user7139's review against another edition
2.0
This book was 1/3 too long. The first half was very slow and incredibly hard to get into. This was an incredible story, but hard to enjoy with all the useless details that did nothing to move the plot along
mclendon75's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
usualjellyfish's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-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? Yes
2.25
brookealleger's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Child death
Moderate: Miscarriage, Rape, and Racism
momofwestnpop's review against another edition
4.0
This book was emotional geesh! The Martel family has been through more then any family should have to go through. Their story is truly humbling and incredible. Stuck between the Germans and the Russians during world war 2, they are constantly running for their lives (sometimes literally) and trying to find their way to freedom and back to each other.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I could put it down. At times I had to stop reading. It was a LOT.
The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because I could put it down. At times I had to stop reading. It was a LOT.
sargar114's review against another edition
5.0
This may be one of the most incredible stories I’ve read…and it’s based on real events. I feel like everyone should read this as it displays the best of humanity when humans are being the worst. You will experience all the emotions but come away in awe of this family and what they’ve experienced.
christinaden's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
karaklos's review against another edition
3.0
The Last Green Valley took me awhile to finish. It’s a harrowing story that I could only take in very small doses.
Based on a true story, the book follows the Martel family, ethnic Germans living in western Ukraine. The Martel’s are forced from their land and are fleeing the Soviets under German protection. This angle of WWII was an education for me. I was unaware of this emigration and Romania’s involvement in the war.
The book is very well researched but the writing was a bit simple. It wasn’t a book that drew me in and I had a difficult time picturing events of the Martel’s escape. There were many coincidences that didn’t seem plausible.
I enjoyed the Romanian madman character and his faith message but it became too repetitive as the story went on.
Overall I was happy to learn the Martel’s story. I would have liked more detail in the author’s note on how Sullivan uncovered the details of their fascinating story.
Based on a true story, the book follows the Martel family, ethnic Germans living in western Ukraine. The Martel’s are forced from their land and are fleeing the Soviets under German protection. This angle of WWII was an education for me. I was unaware of this emigration and Romania’s involvement in the war.
The book is very well researched but the writing was a bit simple. It wasn’t a book that drew me in and I had a difficult time picturing events of the Martel’s escape. There were many coincidences that didn’t seem plausible.
I enjoyed the Romanian madman character and his faith message but it became too repetitive as the story went on.
Overall I was happy to learn the Martel’s story. I would have liked more detail in the author’s note on how Sullivan uncovered the details of their fascinating story.