by Anne C. Voorhoeve
Young Adult
Read From: June 13, 2013 - June 16, 2012
Review
~~~~~~~~~~~
Cover Blurb: I personally like it, especially how there’s an old-style photo depicting the same picture, and I like how the title is done. But I can see how some people would think that it’s boring.
What I Liked: Really, I liked everything. Frances is easy to like and connect with, and she’s a terrific protagonist to travel the whole of World War II with. The story starts out with a young girl scared and confused by the changes in her world, but she’s also a young girl who conquers her fears to get what she wants. And as the story progresses, I could feel her growing up into a mature young woman who now knew that running wasn’t the answer to everything. I loved the family dynamics of the people she ends up staying with, and I loved that Gary immediately adopts her as his little sister.
What I Disliked: This is really one of those books where you can’t criticize anything about it. I could root up some little phrase that wasn’t very well written, but there’s no reason to.
Believability: Everything about it is entirely believable. The Author has so very clearly done tons of research, while other aspects of the story feel as if she might have personal experience on her side to guide her writing. Her portrayal of Jewish beliefs felt entirely authentic. I also liked that the Author chose a girl who was of Jewish heritage, but was Protestant in her beliefs. A lot of WWII stories told from a Jewish point of view that are written nowadays - especially in teen literature - seem to be told from an entirely non-religious person’s point of view. It was nice to have a character who did believe in something, and then began to learn and understand her Jewish heritage, but also didn’t give up her Protestant beliefs.
Writing Style: It was good. The Author put a lot of emotion in her writing; she brought the Blitz to life in a way that made me, as a Reader, feel what it was like in a much closer way. And with Frances receiving news about what was going on in Germany, and what was happening to the Jews, through letters and newspapers, it felt much, much more intense and eerie and horrifying.
Content: Nothing.
Conclusion: It was realistic, which is the sort of ending a book like this needs. Not everything is sad and depressing, but it isn’t 100% cheerful, either. And it’s not at all disappointing.
Recommended Audience: Historical fiction fans should definitely read this, especially if you’re fond of WWII books that cover the war through the eyes of the “home front,” and not through the front lines. I would encourage all ages to read it, though it’s probably more geared towards girls than guys.
What I Liked: Really, I liked everything. Frances is easy to like and connect with, and she’s a terrific protagonist to travel the whole of World War II with. The story starts out with a young girl scared and confused by the changes in her world, but she’s also a young girl who conquers her fears to get what she wants. And as the story progresses, I could feel her growing up into a mature young woman who now knew that running wasn’t the answer to everything. I loved the family dynamics of the people she ends up staying with, and I loved that Gary immediately adopts her as his little sister.
What I Disliked: This is really one of those books where you can’t criticize anything about it. I could root up some little phrase that wasn’t very well written, but there’s no reason to.
Believability: Everything about it is entirely believable. The Author has so very clearly done tons of research, while other aspects of the story feel as if she might have personal experience on her side to guide her writing. Her portrayal of Jewish beliefs felt entirely authentic. I also liked that the Author chose a girl who was of Jewish heritage, but was Protestant in her beliefs. A lot of WWII stories told from a Jewish point of view that are written nowadays - especially in teen literature - seem to be told from an entirely non-religious person’s point of view. It was nice to have a character who did believe in something, and then began to learn and understand her Jewish heritage, but also didn’t give up her Protestant beliefs.
Writing Style: It was good. The Author put a lot of emotion in her writing; she brought the Blitz to life in a way that made me, as a Reader, feel what it was like in a much closer way. And with Frances receiving news about what was going on in Germany, and what was happening to the Jews, through letters and newspapers, it felt much, much more intense and eerie and horrifying.
Content: Nothing.
Conclusion: It was realistic, which is the sort of ending a book like this needs. Not everything is sad and depressing, but it isn’t 100% cheerful, either. And it’s not at all disappointing.
Recommended Audience: Historical fiction fans should definitely read this, especially if you’re fond of WWII books that cover the war through the eyes of the “home front,” and not through the front lines. I would encourage all ages to read it, though it’s probably more geared towards girls than guys.
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