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aileron's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, and War
Moderate: Animal death and Death
Minor: Dementia and Fire/Fire injury
laura_is_fae's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was so much more than just Maria's story. This was a story of people struggling to find their way during the turbulent time that was WWII. This was a story of immigrants seeking safety and freedom only to find cages in new shapes, and a story of the film industry interacting with this time and these people. This book was heartfelt, and I felt like I saw the stories and struggles of so many characters, while still maintaining Maria as a starting point and circling back to her as a main character. It was funny and beautiful, despite be so far out of my reading comfort zone.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, and War