patriciajoan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
hannahjwarren's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
ashlynnbharrison's review against another edition
4.0
A good WW2 historical fiction will almost always get at least 4 stars from me. Kelly Rimmer tells the story of Alina Dziak through the eyes of Alina herself in 1942 Poland as it is invaded by Germany. While Alina does not realize the seriousness of the war at first, she quickly realizes just how much her life will change from prior to the occupation. This is a heart-aching story from beginning to end.
Rimmer also tells Alina's story through the eyes of her granddaughter, who knows Alina by a different name. As Alina sits in hospice in the modern-day U.S., she forgets all of her English and can only speak Polish. Through various forms of communication, Alina begs her granddaughter to visit the farm in Poland on which Alina grew up, so her granddaughter can connect the dots about the story Alina never told her.
The reason this was not a 5-star read for me, was because I found so much of Alina's granddaughter's story to be dry and boring. It really took away from Alina's narrative and brought nothing new to the table for me. Slight spoiler - the woman Alina attempts to meet in Poland really bothered me. I can't get past characters who are difficult for literally no reason.
Excellent historical fiction, dull modern fiction.
Rimmer also tells Alina's story through the eyes of her granddaughter, who knows Alina by a different name. As Alina sits in hospice in the modern-day U.S., she forgets all of her English and can only speak Polish. Through various forms of communication, Alina begs her granddaughter to visit the farm in Poland on which Alina grew up, so her granddaughter can connect the dots about the story Alina never told her.
The reason this was not a 5-star read for me, was because I found so much of Alina's granddaughter's story to be dry and boring. It really took away from Alina's narrative and brought nothing new to the table for me. Slight spoiler - the woman Alina attempts to meet in Poland really bothered me. I can't get past characters who are difficult for literally no reason.
Excellent historical fiction, dull modern fiction.
amymarsh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rhondafuller's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
furkastle's review against another edition
5.0
I’m left feeling completely gutted and heart broken, but at the same time I feel honored to have found and read this book. Thank you Kelly for telling the story of so many brave Jewish men and women.
morgantaylor927's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot remember a time that a book made me sob like this one did. It was an excellent book with two equally captivating storylines.
morgangoesbam927's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot remember a time that a book made me sob like this one did. It was an excellent book with two equally captivating storylines.
travellingtoz's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It discussed interesting topics around womens expected roles in society. It was slightly overexplained and repeated itself in parts.