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linesiunderline's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
shailydc's review against another edition
3.0
Kinda felt like two novels in one that didn't belong together at all and I wasn't particularly interested in either woman. I've read so many historical fiction novels and this one didn't stand out for me.
aejohnson85's review against another edition
3.0
I was completely enthralled with the beginning of this novel! Sophie's story (living under German occupation in 1916-17) was utterly engaging. I thought Moyes did a fabulous job showing the hardships that the French people endured, as well as what could cause a person to be seen as a "collaborator". What Sophie was willing to do to keep her family safe and be reunited with her husband, made for a great read!
However, once Part 2 began, I felt the magic of the book dissipate. While Sophie's story and painting were a large part of the modern day story of Liv and Paul, I just found the story less entertaining....I wanted to know what happened to Sophie once the Germans had taken her away (which we has to wait far too long for in my opinion), and wasn't as interested in Liv fighting for the painting! There were too many coincidences with Liv's story, and I just couldn't buy into it as much - I just didn't like her character as much for some reason. However, I was very happy with the resolution of Sophie's story!
Overall, I did enjoy Moyes' style and plan to check out her other books as well!
However, once Part 2 began, I felt the magic of the book dissipate. While Sophie's story and painting were a large part of the modern day story of Liv and Paul, I just found the story less entertaining....I wanted to know what happened to Sophie once the Germans had taken her away (which we has to wait far too long for in my opinion), and wasn't as interested in Liv fighting for the painting! There were too many coincidences with Liv's story, and I just couldn't buy into it as much - I just didn't like her character as much for some reason. However, I was very happy with the resolution of Sophie's story!
Overall, I did enjoy Moyes' style and plan to check out her other books as well!
spersephone's review against another edition
4.0
This was a wonderful book, but plodded a little. It didn't feel like other Jojo Moyes books I've read, but that may be a gift she has, to completely separate her stories from one another, rather than following a similar formula and tone each time she picks up a pen.
The story spends a long time plotting out the life of Sophie, as she pines for her husband Edouard. Eventually we move on to the more contemporary story between Liv and her own husband David, living in his shadow and not wanting to move on out of a sense of betrayal if she does.
The link between the two is the painting of Sophie, done by Edouard and which has found its way to Liv as a gift from her husband. All the evidence suggests this painting was stolen by Nazis, and should be returned to Edouard's descendants (What about Sophie's? It was her property!).
Liv feels a spiritual connection with the painting and fights for the right to keep it. She risks losing everything for her convictions. Throughout her court case, we slowly learn a little more about what happened to Sophie.
I questioned how much of the evidence uncovered would really have existed. Some of it was damaging for Sophie and she said herself she didn't want to write down anything which would incriminate her upon it being read later. The recollection of the person who was given the painting was a little too dramatic, with full conversations, rather than a retelling of what happened.
I was also confused about Sophie's house. It sounds like it was amazing, yet was also on top of other apartments? Does that make sense, that a separate and famous piece of architecture is plonked on top of something existing? Or was it the penthouse, the epitome of the building? It is referred to as a house, but it seems as though it was not a stand alone house and it didn't make sense to me.
I feel like the harassment Sophie faced is a true representation of today's intrusive media, and I felt awful for her.
I think however, I would have returned the picture and had a reprint made of it, instead of go through what she did. The picture is the important thing, not whether it was original or valuable.
The story spends a long time plotting out the life of Sophie, as she pines for her husband Edouard. Eventually we move on to the more contemporary story between Liv and her own husband David, living in his shadow and not wanting to move on out of a sense of betrayal if she does.
The link between the two is the painting of Sophie, done by Edouard and which has found its way to Liv as a gift from her husband. All the evidence suggests this painting was stolen by Nazis, and should be returned to Edouard's descendants (What about Sophie's? It was her property!).
Liv feels a spiritual connection with the painting and fights for the right to keep it. She risks losing everything for her convictions. Throughout her court case, we slowly learn a little more about what happened to Sophie.
I questioned how much of the evidence uncovered would really have existed. Some of it was damaging for Sophie and she said herself she didn't want to write down anything which would incriminate her upon it being read later. The recollection of the person who was given the painting was a little too dramatic, with full conversations, rather than a retelling of what happened.
I was also confused about Sophie's house. It sounds like it was amazing, yet was also on top of other apartments? Does that make sense, that a separate and famous piece of architecture is plonked on top of something existing? Or was it the penthouse, the epitome of the building? It is referred to as a house, but it seems as though it was not a stand alone house and it didn't make sense to me.
I feel like the harassment Sophie faced is a true representation of today's intrusive media, and I felt awful for her.
I think however, I would have returned the picture and had a reprint made of it, instead of go through what she did. The picture is the important thing, not whether it was original or valuable.
skynet666's review against another edition
4.0
I finally got to this book....liked the past more than the present, but a good story.
tacogoddess_jamiee's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Another Jojo Moyes book checked off!
I found this book by complete accident, while I loved the characters, some of the plot the past and present left me complexed.
I found this book by complete accident, while I loved the characters, some of the plot the past and present left me complexed.
estherpew's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first part of the book is slow, but dang when I got to the part based in present-day, I flew through the book. Wanting to know what was going to happen, thinking about what I would do if I were in the same situation and being asked to return a painting that was likely taken during wartimes… this book really makes you think “what would I do?” and “would I be right?” I liked it. Wanted more after it ended!!! Perhaps a sequel?
claire_dobson's review against another edition
5.0
I cannot stress enough how much I loved this book. Beautifully written with wonderfully rich characters.