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deziginer's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
laurakh's review against another edition
5.0
This is quite possibly my favorite book OF ALL TIME. The letter-writing structure was executed flawlessly and really added to the character relationships. The historic context taught me a lot I never knew about the war, with personal anecdotes that made the events feel real and heartbreaking. The sad parts are perfectly balanced with hilarious passages and heartwarming scenes. Despite sad and scary scenes (many historically grounded), the main characters are kind and brave, and the book just leaves you feeling good. Overall, this book is a charming and informative testament to human kindness and accomplishment.
lmsully's review against another edition
4.0
“I'm rarely this docile. Don't throw away the opportunity to improve upon my character.” - Mark #audiobook
liketheainapple's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A review of the film adaptation called this story "Comfort Food for Fans of Downton Abbey or the Brontës" and that definitely holds true for the book. The film is a favorite of mine, but I've often felt like it had an unusual amount of lightness at the core, and I expected the book to be deeper--if anything, the book is lighter because it's got a larger cast of characters coming in for vignettes. It's a cozy story that treats the dark subject matter of the occupation of Guernsey with a lot of whimsy.
It's certainly an enjoyable read. It's extremely English in its large cast of bumbling characters, and the romance is adorable. I liked that Juliette is more explicitly motivated by her love for Kit in this than in the movie, but I think it's a little strange that Kit's community didn't fight for her more. I appreciate that the novel argues so much for recognizing how precious books can be to certain people, especially in the most dire of circumstances, but at times it felt a little bit too lighthearted for me.
It's certainly an enjoyable read. It's extremely English in its large cast of bumbling characters, and the romance is adorable. I liked that Juliette is more explicitly motivated by her love for Kit in this than in the movie, but I think it's a little strange that Kit's community didn't fight for her more. I appreciate that the novel argues so much for recognizing how precious books can be to certain people, especially in the most dire of circumstances, but at times it felt a little bit too lighthearted for me.
bluehound's review against another edition
2.0
It's cute but letters back and forth do not make a novel. I don't want to read about what happened but what is happening to the characters now. It's well written but if you are looking for a novel this is not it.
jrhoffer1913's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! The characters are well developed and you love them immediately. I also loved the style of writing being in letter format. Refreshing read!
moco71's review against another edition
4.0
I really got into this book by the 3rd page. I loved Juliet's voice. I didn't know where the book was going and loved the way it all turned out.
anabelenalonso's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kellyrenea's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing story of friendship and survival in WW II
The author used a unique style telling the story through letters written back and forth between the characters. At times, I became frustrated with this style, but I stuck with it and was able to see the story through many different perspectives which made the story so much richer.
I loved the detail that was added and getting to see surviving the war and learning to cope with loss and even thrive after it.
The author used a unique style telling the story through letters written back and forth between the characters. At times, I became frustrated with this style, but I stuck with it and was able to see the story through many different perspectives which made the story so much richer.
I loved the detail that was added and getting to see surviving the war and learning to cope with loss and even thrive after it.
rlisle's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Written and told through letters it was a fun read with some romance. Just not my preferred way to tell a story, but still very good