ustinerr16's review
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kaylasbookishlife's review against another edition
4.0
Taking place in Italian colonised Libya, we follow Liliana on her journey to the Italian Fourth Shore. There is so much that happens in this book and I was intrigued the entire time. This book spans decades and follows Liliana through all the different phases of her life. An international event happens that pulls her back into her former life living with her brother and his Libyan wife.
dusty_book_sniffers's review against another edition
DNFed...i just could not get into the story at this time; may come back to it.
kimmar1's review against another edition
3.0
Didn't enjoy it as much as Early One Morning. Didn't connect with the MC. But I liked the setting of Tripolitania and that period of Italian history (perhaps not so well-known).
buddhafish's review against another edition
1.0
My 21st book of October - what a month it has been for me. I'm chuffed.
This was a bookclub book, chosen by another member. My rating doesn't really reflect the novel, but my own tastes. It's essentially as if someone came up to me and asked me if I wanted to try their cheese and I told them, "I don't like cheese," but they insisted, so I eat it and then I shake my head and say, "sorry, I didn't like it."
Someone in the club really liked it. I can think of a few people who would, actually. But personally it's not really my cup of tea. The book isn't BAD, so don't be put off by this rating, that's what I'm trying to say. I actually think I'll give it to a few people I know who would really enjoy it.
This was a bookclub book, chosen by another member. My rating doesn't really reflect the novel, but my own tastes. It's essentially as if someone came up to me and asked me if I wanted to try their cheese and I told them, "I don't like cheese," but they insisted, so I eat it and then I shake my head and say, "sorry, I didn't like it."
Someone in the club really liked it. I can think of a few people who would, actually. But personally it's not really my cup of tea. The book isn't BAD, so don't be put off by this rating, that's what I'm trying to say. I actually think I'll give it to a few people I know who would really enjoy it.
rcsreads's review against another edition
4.0
Secrets stop you from knowing yourself properly, from being the whole of yourself.
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This historical novel follows Liliana from fascist Italy in the late 20's to the Italian colony of Libya and from London in the 80's to Rome. It's partly a coming of age tale, partly a mystery story of suppressed memory.
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I especially enjoyed the historical part of the novel as I didn't previously know about the colonisation of Libya and the author does not shy away from the brutality of it. I also really liked the portrayal of the friendship between Liliana and Farida. Liliana's story, however, was quite predictable. I'd worked out all the "big reveals" about 200 pages before they happened.
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This one is worth a read for the history lesson and the character development, despite the sometimes predictable plot.
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Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review.
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This historical novel follows Liliana from fascist Italy in the late 20's to the Italian colony of Libya and from London in the 80's to Rome. It's partly a coming of age tale, partly a mystery story of suppressed memory.
.
I especially enjoyed the historical part of the novel as I didn't previously know about the colonisation of Libya and the author does not shy away from the brutality of it. I also really liked the portrayal of the friendship between Liliana and Farida. Liliana's story, however, was quite predictable. I'd worked out all the "big reveals" about 200 pages before they happened.
.
This one is worth a read for the history lesson and the character development, despite the sometimes predictable plot.
.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review.
emilyowen88's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful descriptions of both countries and a lovely structure that really drew me in. I didn’t know much about the joint history of Libya and Italy and this opened my eyes without being forced.
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this story as it's well researched and well written.
I appreciated the vivid descriptions and the well researched historical background.
The characters are well thought and not stereotyped, I liked the character development and I think they're fleshed out.
The plot was well crafted, a bit predictable at times, but engrossing and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I appreciated the vivid descriptions and the well researched historical background.
The characters are well thought and not stereotyped, I liked the character development and I think they're fleshed out.
The plot was well crafted, a bit predictable at times, but engrossing and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
tierneyspence's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0