Reviews

I really struggled with this book. I wouldn’t call it a World War II novel because only one section of it takes place during that time. A general historical novel I suppose then. I thought it was a pretty unique idea for a historical novel. A multi-generational family experiences different historical events that tear them apart from their loved ones. The final part takes place in a more modern era and the protagonist seek to reveal more about their ancestors. A compelling idea, unfortunately one that was poorly executed in my opinion.

The timeline was probably my biggest issue as I think it led to the other problems I had. The timeline is just all over the place, jumping from six weeks or fourteen years in the future and every once in a while skipping back in time. Not only was it difficult to keep track of what was going on, but it was also impossible for me to get emotionally invested in the characters and what was happening to them because nothing was being properly developed. There was a lot of exposition, so much so that it read more like a work of non-fiction at times. I felt like I was being told what was going on rather than being told through a properly developed story.

Despite the frustrating time traveling, this book somehow moved at a snail’s pace. It just really was not for me at all. I never got attached to any of the characters. So much was happening yet I found myself almost completely emotionally removed from all of it. Important historical context sure, but I just couldn’t connect with it at all with all the jumping around.

nicolerose3's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautiful and heartbreaking story of the longterm effects of war and trauma on multiple generations of women.

I won an ARC in a Goodreads giveaway. I am happy I did because I am not sure I would have picked it up otherwise. Now I am recommending it to everyone!

kcampbell0507's review against another edition

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emotional sad 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? It's complicated

4.5

This book is about the impact that WW2 had on four generations of women. A young mother sends her daughter to Cuba to save her from the atrocities of Nazi Germany. 20 years later history repeats itself with Cuba undergoing political turmoil and a mother sending her daughter to safety. The child ends up back in Germany and we find out a few more things from the war years. It’s quite an intriguing and well-told story.

cdhotwing's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

emilysmith16's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

2.75

Good but a slow read that never fully sucked me in. Too many characters and time periods for me.

alicestade's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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