honeydewfelon's review
5.0
This was my first book by Margaret McMullan, a Mississippi author whom I already admired for her generosity toward the literary community in the state. I loved this book. I knew basically nothing about how Hungarian Jews were affected by the Holocaust, and McMullan’s family story provides a lens into the larger historical forces of European antisemitism. Her prose is straightforward and self-assured. The way she weaves in her research with her experience of living and teaching in Hungary is masterful. I’m excited to see her panels at the upcoming Mississippi Book Festival!
graceburnell's review
4.0
This was another book I was made to read for my first year seminar class. I was very curious to see how this book would turn out based on the words of my professor.
I enjoyed many aspects of this book, including the author's extensive research and dedication to her cause. Sometimes, the presentation left a little to be desired. The flashbacks and flashforwards messed with me sometimes. But the thing that bothered me the most was her referring to the clerk as a "Nazi porn star," and continuously calling her a porn star throughout the book. That didn't sit well with me.
Other than those issues, I liked this book very much. McMullan's distinct writing style makes her words pack a punch that hits the readers where it hurts, provoking empathy and distress. It pulled me into the story, and I felt dedicated to her cause. This story made me think about what I know about my family history and why I should explore it more.
"Richárd will forever be both real and fictional to me. At best, he is half-known. Perhaps he lived as so many of us do-half-know."
I enjoyed many aspects of this book, including the author's extensive research and dedication to her cause. Sometimes, the presentation left a little to be desired. The flashbacks and flashforwards messed with me sometimes. But the thing that bothered me the most was her referring to the clerk as a "Nazi porn star," and continuously calling her a porn star throughout the book. That didn't sit well with me.
Other than those issues, I liked this book very much. McMullan's distinct writing style makes her words pack a punch that hits the readers where it hurts, provoking empathy and distress. It pulled me into the story, and I felt dedicated to her cause. This story made me think about what I know about my family history and why I should explore it more.
"Richárd will forever be both real and fictional to me. At best, he is half-known. Perhaps he lived as so many of us do-half-know."
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