aubreystapp's review
4.0
Beautiful. I liked the way it jumped back and forth between their pre- and post-war lives. And was interesting how it was inspired by James Castle. Probably won't read it again though.
feanors's review
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
bandreea's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
helenlouise0304's review
emotional
reflective
medium-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
4.0
thain's review
4.0
Quiet, moving story of the bond between a privileged girl and the deaf-mute son of the family cook who uses art to express himself, as they grow up together, become separated by war, and are reunited in Communist Romania.
crypticmeg's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
libkatem's review
3.0
I read this book as it had been a nominee for the Orange prize for fiction. It was pretty, but honestly, the characters seemed so distant from me. The language was really pretty, but it was like there was a fog between the characters and the reader.