Set in Munich during the height of World War II, this fictional story follows the life of a young girl surrounded by both the best and the worst of humanity. The beginning of the book was fine enough, but by the end I couldn't put it down.
It was a book that left me bothered. How can such evil exist? Is death really as random as it appears? What kind of impact can one person really make?
One of the most bothersome aspects of the book was witnessing the senselessness of war. Seeing so many lives shattered in the name of the Fuhrer was devastating. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I kept thinking "Please, not my boys." I am beyond grateful for all of those who willingly sacrifice for the interests of our nation. Yet, I feel almost physically ill at the thought of my boys being called upon to serve in a war. I know it's selfish, but I don't want to lose them - ever, for anything. Maybe when they are old enough to play outside without supervision I'll feel differently, but honestly, I doubt it.
While there are countless non-fictional accounts of WWII, which I tend to prefer, this book was still well worth the read. It's a longer book (550+ pgs.) and it had a bit of a slow start, nonetheless, I did enjoy it and would recommend the story.
Oh, and if you have preteen readers, Number the Stars is another excellent, fictional story of the Danish rescue of the Jews. BB #1 just finished that one for school, and it was a fabulous, kid-appropriate read.
It was a book that left me bothered. How can such evil exist? Is death really as random as it appears? What kind of impact can one person really make?
One of the most bothersome aspects of the book was witnessing the senselessness of war. Seeing so many lives shattered in the name of the Fuhrer was devastating. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I kept thinking "Please, not my boys." I am beyond grateful for all of those who willingly sacrifice for the interests of our nation. Yet, I feel almost physically ill at the thought of my boys being called upon to serve in a war. I know it's selfish, but I don't want to lose them - ever, for anything. Maybe when they are old enough to play outside without supervision I'll feel differently, but honestly, I doubt it.
While there are countless non-fictional accounts of WWII, which I tend to prefer, this book was still well worth the read. It's a longer book (550+ pgs.) and it had a bit of a slow start, nonetheless, I did enjoy it and would recommend the story.
Oh, and if you have preteen readers, Number the Stars is another excellent, fictional story of the Danish rescue of the Jews. BB #1 just finished that one for school, and it was a fabulous, kid-appropriate read.
2 comments:
Can you bring it tonight? I need a good read soon.
Sorry! I got it from the library.
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