I was so excited when I first started hearing the hype about this book. Then I was so excited when I finally purchased it. But then I let it see on my shelf unread for over year. And now that I've finally read it, I'm not sure the wait was worth it.
I wanted to love this book. Even though I didn't know a lot about it going it, I still had a good feeling. And I love the cover. But it just didn't work for me. I didn't really get into this book until about half way through, and looking back I can't believe there were so many pages in the first half when it felt like nothing really happened.
Even so, there were still parts I enjoyed. I really liked Frankie's story of being on the trains in Europe getting the stories of all the Jews who were trying to find safety. But unfortunately that was just a small aspect of the overall story. I did also like the idea of the story of the Iris, the postmistress, although I don't think it was executed well.
This is definitely one where I had high expectations where they were no where near. I think knowing how much I wanted to love this, I'm a little harsher than I would have been otherwise, but it just didn't work for me.
3/5
Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!
I read about that in a magazine recently. Bummer you didn't enjoy it more than a 3/5.
ReplyDeleteI am reading the House at Tyneford right now - it's Downton Abbey meets Upstairs Downstairs with some other things and I am loving it - maybe you will too!
This has been sitting on my shelf for a long time, too! I don't know if I will ever get to it...
ReplyDeleteI liked it but didn't love it. I too wish it had been something I liked more.
ReplyDeleteThat is a bummer that it fell a bit flat for you. I read it last year, and really loved it. I think I gave it 5 stars. It was hard to get into initially, but then I really fell hard for it. I thought it was harrowing reading about her encounter with the Jews on the trains in Europe, and then the bomb shelter experience was crazy, too.
ReplyDeleteI was drawn to Frankie's story more than the stories of the other women. I enjoyed the book overall, but like you, I wanted to really love it. I think Frankie's story should have been expanded. She was strong enough to carry the entire book, in my opinion.
ReplyDelete