Abigail Dewitt

One of the aspects I love most about this novel is that it’s primarily set around France during WWII but told from a female perspective. I feel most historical fiction novels from that time are generally focused around men, so I loved the change of pace. Then to read the “About the Book” at the back made the story even more personal. Being loosely about her own family, DeWitt became vulnerable while writing. Even more, I love that it’s told from a family’s perspective over an individual’s perspective.… (más)

3.5 This beautifully written novel focuses on the aftermath of war, it's effect on those of generations to come, rather than on the war itself. It exposes how memories vary from one person to the next, by giving us a series of connected stories, or experiences if you will. Each chapter provides a piece of the puzzle, each character their own story, until the piece is finished. A story of a family that starts in France and on to America. A story of family loyalty, love, secrets and a darkness before once again seeing some brightness, light.

While this story does work toward a unified whole. I did have some trouble with the way it is written. Short chapters often broke up an interesting narrative. The back and forth I often found confusing, frustrating. Still, this is an important work, and I liked that while it related war experiences, it focused on the individual, the family. In my readings this has been a rare occurrence. It features a remarkable woman at it's core and highlights the endurance of not on life, but the human experience as well.

ARC from Edelweiss.… (más)