thewritebooks's review against another edition
4.0
After seeing so much hype around this book, I was looking forward to reading this! (In fact my english teacher told me to read it)
While the story didn't blow me away, it covered such an important topic in a heartfelt way. It reveals an insight into the conditions people are fleeing from, the conditions they travel in and their perilous sea journeys, and the conditions and stigma they face once they reach the UK.
There was a beautiful split time line structure as well as each cahpter ending and starting with the same word which i thought was a unique touch.
Overall, I didn't really connect with the characters but learnt a lot
While the story didn't blow me away, it covered such an important topic in a heartfelt way. It reveals an insight into the conditions people are fleeing from, the conditions they travel in and their perilous sea journeys, and the conditions and stigma they face once they reach the UK.
There was a beautiful split time line structure as well as each cahpter ending and starting with the same word which i thought was a unique touch.
Overall, I didn't really connect with the characters but learnt a lot
melbysj's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? No
5.0
queerveganbooks's review against another edition
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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? No
4.5
abbiewest's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kelsiludvigsen's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed it, beautifully written and such an insight into the journey they took. But I wanted a bit more from the characters. Also the ending felt really rushed!
courtneycyzman's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
oftalone90's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-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
4.0
An increasingly relevant story, interestingly told. Each chapter is split into two times, joined by a single word. This book is well written and demonstrates the futility of war and the horrors of fleeing a homeland to seek asylum.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Murder, Pedophilia, Rape, Child death, and Mental illness