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jpaskowski's review against another edition
4.0
This was such an interesting story. I had never read or really learned about the Jewish refugees in Shanghai during WW2. I did see another review that said this book reads as a list of events and I kind of have to agree. The author has a very unique, succinct way of writing fiction. But overall this is a good historical fiction book for readers interested in the WW2 era.
awolf62's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to goodreads for a copy of this book. I loved the writing and the story. I love this era for story telling. Dual timeline stories can be done poorly or very well. I thought this one was pretty good.
wambatina's review against another edition
5.0
Well written. I usually can figure out the endings before they happen but this one I didn’t see coming! I like stories told from multiple viewpoints and this one also had good character development by doing that. I’ll definitely be reading the author’s other books.
6agel's review
dark
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? Yes
5.0
This is the best book I have ever read in my life.
Throughout this entire book, I felt an impending doom well over me. The characters had become such an intrinsic part of my life in such little time and anytime within the two days I read this where I was not reading, I was thinking about it. The author’s writing style and attention to detail is truly magnificent and transports you into the horrors experienced during this time period. You empathize with even the most meek of characters, able to experience the story from multifaceted perspectives. Aiyi and Ernest are so dear to me that my heart continues to ache for them hours after reading this, and probably will forever. The love that Aiyi and Ernest had for each other all throughout continuously radiated off the screen and into my heart, tying onto its knots and squeezing it whilst simultaneously making it throb. Every moment they neared each other, I could feel my eyes well up with either tears of joy or misery. Misery, mostly. I yearn for a love like theirs that overpowers everything, that becomes your sole reason for being. I hope whoever’s reading this had/has an amazing experience with this book as well. 🫶🏽
gingerreader99's review against another edition
3.0
I'm conflicted about my rating. While I found the story touching and exciting at times. I also found it to spiral after about a third of the novel. The first stages were fantastic but the latter stages were less enticing. I found the revelation near the end to be predictable and a welcome, happy, - if less than wholly satisfying- ending.
alk2025's review against another edition
1.0
The story just doesn't grab me. I found I could put the book down for days, weeks, even over a month at a time and not have any interest in picking it back up.
I don't have anything specific to point to, I think I'm just not the audience for this book.
I don't have anything specific to point to, I think I'm just not the audience for this book.
torrence176's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, i did not expect to love this book as much as I did. So sad, such a beautiful story. I actually cried at the end.
vscalera's review against another edition
4.0
Love everlasting
This captivating story takes place in China during WWII and is a layered love story with lots of historical significance.
This captivating story takes place in China during WWII and is a layered love story with lots of historical significance.
red1176's review against another edition
5.0
It took me a while to get used to the narrator's style but it really was a great story, with a surprise ending that was very satisfactory. I'll definitely look for more works by this author.