rebeccatc's review against another edition
3.0
Yet another historical novel told in a non-linear fashion, jumping between events in 1943-44 and a murder investigation happening in 1955. The premise was pretty grim -- an Italian family whose lives were torn apart during the war is victimized again by a serial killer with a vengeance twelve years later. I learned quite a bit about the situation in Italy during their alliance with Germany, especially about the "partisans," as they have received a lot less attention than the French resistance has. The murder mystery seemed contrived, and wrapped up too abruptly, but the author's writing style was enjoyable, and I did like the detective, former teenaged partisan Serafina.
stesch217's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
apriljbeckler's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
orygunn's review against another edition
4.0
I don't do well with suspense but this book has just enough that I made it. I liked Christina and hope she finds happiness.
annebennett1957's review against another edition
4.0
The book kept me guessing until nearly the end.
medderses's review against another edition
3.0
The story was well-written and held my attention throughout, but the ending was extremely anticlimactic. My rating went from a 4.5-5 down to a 3 immediately.
melissakuzma's review against another edition
4.0
This was a suspenseful and compelling historical mystery set in my favorite place in the world, Italy, so this book had a lot going for it. But someone has to tell my beloved Chris Bohjalian to tone down the violence a bit. A lot, actually. His book about the plane crash gave me nightmares. The one about Armenia was so horrifying, I couldn't finish it. And this one was nearly as bad. Please, Chris, enough with the graphic descriptions of people being shot at point blank range and decapitated and blown to bits by bombs and such. I don't mind reading about serious or sad things, but I can't take the graphic violence!
brock111's review against another edition
4.0
This was very interesting-the plot kept me guessing until the end. I confess-I even peeked ahead and read the end to see what was going to happen. The characters were complex with all their human flaws. The decisions they were forced to make in order to stay alive during this time period (WWII) left one thinking about all the decisions we make everyday unaware of their consequences down the road. Definitely worth the read.
sjj169's review against another edition
2.0
I kept trying to read this book. I admit defeat. I just can't finish it, my attention just will not stay on the pages. I do admit I skipped to the end to see who the killer was just to satisfy that curiosity.