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A review by modernmatilda
Lovely War by Julie Berry
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Grief, and War