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modernmatilda's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Lovely War by Julie Berry left me speechless.
For starters, I knew a book about four young adults during World War I would be devastating and heartbreaking. I knew a book about a gorgeous love story would be lovely beyond words. I knew a book told from the perspective of goddess Aphrodite (and several other Greek gods) would be unique and stunning. But I was not prepared for this gorgeous, gorgeous book.
If I could only recommend one historical fiction book for the rest of my life, I think it might be this one. The ending was poetic, the themes of love and war were unraveled so well, the characters were incredibly memorable, and the tears I shed throughout were huge.
Also, Berry's interpretation of Hades is a big cinnamon roll, so we stan that.
I appreciated the author's notes at the end of the book, especially since this was a white author writing about a Black musician/soldier character. The sensitivity in which she researched the history seemed thoughtful; although I am not a reviewer from this identity so my words should be taken with a grain of salt.
This book felt so sincere, sensitive, and heart-driven. I'm thankful that it helped opened up some really great conversations with other readers about the delicate line between "reading/writing historical fiction books for enjoyment" and "reading/writing historical fiction books to honor and teach history" and how important respect and research are in that journey.
I wish Collette would have been more complete and/or there was another character to represent another kind of love, but overall I treasured this story.
For starters, I knew a book about four young adults during World War I would be devastating and heartbreaking. I knew a book about a gorgeous love story would be lovely beyond words. I knew a book told from the perspective of goddess Aphrodite (and several other Greek gods) would be unique and stunning. But I was not prepared for this gorgeous, gorgeous book.
If I could only recommend one historical fiction book for the rest of my life, I think it might be this one. The ending was poetic, the themes of love and war were unraveled so well, the characters were incredibly memorable, and the tears I shed throughout were huge.
Also, Berry's interpretation of Hades is a big cinnamon roll, so we stan that.
I appreciated the author's notes at the end of the book, especially since this was a white author writing about a Black musician/soldier character. The sensitivity in which she researched the history seemed thoughtful; although I am not a reviewer from this identity so my words should be taken with a grain of salt.
This book felt so sincere, sensitive, and heart-driven. I'm thankful that it helped opened up some really great conversations with other readers about the delicate line between "reading/writing historical fiction books for enjoyment" and "reading/writing historical fiction books to honor and teach history" and how important respect and research are in that journey.
I wish Collette would have been more complete and/or there was another character to represent another kind of love, but overall I treasured this story.
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Grief, and War
marionrosa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Graphic: Death, Hate crime, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Medical content, Grief, and War
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