ladynigelia's review against another edition
4.0
I'm glad I read this. It was a pain trying to get it from the library in time for the book club meeting next week, because it's so popular. And I see why it's popular. It's well written, seems to be well researched, and delves into sides of WWII that we don't usually see.
However, for a book about WWII I was surprised I didn't cry. At all. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that people die. It's WWII. Lots of people died. But something about the way it was presented wasn't heart wrenching to me. It felt gentler, more matter of fact. I liked that. I liked being able to learn and think and process without the tears and pain that usually comes with WWII. It is a subtle celebration of life in a terrible world and a reminder of the strength of individuals resisting against overwhelming force.
I'm looking forward to my book group discussion.
However, for a book about WWII I was surprised I didn't cry. At all. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that people die. It's WWII. Lots of people died. But something about the way it was presented wasn't heart wrenching to me. It felt gentler, more matter of fact. I liked that. I liked being able to learn and think and process without the tears and pain that usually comes with WWII. It is a subtle celebration of life in a terrible world and a reminder of the strength of individuals resisting against overwhelming force.
I'm looking forward to my book group discussion.
mbarone1's review against another edition
5.0
Magnificently written. Incredibly researched. Beautiful characters. Skillfully interwoven storylines.
Doerr’s vocabulary is stunning. I loved this book!
Doerr’s vocabulary is stunning. I loved this book!
lanczovaemma's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
cestlaqie's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
baru buka bukunya, kita sudah disambut sama ke-"chaos"-an, yang akhirnya bikin kita bertanya-tanya, "ini sebenernya kenapa sih? ada apa?". buku ini aku tuntasin dengan cukup singkat, soalnya buku ini berhasil BANGET buat bikin aku penasaran di tiap akhir babnya! yang kusuka dari buku ini adalah diksinya cantik banget, it's almost poetical. selain itu, aku SUKAAA banget sama karakter daniel leblanc, he loves his daughter so much :((
yang mengganjal dari buku ini adalah sewaktu ceritanya werner dan marie-laure akhirnya "ketemu", karena menurutku rasanya antiklimaks dan kurang memuaskan. ada beberapa adegan yang kayaknya out of nowhere dimasukkin dalam buku for the sake of the "historical-accuracy". entah kenapa aku lebih merasa dekat sama marie-laure daripada sama werner, aku ngerasanya kisah werner kurang berkesan di aku. sejujurnya i expect something more karena buku ini sangat di-hype, cuman yaudah sih gak apa karena aku masih enjoy bacanya. 4 stars!
Spoiler
dan aku sedih BERAT pas tau daniel leblanc-nya bahkan sampai akhir enggak ketahuan keberadaannya..yang mengganjal dari buku ini adalah sewaktu ceritanya werner dan marie-laure akhirnya "ketemu", karena menurutku rasanya antiklimaks dan kurang memuaskan. ada beberapa adegan yang kayaknya out of nowhere dimasukkin dalam buku for the sake of the "historical-accuracy". entah kenapa aku lebih merasa dekat sama marie-laure daripada sama werner, aku ngerasanya kisah werner kurang berkesan di aku. sejujurnya i expect something more karena buku ini sangat di-hype, cuman yaudah sih gak apa karena aku masih enjoy bacanya. 4 stars!
rachrose's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sweater_swetha's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
imnotadorableimpunk's review against another edition
5.0
ADORE. So beautifully written; the plot is riveting and organized in such a way that the timeline almost dances, if that makes sense. The characters are simple but beautifully in their simplicity, and they really drive the plot as they become more clear to the reader. I just really LOVED this book, and I'm glad I picked it up!
melistar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-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
5.0
lokena's review against another edition
2.0
A lot of writing but not a lot of depth. The author tries to get buy on his metaphors and beautiful descriptions.
The characters feel empty and the intertwining stories do not connect in any real way. The diamond plot line is useless and Werner’s story as well is very surface.
The only redeeming quality is Marie and even then theres a lot left to the imagination.
What could have been a beautiful story of the innocence that is taken during war becomes a weird fantasy of escapism and ignoring reality.
Not a fan and do not believe the book deserves the hype it is getting
The characters feel empty and the intertwining stories do not connect in any real way. The diamond plot line is useless and Werner’s story as well is very surface.
The only redeeming quality is Marie and even then theres a lot left to the imagination.
What could have been a beautiful story of the innocence that is taken during war becomes a weird fantasy of escapism and ignoring reality.
Not a fan and do not believe the book deserves the hype it is getting
mariamnel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0