untitledlullaby's review
4.0
I think the ending of this was pretty iffy but in the middle it got really good. The writing was okay, the story was great at first I only really cared for Daniel and Ana but the others grew.
along500's review
5.0
Definitely could have done without the brooding lovestruck teenager piece, but overall I LOVED this book! It took me back to Madrid and taught me about a piece of Spains history I was unfamiliar with.
sooz_767's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I don't really have words to describe how much I loved this book at the moment.
I was completely swept away by the setting from page one, but then was completely engrossed when the plot started coming together. By part two, I was nearly in tears and felt like that until the last page. 💔
The author has such a way of mixing the heartbreaking reality of history with the inspiring courage and resilience of the people who lived through it.
This is my favourite of her books so far and they've all been great.
I was completely swept away by the setting from page one, but then was completely engrossed when the plot started coming together. By part two, I was nearly in tears and felt like that until the last page. 💔
The author has such a way of mixing the heartbreaking reality of history with the inspiring courage and resilience of the people who lived through it.
This is my favourite of her books so far and they've all been great.
book_worm07's review
5.0
This book is one of the best I’ve read. Great detail is given that transports the reader to the setting of 1950s Franco Spain. The characters are very detailed and have intricately created personalities and past experiences. The book had a fascinating plot with numerous plot twists and surprises. It perfectly accomplished the goal of teaching readers about a lesser known period of history, and did so in a magnificent way. However, the ending was very cliché and did not hold up to the high standards set by the rest of the book. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone, young and old.
katreadsalot's review
5.0
This was a well-researched, beautifully rendered story of Franco's Spain. Finally, a book I couldn't put down! The alternate perspectives and the short chapters were perfectly suited to this story and the historical documents/quotes that opened the various sections and chapters added depth and context. Sepetys made the Castellano Hilton come to life right before my eyes.
“‘When you discover the truth, you must speak it aloud and help others to do the same, Senor Matheson. Truth breaks the chains of silence.’ Puri puts a trembling hand to her chest. Her voice drops to a whisper.
‘It sets us all free.’”
“‘When you discover the truth, you must speak it aloud and help others to do the same, Senor Matheson. Truth breaks the chains of silence.’ Puri puts a trembling hand to her chest. Her voice drops to a whisper.
‘It sets us all free.’”
jsultz3's review
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
sheritolley's review
4.0
I knew nothing of the Spanish civil war or the reign of Franco. Story kept me engaged and i stayed interested in the characters. One of my favorite books of the year.
strawberrycowlover's review against another edition
5.0
Rating- 5 stars!!!
I have had this book on my shelf for awhile and could never get beyond 20 pages.
The beginning is definitely hard to grasp as the story is told from many perspectives and introduces many characters that are easy to get confused.
This story included everything from romance to mystery to historical fiction.
The ending really was amazing and exactly why I gave this book 5 stars. I didn’t see it coming at ALL. All the different perspectives really made this book come together in the end. Don’t get me wrong it can be confusing at times but really added dimension to Septey’s novel.
The romance was immaculate. It almost reminds me of the notebook in a way. A rich American boy meets a poor spainard but of course society doesn’t allow them to be together. But of course they risk everything to be together.
The horror of the aftermath of Spain’s Civil War is not discussed enough. While the war was brutal life for Spaniards was in shambles. They were ruled by Franco a dictator very similar to Mussilini, Stalin, and Hitler.
I hope to read more books that expose the reality of Spain under the oppression of Franco. Even though they were cruel they were peoples’ lives. These years changed the people of Spain but also revealed the strength and resilience as they endured unimaginable hardships.
I have had this book on my shelf for awhile and could never get beyond 20 pages.
The beginning is definitely hard to grasp as the story is told from many perspectives and introduces many characters that are easy to get confused.
This story included everything from romance to mystery to historical fiction.
The ending really was amazing and exactly why I gave this book 5 stars. I didn’t see it coming at ALL. All the different perspectives really made this book come together in the end. Don’t get me wrong it can be confusing at times but really added dimension to Septey’s novel.
The romance was immaculate. It almost reminds me of the notebook in a way. A rich American boy meets a poor spainard but of course society doesn’t allow them to be together. But of course they risk everything to be together.
The horror of the aftermath of Spain’s Civil War is not discussed enough. While the war was brutal life for Spaniards was in shambles. They were ruled by Franco a dictator very similar to Mussilini, Stalin, and Hitler.
I hope to read more books that expose the reality of Spain under the oppression of Franco. Even though they were cruel they were peoples’ lives. These years changed the people of Spain but also revealed the strength and resilience as they endured unimaginable hardships.