Reviews

When We Were Young & Brave by Hazel Gaynor

rr_author's review against another edition

5.0

I picked this book off the shelves at my local library, and was not sure what to expect. It pleasantly surprised me! The 1st person POV took a few chapters to get used to, but I came to enjoy the style of writing that reminded me almost of a diary.
The historical aspect was fascinating. I had known Eric Liddell’s story previously, and was excited to see him featured. At first I wondered if Minnie was based off of Minnie Vautrin, but it turned out she wasn’t. I drew comparisons between them nonetheless.
The characters were easy to care about and connect to, and I was invested in their stories. The plot was definitely dark - it’s a POW story, so of course it was. Jett here were moments of hope and small joys interwoven within it. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but I was really happy with it!
Content warning: violence and sexual assault - neither were graphically described.

jessicaaaos's review against another edition

informative inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

lenaoknihach's review against another edition

4.0

Na internátní škole v Číně se děti chystaly balit a rozjet se na Vánoce do svých domovů. Bohužel, během 2. světové války bylo cestování komplikovanější (ne-li úplně nemožné) a žáci museli zůstat. A přišlo to, čeho se obávali nejvíc - japonští vojáci obsadili internát a děti s učiteli poslali do internačního tábora.

Příběh je inspirován skutečnými událostmi a psaný z pohledu učitelky Elspeth a desetileté skautky Nancy. Ačkoli obě dvě byly na stejné škole, šly stejný pochod a ocitly se ve stejném táboře, jejich pohledy se neskutečně lišily a bylo velmi zajímavé číst, jak se na 2. světovou válku dívá malé dítě, jak se přizpůsobuje prostředí a co všechno musí udělat učitelka, aby svoje žáky chránila před nebezpečnými pohledy Japonců.

Do knihy jsem se strašně rychle a jednoduše začetla a přes všechny hrůzy, které se v ní odehrávaly, jsem ji ani na chvíli nechtěla odložit. Byli jsme mladí a stateční vám moc doporučuji.

susan_loves_stories's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring 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? N/A

5.0

rseykora's review against another edition

sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

violet22's review against another edition

challenging emotional tense 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

4.75

I loved this book the two narrators gave a different insight into being a prisoner of war in China during Japan's occupation. Miss Kent is an example of a different sort of war hero. It was heartfelt and felt as if this little school was a family sticking together through the thick of it. The way they stood up for each other and took matters into their own hands at time for each other made me cry. 

positivewoman2013's review against another edition

5.0

This story was told from the perspective of a teacher and a student surviving in an internment camp in China. We are not forced to relive all the graphic pain, but we walk next to these people. I was moved. Strength Under Oppression

shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition

Compelling historical fiction set in China during WWII. The story is told in two voices - that of 10 year old Nancy Plummer and 30-something Miss Kent. Nancy and her brother are students at a boarding school for the children of missionaries and diplomats in China. Miss Kent has left an unhappy life in England to teach in the school for a couple years while she figures her life out. Just as she is getting ready to resign and move back to England, Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. Japanese soldiers take the school and it's inhabitants as prisoners and the teachers and students are challenged to survive in ever more dire circumstances over the next 4 years. Most of the story takes place during the war but some of it is told from a reunion of sorts thirty years later. Regular meetings of girl guides, with badges earned etc. becomes a focal point for the group. Olympic runner Eric Liddell joins them at the inernment camp for a time.

amlane16's review against another edition

4.0

Well written, detailed, with excellent characters.

decembermagpie's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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

4.0