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snowhite197's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
crodgers90's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Stalking, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War
outsmartyourshelf's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Second World War, 1940 sees 500 Italian prisoners-of-war shipped to the Orkney Islands to build sea fortifications to protect the islands from German U-boats. Twins Dorothy and Constance have already lost their parents and Constance suffered a traumatising experience which left her fearful of men so they are living on one of the deserted islands, but this is the one where the POWs will be housed. At first they try to keep to themselves, but their bothy (shelter) needs major repairs and so the sisters volunteer to work in the camp infirmary. Dorothy falls in love with Cesare, one of the POWs, whilst Constance is terrified to see that her attacker is working as a guard at the camp.
The book is a mixture of historical fiction based upon true facts (the small chapel still exists). I really felt for Constance, her experience basically left her traumatised and even her own sister became impatient with her at times. It was well-written but there was something missing for me. I don't like to compare books but not that long ago, I read another book set in the same time period and it absolutely shredded my emotions. I didn't feel that with this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Penguin Michael Joseph UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
The book is a mixture of historical fiction based upon true facts (the small chapel still exists). I really felt for Constance, her experience basically left her traumatised and even her own sister became impatient with her at times. It was well-written but there was something missing for me. I don't like to compare books but not that long ago, I read another book set in the same time period and it absolutely shredded my emotions. I didn't feel that with this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Penguin Michael Joseph UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Violence