ladyofbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this one, but it didn't live up to the anticipation. I hope to do a re-read of it in the future when I'm more in the mood for historical fiction.
paolotti's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
frahorus's review against another edition
2.0
Ho letto questo romanzo della Postorino perché scelto nel gruppo di lettura del mio paese, quindi non è stata una mia spontanea scelta averlo fra le mani. L'autrice ci narra le vicende di una ragazza, Rosa, che è stata scelta come assaggiatrice di Hitler: praticamente erano un gruppo di donne che dovevano assaggiare tutto il cibo destinato al dittatore tedesco per evitare che venisse avvelenato, quindi queste donne rischiavano di morire ogni volta che aprivano bocca in poche parole. Durante la narrazione conosceremo le altre sue compagne di sventura e una storia d'amore che sboccerà (più o meno) tra Rosa e una SS.
Se devo essere sincero mi sarei aspettato molto di più da questo romanzo, mi è parso che dopo un certo punto la storia avesse perso di mordente e di interesse, tramutandosi in una sorta di harmony. Questo mi ha fatto abbassare il voto, altrimenti avrei anche dato tre stelline senza problemi. Il finale è incommentabile.
Se devo essere sincero mi sarei aspettato molto di più da questo romanzo, mi è parso che dopo un certo punto la storia avesse perso di mordente e di interesse, tramutandosi in una sorta di harmony. Questo mi ha fatto abbassare il voto, altrimenti avrei anche dato tre stelline senza problemi. Il finale è incommentabile.
msteasam's review against another edition
3.5
Nazi Germany remains a favourite subject among authors worldwide, to nobody’s surprise including my own. This one follows Rosa, a young woman conscripted by the SS as a food taster for Hitler during the decline of the Third Reich. The rewards: sustaining meals and a hefty wage during a time of desperation and starvation; the risks: the potential of death at every meal and the navigation of brutal Nazi politics during an unstable time.
This was based on the true story of Margot Wölk, who passed away before this book was written. I can’t help but wonder what she would have thought about the author’s creative interpretation of her story, including a highly questionable romance and a different outcome after the war.
While I enjoyed the writing, story and characters, I felt the pacing could have been improved and the book would have benefitted from dates at the beginning of each section to minimise confusion caused by the timeline jumping. Overall, pretty good.
This was based on the true story of Margot Wölk, who passed away before this book was written. I can’t help but wonder what she would have thought about the author’s creative interpretation of her story, including a highly questionable romance and a different outcome after the war.
While I enjoyed the writing, story and characters, I felt the pacing could have been improved and the book would have benefitted from dates at the beginning of each section to minimise confusion caused by the timeline jumping. Overall, pretty good.
alicetosi's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
paperbacks_and_ponytails's review against another edition
3.0
This book probably wasn't my favorite read of the year. But it wasn't bad. I loved the idea of telling a story based on Hitler's food tasters. To go through that day after day must have been a nightmare. Always wondering if you might die. When your stomach hurts and your hungry, but every bite might bring you closer to death. I feel like the ending could have been better. It was a bit scattered to read near the end.
chloette's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
noseinabookagain's review against another edition
1.0
I usually love historical fiction, particularly stories centred around WW2. I can see what the author was trying to achieve and it had the premise of an interesting novel. However, the story felt disjointed and often boring. I had no real pull or interest in the characters.
zaracampbell's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0