kassimesserly's review against another edition
2.0
Was kind of disappointed by this book... Really wanted a juicy WW2 historical fiction novel and got a very lackluster, plotless story. Did not like any of the characters and the intense, dramatic scenes had no feeling and felt like they were just to make the story try and seem interesting. Very boring and no gripping story line, nor did it ever make you feel bad for the characters.
swissmunicipal's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. It is similar in many ways to other WWII books like it, but I appreciated the aspects that it focused on. It isn't entirely satisfying, but I couldn't put it down.
madskeo's review against another edition
1.0
Very disappointing. Don't care for any of the characters and the plot is slow and cliche.
kar639's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
sarahd3's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up to 4. Some really great moments but a little too choppy to be a truly great book.
orygunn's review against another edition
4.0
The prose of the book is easy to read even if the subject matter is not. An interesting look at some of the parts of WWII history not as frequently explored.
msvenner's review against another edition
4.0
I waffled between 3 and 4 stars on this one. I think I'd settle on 3.5. I liked this book more as it progressed, as the reality of war sets in. It is set in WWII in London and on the Island of Malta and touches on war history of which I know little, the allies' evacuation from France and later the siege of Malta. I'm also very interested in the time during the blitz in London. The characters are well drawn and the impact of war is not ignored as some authors like to do with their heroes.
mommamel11's review against another edition
4.0
Three people want to do their part in World War II London. How their choices bring them together and separate them is the backbone of this wistful story. I was intrigued by Cleave's description of London during the Blitz and was fascinated by his account of the Siege of Malta ( war story I was unfamiliar with). The World War II setting calls to mind "All the Light We Can Not See" (Doerr) and "The Dust That Falls From Dream" (de Bernieres) and can hold its own with both. This is an excellent addition to contemporary World War II fiction.
luciafan's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it. Sweet story, wonderful writing, one of my faves of the year so far.
new_mon's review against another edition
3.0
Really wish the writer would have wrapped up every characters story line The one story that was completed was not exactly what I expected I loved the different view points and stories but it was slow and ended poorly