I think many of the other 3 star reviews have covered my feelings on this book. I was expecting more from it. I thought that such a tragic book would I think many of the other 3 star reviews have covered my feelings on this book. I was expecting more from it. I thought that such a tragic book would get me really emotional, but I just didn't feel that much connection to the characters. I also felt that the characters were rather one dimensional. Alfred, the Nazi character was frequently described as ugly and had absolutely no redeeming qualities, while the other protagonists were all innocent and/or noble. However, I definitely found myself caring about the protagonists and the horrors they had to endure. And I did "enjoy" Alfred's sections in that his truly awful character was used as comic relief. This book was a very quick read and it did teach me more about the Wilhelm Gustloff, which I had honestly not heard of before, so I think the author accomplished her goal in making sure those victims are not forgotten....more
A Long Petal of the Sea is an immersive, well written, and educational historical fiction novel. This book starts during the Spanish Civil War and we A Long Petal of the Sea is an immersive, well written, and educational historical fiction novel. This book starts during the Spanish Civil War and we follow the characters through the military coup in Chile, two major historical events which I admittedly don't know much besides the basics from history class. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed this book so much, both the plot and historical context were extremely captivating. After reading A Long Petal of the Sea, I am inspired to read more Isabel Allende books as well as consume more media about this period of history. ...more
This is my first Kristin Hannah book, and definitely won't be my last. I adore her writing style. The beautiful and haunting descriptions of the AlaskThis is my first Kristin Hannah book, and definitely won't be my last. I adore her writing style. The beautiful and haunting descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness, and the brutal depictions of the Alaskan winter were so vivid. Hannah said she wrote this as a love letter to Alaska, and that definitely comes across in her writing.
However, I felt very mixed about the plot of this book. At the start of the story, we are following Leni, a preteen living with her mother and father. Her father is a Vietnam War vet suffering from PTSD and alcoholism, and he impulsively moves the family to Alaska. Hannah depicts domestic abuse within the family in a harrowing and honest way. The beginning half of the book felt almost like a horror novel, we feel trepidation as we watch Leni and Cora have to live with their abuser in the isolated Alaskan wilderness. I felt nervous, knowing that something was going to go wrong, whether it be destruction by the elements, or Ernt destroying the family. The first half of the book was anxiety inducing, but also compelling, as I got very invested in the characters.
The second half of the book didn't quite work for me, and I'm not totally sure why. Hannah's writing made me weep during this part of the book, but it sort of felt soap opera esque? It just felt like the slow horror of the first half was replaced by repeated tragedies. So many bad things happening in quick succession took me out of the immersive experience of the book. I still really cared about the characters, but I just didn't feel as invested.
3.5 stars rounded up for now, might change this later. ...more
It took me a while to get into this book, but I ended up really enjoying it! We follow the POV of 3 characters and the book takes place during/after WIt took me a while to get into this book, but I ended up really enjoying it! We follow the POV of 3 characters and the book takes place during/after WW2. I thought all the characters were well written, and it was interesting to see how their stories came together through their pursuit of/interactions with the Nazi murderess known as the Huntress.
The main thing I didn't like about this book was its length, but at the same time I don't think there was much to edit out. The only sections I didn't enjoy were the more technical war/combat descriptions during Nina's chapters, but I'm generally not interested in that sort of stuff. I think some people would say that the romance could have been edited out, but I actually really liked the romance in this book! Especially the LGBT rep.
The author's note at the end was also very fascinating, to learn about the real people the characters were based on. Quinn clearly did a lot of research in writing this book and it shows in her imagery and characterization. Overall, would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a WW2 thriller/historical fiction. ...more
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