For years I knew that this book was good. I did not know what it was about though. It happens that I hear good things about a title and author, but not know their work. I finally was able to read this and prepared myself after all the fluffy Heyer and Fleming novels.
When I started this book, I was interested in the narrative style and the characters. I didn’t necessarily think it would give me a book hangover. This book really grew on me. It has that quality wherein the characters and their lives slowly seep into your mind and heart. I didn’t even realize how much I loved it until the end.
The ending! I cried. I probably only cry for a book once a year and rarely do I sobbed. I sobbed, and I had to hold it in. There was so much pathos for the characters. They were all well drawn out. Everyone of them had a story and quality. It was really lovely.
The novel is definitely one of family and friendship. It is also one about war, death, and the deep love one has for writing and books. It’s simply written and it really knocked me over when I finished it.
Definitely recommended.
Finished May 29, 2014 on Kindle.
6 Comments
Geoff W
This one for me was one of those books that the hype got away from it. I wasn’t quite as enthralled as everyone else, but I did enjoy it.
athena
When I started it, I felt the same way. To be fair, I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. I’m actually someone who doesn’t like reading WWII/Holocaust too much so that didn’t make me warm up to it early on. The ending got to me, but I don’t know if I’d read it again. I really enjoyed it though.
Susan
The novel has a pretty dark and sad ending for sure. I haven’t seen the movie of it but I probably should. Here’s some of my thoughts on the book at http://www.thecuecard.com/node/731
athena
I don’t know if I will watch the movie either. First since I’m not into war movies so much and I haven’t heard anything about the movie other than that it exists. Thanks for the comment!
lazycoffees
I read this before the hype set in and fell in love with it. To me the author has a beautiful child-like quality which is most endearing. Who could fear Death when he portrays the soul as being carried away in a pair of respectful hands. And then the movie – an attractive piece of Hollywood fluff which had none of the depth of the book. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.
athena
Hi lazycoffees! I agree that the style grew on me. I didn’t love it at first, but the child-like quality worked so well by the end. I am not the kind of person who fears Death, but it was interesting how the author did portray them. Ahh thanks for letting me know about the movie because I haven’t heard anything about it. I’ll avoid it because I’m pickier with my films these days especially adaptations. Cheers!