“… We were both the same kind of stubborn.” In wartime, people make tough decisions. Sometimes things go in directions they might never have dreamed possible. The Silent Unseen is a convoluted tale of two teens whose paths cross in life-altering ways. Told in alternating viewpoints, we experience the unlikely friendship between Maria and Kostya.… Continue reading The Silent Unseen, Amanda McCrina
Tag: WWII
Three Sisters, Heather Morris
Cibi, Magda, and Livi are living in Slovakia during the war. When Livi is still young, their father makes the girls promise they will always stay together. As the story unfolds, we watch how seriously they take this promise. When Livi is assigned to leave, Cibi volunteers to go with her, to watch over her.… Continue reading Three Sisters, Heather Morris
The Living and the Lost, Ellen Feldman
In post-war Germany, The Living and the Lost gives us Millie, returning to Germany to help sort survivors. However, sort is a much nicer term for it. Millie is a tough character to like. She’s carrying a lot of guilt for a decision she made in the past, which we don’t learn about until we’re… Continue reading The Living and the Lost, Ellen Feldman
The Forest of Vanishing Stars, Kristin Harmel
Books that take place during the World Wars are my favorite. With the bonus of having a person raised in the woods as a survivalist, I thought this would be an easy home run. But unfortunately, for all the strength Yona was supposed to have, I found her lack of assertiveness weak. She let people… Continue reading The Forest of Vanishing Stars, Kristin Harmel
The Woman with the Blue Star, Pam Jenoff
Told in alternating viewpoints, The Woman with the Blue Star tells the story of two women in the wake of WWII. While just 18, Sadie spends her days in hiding. Things get worse when her family must flee during a big roundup. On the other side of town, Ella lives with her stepmother and must… Continue reading The Woman with the Blue Star, Pam Jenoff
In Times of Rain and War, Camron Wright
Waking up to a ticking bomb, Audrey’s life, which has already been through so much upheaval, changes again when she meets Wes. She escorts young children to a safer place to wait out the war. Her work is important and she wants to make a difference. Wes is an American helping the war effort; he’s… Continue reading In Times of Rain and War, Camron Wright
The Last Word, Ron Miner
Dan is a journalist interviewing the last living WWII vet. At 112, Owen is a character, he tells engaging stories, and he knows how to laugh. As we follow Owen’s life not just during the war but before and after, we find ourselves drawn into this highly engaging read that carries some moving themes. Being… Continue reading The Last Word, Ron Miner
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