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thesapphiccelticbookworm's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and War
Moderate: Xenophobia
bookedbymadeline's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Italian prisoners of war are being held on an Island off Orkney, inhabited by two sisters escaping the mainland after tragic events leaving one sister traumatized. The island is said
to be bad luck, with disappearances, people driven mad, and strange creatures drawing people to their deaths in the waters below. Despite how dark the story is against the backdrop of WW2, there’s an underlying message of hope!
I was pulled in right away by the prologue. Despite the long chapters, I devoured this book! I loved The Glass Woman and it’s safe to say Carolien Lea is now officially an auto buy author 💗
I was pulled in right away by the prologue. Despite the long chapters, I devoured this book! I loved The Glass Woman and it’s safe to say Carolien Lea is now officially an auto buy author 💗
The novel is split into 5 parts spanning from January to September 1942. Sections within each chapter contain switching POVs focusing on Cesare, Dorothy, and Constance. Plus the occasional third person sections looking at the community as a whole. I loved getting glimpses at what was happening within the community as well as getting inside each character’s mind!
The characters are well written and developed. Lyrical writing as always from Lea-I have many pages marked with quotes that I loved 🥰 I also liked the mysterious/spooky vibe surrounding the setting and ghost stories weaved throughout the story. Just like The Glass Woman, Lea does an excellent job of writing a dark and complex story of a small community!
The characters are well written and developed. Lyrical writing as always from Lea-I have many pages marked with quotes that I loved 🥰 I also liked the mysterious/spooky vibe surrounding the setting and ghost stories weaved throughout the story. Just like The Glass Woman, Lea does an excellent job of writing a dark and complex story of a small community!
The plot twists were incredible!! My jaw was on the floor and I loved how well written and unexpected they were. I didn’t think I could love a book from Lea more than The Glass Woman but wow this story has me floored 😍
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Grief, and War
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Xenophobia, and Abandonment
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