kittykornerlibrarian's review
4.0
Well-drawn characters; and it's interesting to read a book set during World War II, and the following years, in which the plot centers around what is happening back in the U.S. Relationships and family dynamics play a large role, with an American upstairs/downstairs twist. I would happily read another book by this author.
katykat3's review
4.0
When the World was Young really captured my interest and attention. It was a very fast read to me, due to the scientific undertones, and the wide cast of characters. I really enjoyed all the characters, and felt like they acted like real people. The layout of the book was a little strange: so much time was spent when Wally was young, that her older life was rushed and the ending was just...a quick way to give the book some circular feelings so the ending made sense. And though Loretta, Wally, Ham and Stella were beautiful characters, I felt that Leo and the admiral were rather underdeveloped.
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
pamelarope's review
2.0
I listened to this book because I really liked the premise. I love reading about old New York, especially during World War II. I wound up being really disappointed in the book, though, because it was so nonlinear for the first half. The character of Stella Baker was portrayed as smart, strong, and loving of her daughter. Then something happens that contradicts all that. I also didn't care for the whole entomology plotline. I liked that Wally loved science, but hearing about the ants kind of made my stomach churn. I was also really disappointed in Wally at the end, for sleeping with two guys in so short of a time, and then getting pregnant. This story portrayed her as being strong and wanting to get a really good education, but not smart enough to avoid getting pregnant. Also, I had a hard time believing Leo would stay with her even though she was carrying another man's child. This novel had potential, but sadly, it didn't come to much.
kashephe's review
3.0
It sort of lagged a bit in the middle but then it got really good as it headed towards the end.
maxwelldunn's review
2.0
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion of the book.
I'm a bit torn on this one. I had no expectations going into it other than the description which sounded interesting and compelling, and that someone had compared it to Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which I have yet to read but hear nothing but great things about.
So I decided to request it on NetGalley, and I got approved right away.
Overall, it was enjoyable. Was it a book that I have to read again in my life? No. Would I recommend it? Maybe. It definitely had more romance than I was expecting/would have like, but then again I didn't do much research into it before picking it up.
Character-wise, Wally was a very precocious, intelligent, and strong lead character. She was a perfect mix of mischievous but wise, even at a young age. She goes through a lot of hard times in her life, but her resilience is respectable and well-written.
I had a bit of a problem with Loretta, the family's African American maid, who seemed to fit a bit too well into the stereotypical black character who has all the wisdom and helps the white characters out in every circumstance. Sadly, her only real purpose in the novel was to follow orders, cook, and bring revelations to people because she had information that they didn't. There were some bits with her son that gave her a bit more life, but overall her character was more of a tool than anything else.
The writing is nice, easy to read, better than a lot of books, but still not anything insanely special. And as for the plot, it's mostly a character sketch type story, following Wally Baker as she grows up. Without spoiling much, the ending was a bit saccharine and expected. But at the same time it balanced out a lot of crap that happens to Wally in the first parts of the book. She deserved something happy.
Overall, a nice, enjoyable read but nothing to write home about. I'd say if you really want a historical fiction romance with some family drama in there, pick it up.
I'm a bit torn on this one. I had no expectations going into it other than the description which sounded interesting and compelling, and that someone had compared it to Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which I have yet to read but hear nothing but great things about.
So I decided to request it on NetGalley, and I got approved right away.
Overall, it was enjoyable. Was it a book that I have to read again in my life? No. Would I recommend it? Maybe. It definitely had more romance than I was expecting/would have like, but then again I didn't do much research into it before picking it up.
Character-wise, Wally was a very precocious, intelligent, and strong lead character. She was a perfect mix of mischievous but wise, even at a young age. She goes through a lot of hard times in her life, but her resilience is respectable and well-written.
I had a bit of a problem with Loretta, the family's African American maid, who seemed to fit a bit too well into the stereotypical black character who has all the wisdom and helps the white characters out in every circumstance. Sadly, her only real purpose in the novel was to follow orders, cook, and bring revelations to people because she had information that they didn't. There were some bits with her son that gave her a bit more life, but overall her character was more of a tool than anything else.
The writing is nice, easy to read, better than a lot of books, but still not anything insanely special. And as for the plot, it's mostly a character sketch type story, following Wally Baker as she grows up. Without spoiling much, the ending was a bit saccharine and expected. But at the same time it balanced out a lot of crap that happens to Wally in the first parts of the book. She deserved something happy.
Overall, a nice, enjoyable read but nothing to write home about. I'd say if you really want a historical fiction romance with some family drama in there, pick it up.
libraryjunkie's review against another edition
3.0
A sweet historical fiction novel about the life of the female main character Wally Baker. It begins on V-J Day at the end of WWII, and is a coming of age story for both Wally and this country. This bittersweet novel explores Wally’s experiences and feelings while navigating the new landscape of America, all while enduring family tragedy. A moving read.