Reviews

Two Brothers by Ben Elton

lois_w's review against another edition

challenging dark informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Heartbreakingly beautiful, Elton captures this period of history perfectly.
It is informative and shocking all at the same time which is perfect as a historical narrative commentary.

dbutlergallie's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

4.25

lesliekyla's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

junipreads333's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

hanniematilda's review against another edition

5.0

This book. Wow.

Two Brothers is one of those books that is impossible to put down, yet equally difficult to read. The story is heartbreaking and moving, and I had to stop reading many times, only to find myself reaching for it again seconds later. A true tour de force.

garbuziarb's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

j4nep's review against another edition

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

milly_in_the_library's review against another edition

5.0

I really enjoyed this :-)
Thanks for the loan, Becca!
Cried buckets!

aaronboyes19's review against another edition

3.0

Although I gave this 3/5, it is really more of a 3.5/5. For anyone who has studied or even encountered the history of the Jews in Germany during the 1930s-1940s, this book is somewhat predictable and not as shocking as it would be for someone who hasn't. The plot development, while interesting, is tied to the fact that it is a work of historical fiction and thus the events happen naturally. While it did not have the "shock factor" for me, it was still a good and enjoyable read. You connect with the characters - and it has a good mix of characters, from those whom you love and those whom you grow to hate - and you feel for them as they go through their trials and tribulations. While I knew what was coming I still felt that connection because what Elton describes, and he does so quite well, actually happened to real people. I would recommend this to anyone who would like to experience this terrible time in human history but in novel form.

clare_tan_wenhui's review against another edition

4.0

Compelling read. Yes the language is a bit modern and too "English" but that's just a minor flaw. I know some other readers detested the Dagmar girl. However I see her as a necessary plot device to build up the characters of Paulus, Otto and Silke. And frankly Dagmar is quite successful as a character you love to hate. ;)