Review: Sweeping WWII Novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2013
I'm not a big WWII fan, but reading this novel, I have to give the author credit for how masterfully she handles the entirety of the war. The book starts just before England declares war on Germany and follows to characters, Ian and Allison, until the war ends in 1945.The novel brought to light parts of WWII I've never really thought about, like what happened to priceless pieces of art when Hitler conquered Europe. And how the everyday people who weren't Jews but were invaded by Germany had to change their lifestyles.At times I grew a little squeamish as the body count rose and rose. And it's not like the people dying were nameless faces. Some of those who died were rather close to the main characters. But the way Ian and Allison overcome everything in the end left me with a big feeling of satisfaction and finality. The war is over, they have each other, and the future is bright. So it makes up for some of the uncomfortable moments from the middle of the book (and war).If you're looking for a light, witty romantic book, then this isn't the choice for you. In fact, I wouldn't even call this book a romance novel. Two characters fall in love and get married, yes. But that's only a small part of the book, and they spend most of the book physically separated rather than together. If you want a sweeping historical novel that brings to life the daily struggles people faced during WWII, then you totally want to read this novel. It's the type of book that sticks with you for a long time.Oh and the author leaves the story open to a sequel, and after suffering along with Ian and Allison through the first story, I really hope the author writes the next book. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.