jbrins1's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
lovelyoutliers's review against another edition
4.0
This historical fiction book focuses on a really unusual sibling duo - Miri, a rare female doctor & surgeon, and her brother Vanya, a brilliant mind grappling with the issues of relativity, competing with Einstein.
At the outbreak of war, this Jewish family knows they are not safe, but rather than quickly flee, Vanya goes on a quest to photograph the solar eclipse and prove his theories of relativity, which will provide the family with a way to get to America. The rest of the book follows Miri and Vanya as they both embark on impossible and dangerous journeys to try to save themselves and their families, interwoven with epic love and enduring friendship.
I found the section on the superstitions around the solar eclipse by the local people to be very interesting (and for obvious reasons, sad), but it is wild to think about how recently we did not have access to basic knowledge, so the explanations for things like solar eclipses were mystical and spiritual rather than scientific.
At the outbreak of war, this Jewish family knows they are not safe, but rather than quickly flee, Vanya goes on a quest to photograph the solar eclipse and prove his theories of relativity, which will provide the family with a way to get to America. The rest of the book follows Miri and Vanya as they both embark on impossible and dangerous journeys to try to save themselves and their families, interwoven with epic love and enduring friendship.
I found the section on the superstitions around the solar eclipse by the local people to be very interesting (and for obvious reasons, sad), but it is wild to think about how recently we did not have access to basic knowledge, so the explanations for things like solar eclipses were mystical and spiritual rather than scientific.
ekureck's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It’s been a long time since I have bawled my eyes out from a book. It took me a while to get into this book because I’m not used to historical fiction, but once I did i read 300 pages in one sitting. It’s 3am, I just finished, and I cannot get over how absolutely perfect this book was. The emotion, characters, trauma, struggles, and inspiration that affected me while reading this book are beyond words. I cannot even explain how invested and emotionally impacted I was by this book. I believe the final message was what I have needed to hear for months.
With it being my first time (in a while) reading a historical fiction, the setting of Russia in 1914 took a bit for me to get used to. The characters - yes all of them - were just perfect. I loved every one of them for different reasons, but Miri resonated with me deeply. I could not stop shaking when Sasha was dragged off the train, and was already planning my breakdown if he didn’t survive. I will recommend this book to everyone I know. It is my new favorite book and I’ll remember the last chapter and its message forever.
With it being my first time (in a while) reading a historical fiction, the setting of Russia in 1914 took a bit for me to get used to. The characters - yes all of them - were just perfect. I loved every one of them for different reasons, but Miri resonated with me deeply. I could not stop shaking when Sasha was dragged off the train, and was already planning my breakdown if he didn’t survive. I will recommend this book to everyone I know. It is my new favorite book and I’ll remember the last chapter and its message forever.
eb_bartels's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A BEND IN THE STARS is a gripping, thrilling saga that takes place in early 20th century Russia on the brink of war. Barenbaum's characters are complex and engaging, and through their eyes readers see the many ways war, violence, antisemitism, sexism, and intergenerational trauma can impact people. I couldn't put this book down -- how could you when it is packed with high speed chase scenes and characters jumping off moving trains and a passionate love triangle?! This author is A+ and you should read everything she writes!!!!
lauraajohnsonrn's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible!!! A story of siblings set in the early 1900s before and during the First World War. The setting is Russia, and the goal: to beat Einstein in proving relativity. But the road to success is not a straight one for Miri, a Jewish female surgeon and her brother Vanya, a Jewish scientist . It’s filled with obstacles, danger, and sacrifice; making you wonder at what length you would go to for your own siblings.
raeleechoins's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a world war novel. I enjoyed this, but I think I’m still too burnt out to have loved it as much as it deserved.
abookarmoire's review against another edition
4.0
“For love?”
“Love?” Miri almost laughed as she eased Sasha onto the cot. “I guess in a sense. Vanya went to Riga for his love of science. To observe an eclipse.”
“An eclipse? What is there to see in the dark?”
“A bend in the stars,” Miri said.
Ahh the meaning of the title. I like it when everything comes together, and you’re not left wondering about loose ends. This book reads as an adventure. Go go go. Everyone is on the move, everyone is looking for someone or something… or being chased by someone, or time is running out! It is set in WWI, but this takes a back seat to the heart of the story, which is following Jewish siblings Miri and her brother Vanya through all the events of this book.
Miri, a female surgeon, is on the search for her love Yuri (also a surgeon), who is accompanied by Vanya – and they are ‘missing’ on their hunt for the eclipse.
Vanya, a university student, is fighting against the clock as the eclipse nears… hoping to meet with an American to help him photograph the eclipse, to help further prove his calculations on the theory of relativity.
Yuri is helping Vanya in his plight, in hopes to be reunited with Miri.
“When is the timing of war ever good?” Yuri asked.
“True. Bur now is worse than ever for us. Being here in the countryside, with an eclipse and a war.” Dima shook his head. “The peasants will be terrified, and you never know what terror does to people. Remember what Kolya said? He called an eclipse the devil’s work.”
What’s the twist in all this? Sure. It’s WWI, there’s a war, food is scarce, communication is terrible, there are bad things happening, bad guys chasing the good guys, Jews are targeted… the eclipse is about to happen. Well turns out it is a wounded soldier named Sasha that comes into Miri’s life, testing both her surgical abilities and her heart. How can you not fall for this guy? He’s tough, macho, no nonsense, but deep down, he’s this fun sensitive guy. Yeah, right in the middle of this war book, of course. How does it end for Miri? Who does she choose, Yuri or Sasha? That’s for you to find out.
“Love?” Miri almost laughed as she eased Sasha onto the cot. “I guess in a sense. Vanya went to Riga for his love of science. To observe an eclipse.”
“An eclipse? What is there to see in the dark?”
“A bend in the stars,” Miri said.
Ahh the meaning of the title. I like it when everything comes together, and you’re not left wondering about loose ends. This book reads as an adventure. Go go go. Everyone is on the move, everyone is looking for someone or something… or being chased by someone, or time is running out! It is set in WWI, but this takes a back seat to the heart of the story, which is following Jewish siblings Miri and her brother Vanya through all the events of this book.
Miri, a female surgeon, is on the search for her love Yuri (also a surgeon), who is accompanied by Vanya – and they are ‘missing’ on their hunt for the eclipse.
Vanya, a university student, is fighting against the clock as the eclipse nears… hoping to meet with an American to help him photograph the eclipse, to help further prove his calculations on the theory of relativity.
Yuri is helping Vanya in his plight, in hopes to be reunited with Miri.
“When is the timing of war ever good?” Yuri asked.
“True. Bur now is worse than ever for us. Being here in the countryside, with an eclipse and a war.” Dima shook his head. “The peasants will be terrified, and you never know what terror does to people. Remember what Kolya said? He called an eclipse the devil’s work.”
What’s the twist in all this? Sure. It’s WWI, there’s a war, food is scarce, communication is terrible, there are bad things happening, bad guys chasing the good guys, Jews are targeted… the eclipse is about to happen. Well turns out it is a wounded soldier named Sasha that comes into Miri’s life, testing both her surgical abilities and her heart. How can you not fall for this guy? He’s tough, macho, no nonsense, but deep down, he’s this fun sensitive guy. Yeah, right in the middle of this war book, of course. How does it end for Miri? Who does she choose, Yuri or Sasha? That’s for you to find out.
booksintheirnaturalhabitat's review against another edition
5.0
A Bend in the Stars is easily my favorite book that I’ve read this year – hence the 5 star rating I’m giving it! It will be hard for any other books to be more thoroughly loved in 2019. If you read and loved For All The Things We Cannot See, then this is another must-read. You won’t be disappointed!
Believe it or not, this is Rachel Barenbaum’s debut book. She brings us to Russia and introduces us to the brother-sister duo Miri and Vanya. Russia is on the brink of war with Germany. Things aren’t easy, especially for science-based practices. This makes things difficult for Miri, who practices as a surgeon (rare for women at this time!), and Vanya, a physicist competing with the famous Albert Einstein to explain relativity. Their practices bring many challenges and critiques, and with conscription brewing, their lives are turned upside down. When Vanya goes missing, Miri is forced to face reality and fight for the brother she loves most.
I really enjoyed that this book took us into Russia history and successfully explored the sciences without it being overkill; it was artfully folded in. I never thought that science in Russia would be such a conspiracy, or be thought of as witchcraft! The other thing that really pulled me into this book was how much I related to Miri as a woman trying to prove herself as an equal without it being overdone. No matter what, Miri fights for her beliefs and does her best even though she may feel like that’s not enough. I never cry, but I cried through the end of this book and I had chills. It was just. That. Good.
Clearly, I could go on and on about how much I loved this book. Mark your calendars because it’s coming out on May 14th! You don’t want to miss it!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read this book and the review provided expresses my own personal opinion.
Believe it or not, this is Rachel Barenbaum’s debut book. She brings us to Russia and introduces us to the brother-sister duo Miri and Vanya. Russia is on the brink of war with Germany. Things aren’t easy, especially for science-based practices. This makes things difficult for Miri, who practices as a surgeon (rare for women at this time!), and Vanya, a physicist competing with the famous Albert Einstein to explain relativity. Their practices bring many challenges and critiques, and with conscription brewing, their lives are turned upside down. When Vanya goes missing, Miri is forced to face reality and fight for the brother she loves most.
I really enjoyed that this book took us into Russia history and successfully explored the sciences without it being overkill; it was artfully folded in. I never thought that science in Russia would be such a conspiracy, or be thought of as witchcraft! The other thing that really pulled me into this book was how much I related to Miri as a woman trying to prove herself as an equal without it being overdone. No matter what, Miri fights for her beliefs and does her best even though she may feel like that’s not enough. I never cry, but I cried through the end of this book and I had chills. It was just. That. Good.
Clearly, I could go on and on about how much I loved this book. Mark your calendars because it’s coming out on May 14th! You don’t want to miss it!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read this book and the review provided expresses my own personal opinion.
sugarhollow5's review against another edition
Did not hold my interest enough to finish.
kwesch's review against another edition
5.0
This incredible novel transports you to pre-WWI Russia into a beautiful and unusual tale of physics, love, and life. Beautifully written.