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louisevdb's review against another edition
4.0
I like that this book is unique in that it tells the story from both sides of the wall. I have read historical fiction novels that are on one side or the other so it was interesting to see both sides. For that I give it 4 stars. I found the writing and story to just be so-so though. This is my first Kelly Rimmer book and I will definitely try reading more from this author.
ashkay1's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
donnaalward's review against another edition
4.0
I wish there were half stars because I would give this 4.5... I really loved this book, and the last third especially was so raw and emotional and amazing. Seeing Emilia grow into such a strong, resilient, and wise woman was so rewarding! I did find the beginning didn't grip me as tightly as it might have (totally rectified in the last half!) and there was one scene near the end in Roman's point of view that I would have liked to be a little more in depth to really wring out the emotion, but this was the first book by Rimmer I've read and it absolutely will not be the last. She delivers the goods. :)
lorinlee's review against another edition
5.0
Set in Warsaw during WWII, the novel followsElizabetta who lives adjacent to the Ghetto where thousands of Jews are trapped. With Sara, a nurse, the young girl enters the Ghetto and helps prepare children to be smuggled out. Roman Gorka, a passionate youth in the resistance there, falls in love with Elizabetta. The details of German brutality are etched here clearly. The war years are hard on both Elizbetta and Ronan, but ultimately they will reunite in a Poland now dominated by the USSR. This is a good book to educate young people with. As the author points out, the ignorance among young-adult American is staggering: in one recent poll nearly two-thirds did not know that six million Jews died during the war, and over ten percent believed Jews had caused the Holocaust.
shannonclairmont's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
cassiereads7's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sfclark's review against another edition
5.0
This is why I like to read historical fiction! Fascinating story based on people that did brave work during World War II along with some of the evil from the same time. Well written, engaging story.
ronabout's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
yvetteadams's review against another edition
4.0
Another book set in the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw. Coincidentally the second book I've read recently which was set there. Told from teenage Roman's perspective from within, and teenage Emilia's perspective from outside.
ahhleeishere's review against another edition
5.0
This was so good. A natural heart-wrenching story but what novel about World War II isn't? I loved this tale of grief and revenge and redemption and growing and acceptance. I'll have more to write later but I'm going to let this just sink in for a while.