself. So that for sure makes me view the whole thing in a different light. Because this is actually a memoir, the writing is a little bit elementary at times, but I didn't find it detracted from the storytelling at all. Overall I really enjoyed the book and will be sharing it with others.
It still sickens me that the events of the Holocaust ever happened. The atrocities that were committed are horrifying, and it's absolutely incredible that the oppressed were able to still find happiness, friendship, and even love amongst all the horror.
mermandy's review against another edition
4.0
Love and strength
The book provided an amazing look into the situation at the concentration camps in WW II, but what was more impressive was the love and resilience of 2 people determined to outlast their situation. The end came a little too fast in terms of narrative but everything up to that was emotional and amazing! As Lale said, it is important to tell these stories so that way do not happen again.
The book provided an amazing look into the situation at the concentration camps in WW II, but what was more impressive was the love and resilience of 2 people determined to outlast their situation. The end came a little too fast in terms of narrative but everything up to that was emotional and amazing! As Lale said, it is important to tell these stories so that way do not happen again.
hkirsch65's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sscherer0410's review against another edition
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
heidiangstmann's review against another edition
3.0
Wow. What an amazing book. It made me feel so many emotions, it was both heartbreaking but inspirational. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!!!
ceri124's review against another edition
It seems like my original review which described the book as a bit outlandish was correct. As I'm doing my research on the authors I've read from (and hopefully go through my want-to-read list as well eventually) I have found troubling information on Heather Morris. The Auschwitz Memorial Research Centre and Museum labelled this work as "inauthentic, a blur of the authenticity of true history, and a danger to historical memory" and I believe this quote says all that needs to be said
4.25*
I enjoyed this book, I'm a big fan of historical fiction books and knowing that this was based on a true story made it better as I think this book was written without a reference I would find it a bit outlandish? So knowing someone actually had to go through the things that happened in the book made it more personal and emotional which I appreciated
4.25*
I enjoyed this book, I'm a big fan of historical fiction books and knowing that this was based on a true story made it better as I think this book was written without a reference I would find it a bit outlandish? So knowing someone actually had to go through the things that happened in the book made it more personal and emotional which I appreciated