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redhairedashreads's review
3.0
The war ended three months ago but Clara still hasn't heard anything about her fiance James. None knows where he is or what might have happened to him. Clara is staying strong and hopeful but hates all the looks of pity from the townsfolk. Clara’s Christmas wish was to know what happened to James. This leads to her having a very realistic dream with James. The dream involves them jumping through different places James had been while running from supernatural Nazi’s. Right before Clara wakes up her and James are surrounded by darkness and he is breaking down. This is when Clara realizes that he is suffering from extreme PTSD.
This was an interesting story. It shows how debilitating PTSD can be and how war can change a person. This was an emotional story that shows how terrible WWII was for families. So many men never came home. It also shows how terrifying but hopeful the families are while they wait for word. I did get a little confused during the dream sequence because I was like did she time travel or is this still a dream.
As someone who has not read or watched the Nutcracker I easily understood the story. Overall, I did enjoy this book and was glad that I took a chance on this book since it's not my usual choice in a retelling.
This was an interesting story. It shows how debilitating PTSD can be and how war can change a person. This was an emotional story that shows how terrible WWII was for families. So many men never came home. It also shows how terrifying but hopeful the families are while they wait for word. I did get a little confused during the dream sequence because I was like did she time travel or is this still a dream.
As someone who has not read or watched the Nutcracker I easily understood the story. Overall, I did enjoy this book and was glad that I took a chance on this book since it's not my usual choice in a retelling.
belovedbrat's review
4.0
first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2020/12/claras-soldier-review.html
Title: Clara’s Soldier: A Retelling of The Nutcracker
Author: Brittany Fichter
Ch: 13
Pg: 164
Genre: Retelling
Rating: 4 Stars
Clara’s Soldier by Brittany Fichter is a retelling of the Nutcracker set just after WWII and I have to say it’s one of my favorite Nutcracker retellings. The historical time period of WWII especially the post war time makes the perfect setting for a retelling.
I’ve always loved the Nutcracker every December my mom would take me to see the ballet and read the book countless times during the same month. As well as the cartoon. So this book was perfect for adult me. A book I read in one day. To me The Nutcracker has been a story that has always leaned towards balancing reality and fantasy and this book was no different.
I do want to mention something that may be considered a slight spoiler but I feel that it is a necessary warning. The fantasy part of this story as in The Nutcracker realm happens in the form of PTSD filled nightmares of a soldier that Clara crash lands in.
Title: Clara’s Soldier: A Retelling of The Nutcracker
Author: Brittany Fichter
Ch: 13
Pg: 164
Genre: Retelling
Rating: 4 Stars
Clara’s Soldier by Brittany Fichter is a retelling of the Nutcracker set just after WWII and I have to say it’s one of my favorite Nutcracker retellings. The historical time period of WWII especially the post war time makes the perfect setting for a retelling.
I’ve always loved the Nutcracker every December my mom would take me to see the ballet and read the book countless times during the same month. As well as the cartoon. So this book was perfect for adult me. A book I read in one day. To me The Nutcracker has been a story that has always leaned towards balancing reality and fantasy and this book was no different.
I do want to mention something that may be considered a slight spoiler but I feel that it is a necessary warning. The fantasy part of this story as in The Nutcracker realm happens in the form of PTSD filled nightmares of a soldier that Clara crash lands in.
amal_z's review
2.0
Initially I was gonna rate this 1 star but raised it for the epilogue!!
The idea was there but something was off with this book!
The idea was there but something was off with this book!
hilma's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
z523's review against another edition
3.0
An okay retelling of The Nutcracker, but a tad depressing. I don’t think people in the 1940’s were that knowledgeable or understanding of PTSD.
Overall, the story was okay, but like I said, a tad depressing. I spent the whole book thinking the guy was dead and that she was helping him in limbo.
Overall, the story was okay, but like I said, a tad depressing. I spent the whole book thinking the guy was dead and that she was helping him in limbo.
fairytale42's review
4.0
I was so intrigued by this book at first. Brittany Fichter is a wonderful author, the snippets that she gave on her update emails were fascinatingly beautiful, and IT'S ABOUT THE NUTCRACKER. But while this was a hauntingly beautiful story, I still wanted more of the magic. (And more of the story - this is a short book.) I wanted more of that lighthearted Candyland glory that made the book and ballet so stunning. Granted, though, this book is magic in of itself. The writing is superb, the characters realistic and lovable, and the theme heartbreaking yet hopeful. I love that this story handles such a complex and difficult theme with grace, love, and determination. It's a wonderful piece that captures a little bit of Christmas and a whole lot of love. Overall, it's a wonderful read, but I wanted more. Guess I'm gonna have to go buy more of Mrs. Fichter's books, now, which is never a bad thing. ;) <3
emlickliter's review
4.0
This is a sweet retelling of the Nutcracker with a grown up Clara who just wants her soldier fiance James to be found after the end of WWII. While battling fantastical "rats" James and Clara must also face the demons of PTSD together with the help of Clara's Godfather. Mr. Drosselmeyer has one last bit of Christmas magic to give to the last little girl who needs him. If you are so terribly ready for Christmas, this is a sweet read! Enjoy!
destiel74's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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
4.25
It's a nice little short story. Nothing too fantastical. Just a lovely story of healing with a hint of magic.