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piperbrown's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
amesjo's review
3.0
I got this book as an arc, but just couldn't get into it. I think it was just a slow start.
I just now got back to it and listened to it on audiobook.
I thought it was slow going in places, but I really felt for this little girl, being separated from her mother, not knowing what happened to her. It was such a heartbreaking time in history and families had to go through so much, being separated and not knowing what happened to their loved ones. Her Mom made a decision that helped save her girls life.
It also made me angry towards the end when the Nun lied to the mother and the reasoning behind it. Though, I totally can see that happening.
I just now got back to it and listened to it on audiobook.
I thought it was slow going in places, but I really felt for this little girl, being separated from her mother, not knowing what happened to her. It was such a heartbreaking time in history and families had to go through so much, being separated and not knowing what happened to their loved ones. Her Mom made a decision that helped save her girls life.
It also made me angry towards the end when the Nun lied to the mother and the reasoning behind it. Though, I totally can see that happening.
dennyhb's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cornmaven's review
5.0
Thanks to the Penguin Group for providing an ARC of this book.
This is an incredible novel about a Jewish couple making the difficult decision to leave their daughter with a friend in France, while they escape to the US, and what happens to everyone as a result.
I found it very poetic and heartbreaking. It was also a good way to talk about the kinds of "Sophie's Choice" decisions that occurred during that war, as well as a great way to highlight the element of luck in any particular person's survival.
Landau's writing is excellent; each character was distinct and Landau allowed you to love, hate, or feel sorry for each. Or all three.
This is an incredible novel about a Jewish couple making the difficult decision to leave their daughter with a friend in France, while they escape to the US, and what happens to everyone as a result.
I found it very poetic and heartbreaking. It was also a good way to talk about the kinds of "Sophie's Choice" decisions that occurred during that war, as well as a great way to highlight the element of luck in any particular person's survival.
Landau's writing is excellent; each character was distinct and Landau allowed you to love, hate, or feel sorry for each. Or all three.
pam2375's review against another edition
2.0
I felt a little short changed while reading. I kept going, waiting, hoping that the story would come together. Sadly, it did not even though there was so much potential to make this another excellent WWII tale.
While this book did not do it for me, I encourage you to pick this up when it becomes available.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group for this advanced readers copy. This book is due to release in February 2021.
While this book did not do it for me, I encourage you to pick this up when it becomes available.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group for this advanced readers copy. This book is due to release in February 2021.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
A moving WWII historical fiction book about the hardships faced by Jewish families forced apart when they flee for their lives. Russian Jewish emigres living in France, Vera and her husband Max are ordered to report to an internment camp but in an attempt to save their young daughter Lucie, they entrust her to a close friend. Fate intervenes for this poor family when Vera and Max are able to escape to America but have no way to find where Lucie has gone to bring her with them. The majority of the story takes place in California where Max and Vera (both writers) try to establish a new life for themselves. Vera can't forget about Lucie and Max wants to start over leading to deep strains in their marriage. After the war is over Vera meets and begins an affair with Sasha and together the two travel back to Europe in search of Lucie. A heartbreaking journey with a happy ending but Alexis Landau does a great job highlighting the secret pain many survivors dealt from the loss and separation from loved ones during and after WWII. Recommended for fans of The Paris orphan, Children of the stars, The black swan of Paris or We must be brave.
judy_bagley's review against another edition
4.0
Set during WWII, this historical fiction novel tells the story of Vera, a Russian Jewish immigrant to France who is faced with the most difficult decision regarding her family. This is a heartbreaking journey that transports you from France to New York and then to California.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
denakg's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. I loved this book. The last section had me on the edge of my seat! I just wish she had continued writing, it felt like the ending was too abrupt.