Scan barcode
horsley123's review against another edition
5.0
What a lovely book!
Two boys meet at kindergarten in Switzerland and from then on their lives are entwined. One child helps the other integrate at the preschool, later on Gustav props up Anton when Anton tries, and fails, to become a concert pianist. It is Gustav who goes to the concerts to help Anton with his crippling stage fright, and it is Gustav who tells Anton's parents that their son does not want to be a concert pianist.
The boys' relationship changes as they become men and Anton leaves their village, which he announces is stifling him. Gustav is upset at this declaration as he is reassured by the village's sameness.
Later Gustav is there again to pick up the pieces. It is a love story, and an observation of two lives after WW2, and the impact the conflict had on their lives.
A top read!
Two boys meet at kindergarten in Switzerland and from then on their lives are entwined. One child helps the other integrate at the preschool, later on Gustav props up Anton when Anton tries, and fails, to become a concert pianist. It is Gustav who goes to the concerts to help Anton with his crippling stage fright, and it is Gustav who tells Anton's parents that their son does not want to be a concert pianist.
The boys' relationship changes as they become men and Anton leaves their village, which he announces is stifling him. Gustav is upset at this declaration as he is reassured by the village's sameness.
Later Gustav is there again to pick up the pieces. It is a love story, and an observation of two lives after WW2, and the impact the conflict had on their lives.
A top read!
aurelie617's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
abi35_'s review against another edition
4.0
Interesting, different to other books I’ve read recently which was great.
yedidah72's review against another edition
3.0
If you're going to narrate a book that contains Jewish words/terms, PLEASE learn how to pronounce them!
The story was just ok - there was a lot of potential in this book, but I felt it didnt really go anywhere.
The story was just ok - there was a lot of potential in this book, but I felt it didnt really go anywhere.
hopereads_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
faithcove's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
dmchesher's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Religious bigotry, and Deportation
Minor: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
katharinapark's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
debsd's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0