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taliiareadsstuff's review
challenging
dark
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ellelockley's review
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I read this as part of my french course for my a level in french. I think it illustrated passive resistance very well, by the silence and lack of words spoken to the german soldier. The metaphors and analogies used in this book are amazing, sometimes one doesn't even realise how it refers to 1940s france till they think about it more. I found "Il va nous unir, comme mari et femme" particularly interesting because at that time a marriage was not an equal partnership just like france would have to just become a puppet state to germany had the axis won the war. I didn't quite understand why it was slow at the start but I came to understand that that's a similie in itself. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a short read to understand the daily life of french citizens, in nazi occupied france.
Content Warnings
It's set in the time of WW2 and the German occupation of France.
sunflower711's review
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
neolenka's review
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ph03b5's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cat_reading's review
1.0
I was memorised by the writing in this book. I was happy to read something controversial that didn't make me feel uncomfortable (here's looking at you For Such a Time). I did find the movie a lot more heart wrenching and frustrating (in a good way) but the book was still interesting. A note is to look up the author before you read it, you will be able to read between the lines. I also recommend watching the movie if you enjoyed the book. It varied a little but it worked.
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