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jesblack's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
happylilkt's review against another edition
4.0
What a gripping read! I read almost the entire thing today because I knew I wouldn't sleep well if I didn't finish it :)
For the action-packed narrative that this is, the book still had sensuous, evocative descriptions that recreate the exotic settings (do we call France exotic? it still kind of is to this American). I would be interested in reading more by [a:Kristin Hannah|54493|Kristin Hannah|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1417050721p2/54493.jpg], as I think she does an excellent job with the storytelling and writing, and, what's just as important, I can tell she has a great editing team. Pace and resolution can be such a challenge in these kinds of novels, and both are strong.
I didn't read this when it first came out because I was told this was the poor man's [b:All the Light We Cannot See|18143977|All the Light We Cannot See|Anthony Doerr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1451445646s/18143977.jpg|25491300], but I would have to respectfully disagree. ATLWCS is definitely a finely crafted piece of literature, the kind we rarely see, but it is in a different style than The Nightingale. I wouldn't recommend ATLWCS to everyone, but I think with the Nightingale, I could. Loved it! I am pretty sure I will read this again.
For the action-packed narrative that this is, the book still had sensuous, evocative descriptions that recreate the exotic settings (do we call France exotic? it still kind of is to this American). I would be interested in reading more by [a:Kristin Hannah|54493|Kristin Hannah|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1417050721p2/54493.jpg], as I think she does an excellent job with the storytelling and writing, and, what's just as important, I can tell she has a great editing team. Pace and resolution can be such a challenge in these kinds of novels, and both are strong.
I didn't read this when it first came out because I was told this was the poor man's [b:All the Light We Cannot See|18143977|All the Light We Cannot See|Anthony Doerr|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1451445646s/18143977.jpg|25491300], but I would have to respectfully disagree. ATLWCS is definitely a finely crafted piece of literature, the kind we rarely see, but it is in a different style than The Nightingale. I wouldn't recommend ATLWCS to everyone, but I think with the Nightingale, I could. Loved it! I am pretty sure I will read this again.
ksimerly14's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. The book was beautifully written, so descriptive. The end was captivating and emotional. Very great read
dsova's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.25
micalee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
croselli's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
lauraazz's review against another edition
4.0
More like a 3,5. I will never not like this type of books: it made me enraged, sad, cry, bawl and curse, what more could you ask from a book?
What I didn't like was the main character. Well, I did like some parts of her and I understand that's part of being human and realistic, but she was a damn hero!!!
Vianne had such a beautiful character growth, from someone who seemed such a coward or rather cautious to a woman who did as much as her sister, all without people knowing about her good deeds.
Also, I truly hate the fact that Ari was taken, like why?? He was with his family!!
What I didn't like was the main character. Well, I did like some parts of her and I understand that's part of being human and realistic, but she was a damn hero!!!
Vianne had such a beautiful character growth, from someone who seemed such a coward or rather cautious to a woman who did as much as her sister, all without people knowing about her good deeds.
Also, I truly hate the fact that Ari was taken, like why?? He was with his family!!
jfeldste's review against another edition
this book did not catch my interest. it was way too long and ran on too much for me
chelsayoder's review against another edition
5.0
I don't feel like I can review this really... Except to say that I really loved it and it is now a favorite. The thing that's amazing to me, is how (and this is so cliche for such a powerful subject) raw, heartbreaking, sad this novel is, and yet how beautiful it is, how filled with love. I wish I read this sooner. I'd have voted it for book of the year 2015 here on goodreads. I'm very glad that I own this copy.