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Lovely War
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It's 1917, and World War I is at its zenith when Hazel and James first catch sight of each other at a London party. She's a shy and talented pianist; he's a newly minted soldier with dreams of becoming an architect. When they fall in love, it's immediate and deep--and cut short when James is shipped off to the killing fields.
Aubrey Edwards is also headed toward the trenche ...more
Aubrey Edwards is also headed toward the trenche ...more
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Hardcover, 480 pages
Published
March 5th 2019
by Viking Books for Young Readers
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I cried at least 7 separate times while reading this book. The four central characters are all endearing and lovely, and I was deeply touched by the humanity and hope that leaked during a tragic period of history, and the relationship between love and war. Huge props to Berry for incorporating the perspectives of black soldiers with such care and poignancy while giving Aubrey so much personality. While the romance does develop quickly, I still found the book to be charming and heart-wrenching gi
...more
Feb 24, 2019
chai ♡
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
ya-sff,
2019-releases,
fiction,
read-in-2019,
young-adult,
poc-rep,
ya-historical,
ya-contemporary
[screaming from an oversized megaphone] NOT TO DICTATE ANYONE'S LIFE BUT THIS BOOK BRAIDS TOGETHER TWO LOVE STORIES SET IN WWI AND IT'S NARRATED BY GREEK GODS AND YOU GUYS NEED TO ADD IT TO YOUR TBR
...more
I love this book desperately. I did write it, so the possibility of bias is real. :) I can't wait to share it with the world. The year-plus I spent researching, writing, and revising it was intense, and harrowing at times, but I'm thrilled with where we landed. Here's hoping you enjoy it, too.
Hazel, a pianist, and James, a builder-turned-soldier, meet at a London dance in late 1917, on the eve of his departure for the trenches of World War I. Aubrey, a Harlem ragtime musician, and Colette, a Be ...more
Hazel, a pianist, and James, a builder-turned-soldier, meet at a London dance in late 1917, on the eve of his departure for the trenches of World War I. Aubrey, a Harlem ragtime musician, and Colette, a Be ...more
the only tears i cried were a product of boredom (sorry lol)
i made my way through a good chunk of this last night and it’s a quick enough read that it wouldn’t take me long to finish, but BOY do i not care about the story/characters at all. everything is just so flat, even with the inclusion of the greek dieties i feel like there’s no difference from any other historical fiction that i’ve come across.
idk maybe i should just resign myself to my fond memories of the book thief from when i was 10 ...more
i made my way through a good chunk of this last night and it’s a quick enough read that it wouldn’t take me long to finish, but BOY do i not care about the story/characters at all. everything is just so flat, even with the inclusion of the greek dieties i feel like there’s no difference from any other historical fiction that i’ve come across.
idk maybe i should just resign myself to my fond memories of the book thief from when i was 10 ...more
im surprised i broke my WWI/WWII historical fiction hiatus, but i kept seeing so many positive reviews for this, so i made an exception.
and i understand the hype. its quite something to write such a lovely story about war - you wouldnt think its possible. and this is, lovely. but at the heart of it, it just feels like every other WW story.
the only novelty of this is that its told from perspective of greek gods and i love that. i found this part of the story the most interesting, so im bummed th ...more
and i understand the hype. its quite something to write such a lovely story about war - you wouldnt think its possible. and this is, lovely. but at the heart of it, it just feels like every other WW story.
the only novelty of this is that its told from perspective of greek gods and i love that. i found this part of the story the most interesting, so im bummed th ...more
I'm in love
This book is narrated by greek gods, but are we sure it isn't written by one too? Lovely War feels as if it is on a plane higher than us mere mortals. Julie Berry, I'm not sure what magic you cast over me but please never stop.
It usually takes me around 50 pages or so to get acquainted with a story, the characters and setting. With Lovely War, I was entranced from page one. By page ten I was laughing. By page fifteen I was swooning. By page twenty, I felt as if I knew these character ...more
This book is narrated by greek gods, but are we sure it isn't written by one too? Lovely War feels as if it is on a plane higher than us mere mortals. Julie Berry, I'm not sure what magic you cast over me but please never stop.
It usually takes me around 50 pages or so to get acquainted with a story, the characters and setting. With Lovely War, I was entranced from page one. By page ten I was laughing. By page fifteen I was swooning. By page twenty, I felt as if I knew these character ...more
Classic WW story, but with a magical spin.
What’s cool, unique, fascinating (and totally unexpected as I went into this knowing absolutely nothing) about it is the fact that it is narrated by Greek gods. Yes, you aren’t trippin’. We have Aphrodite, Ares, and Hephaestus with special guests from Apollo and Hades. All of them telling stories about love and war that tug at your heartstrings and evoke so many emotions out of you.
Particularly one that is tied to four different characters and two sets o ...more
What’s cool, unique, fascinating (and totally unexpected as I went into this knowing absolutely nothing) about it is the fact that it is narrated by Greek gods. Yes, you aren’t trippin’. We have Aphrodite, Ares, and Hephaestus with special guests from Apollo and Hades. All of them telling stories about love and war that tug at your heartstrings and evoke so many emotions out of you.
Particularly one that is tied to four different characters and two sets o ...more
That shit hurted.
This book would have maybe gotten four stars because of the discussion of topics such as James Reese Europe and the introduction of jazz in Europe during WWI, the treatment of black troops during the war, and the horrors of the trenches. And yet, the framing technique of a story told by Ares, Aphrodite and Hephaestus did absolutely not work for me. The writing was ok, if sappy when the narrative concentrated on Hazel, James, Colette and Aubrey but it was stilted and awkward when the gods were sp
...more
This book took me on a journey. Oof.
If you're looking for a historical fiction with outstandingly beautiful prose that you'll want to highlight and bookmark endlessly and some fantastical elements in the forms of gods and goddesses watching over mortals at war, then you have to read Lovely War, following four different characters, from different walks of life as their worlds converge during WWI.
I absolutely loved how this book was written from the perspective of Aphrodite, Hades, Ares, and Apoll ...more
If you're looking for a historical fiction with outstandingly beautiful prose that you'll want to highlight and bookmark endlessly and some fantastical elements in the forms of gods and goddesses watching over mortals at war, then you have to read Lovely War, following four different characters, from different walks of life as their worlds converge during WWI.
I absolutely loved how this book was written from the perspective of Aphrodite, Hades, Ares, and Apoll ...more
Feb 25, 2019
Jennifer (Insert Lit Pun)
added it
An unbelievably charming book. The sections with the Greek gods are pitched for a YA audience, but the rest of the book straddles YA and Adult beautifully, telling a story that’s warm and tense and lovingly crafted. At times not even my cold, cold heart could keep me from sighing. Highly recommended.
5 stars
The Lovely War is truly nothing short of perfect.
I feel a little dim being that I am at something like a loss for words but that is how finishing this book made me feel. I've not read a book in a long time that felt like the most perfect picture of hope and longing and darkness and light.
The Lovely War is a brilliant depiction of historical fiction with a pinch of greek mythology. Aphrodite has been caught in an affair and is demanded an explanation by her husband, Hephaestus. Aphrodite p ...more
The Lovely War is truly nothing short of perfect.
I feel a little dim being that I am at something like a loss for words but that is how finishing this book made me feel. I've not read a book in a long time that felt like the most perfect picture of hope and longing and darkness and light.
The Lovely War is a brilliant depiction of historical fiction with a pinch of greek mythology. Aphrodite has been caught in an affair and is demanded an explanation by her husband, Hephaestus. Aphrodite p ...more
UPDATE: I haven't been able to find a playlist with the songs mentioned in this novel and since I loved it so much I decided to make my own:Spotify Link. If you are currently reading this and stumble upon any songs I missed lmk!
“Let them start their dreadful wars, let destruction rain down, and let plague sweep through, but I will still be here, doing my work, holding humankind together with love like this.”
Never in a million years would I have thought that a crossover between historical fic ...more
“Let them start their dreadful wars, let destruction rain down, and let plague sweep through, but I will still be here, doing my work, holding humankind together with love like this.”
Never in a million years would I have thought that a crossover between historical fic ...more
I'm blown away by how amazing this book truly is. It's more than a romance, more than a war book, more than racial division. This book is everything and the writing was done with such grace, compassion, anger, and love. The characters even the side characters, I loved them all and felt for them deeply. This book had me laughing, feeling giddy, heartbroken and weeping, also felt such love and sympathy for the time and people the Great War affected. I learned so much more about this war than any s
...more
brb going to be crying for the next week over this book.
2019 F.A.B. Bookclub pick # I.❤️. F.A.B.
A lovely War story filled with music. I enjoyed both couples journey. The bits about the Gods trial was my least favorite, otherwise it’s a great story.
A lovely War story filled with music. I enjoyed both couples journey. The bits about the Gods trial was my least favorite, otherwise it’s a great story.
Julie Berry pens an utter delight in LOVELY WAR, an effervescent confection of a novel filled with humor, tragedy, romance, and myth. Four lovers meet in the chaos and terror of World War I--a shy English pianist, a gentle architect turned sharpshooter, a French singer scarred by German atrocities, and a brash musician bound for one of the all-African-American regiments heading overseas. Hovering over this love-struck war-bound quartet is the goddess of love herself, trying to ensure them happy
...more
May 16, 2020
Bkwmlee
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
book-club-botm,
fiction
This was a delightful read, one that I was a bit apprehensive going into it, but ended up really enjoying! The premise of the story is a unique one: two young couples — Hazel and James, Colette and Aubrey — fall in love amongst the turbulence of World War I, their story narrated not by any human characters, but rather by a few famous gods and goddesses from Greek mythology. After being caught by her husband Hephaestus in an affair with a fellow god (Ares, god of war), Aphrodite, the goddess of l
...more
No book has ever made me cry harder than this did - I mean, I was sobbing so hard I actually had to stop reading this. I just have no words except I'm angry with myself for having put off finishing this for so long! This was so incredibly beautiful and is without doubt or hesitation a new all time favorite of mine. Review to come when I can actually manage to be coherent, but if you haven't already please do yourself a favor and go pick this one up.
...more
I'm speechless.
I am in love desperately with this book, and I don't think I can accurately write how Lovely War made me feel. This book deserves so much more than just 5 stars. If I could give it a million, I would.
I have never, ever cried that much while reading a book. I think I just found my favorite read of the year. And probably ever. I have never read a book quite like this one, and I am so insanely happy I decided to buy it.
I love Lovely War with my whole entire heart and soul, and it ...more
I am in love desperately with this book, and I don't think I can accurately write how Lovely War made me feel. This book deserves so much more than just 5 stars. If I could give it a million, I would.
I have never, ever cried that much while reading a book. I think I just found my favorite read of the year. And probably ever. I have never read a book quite like this one, and I am so insanely happy I decided to buy it.
I love Lovely War with my whole entire heart and soul, and it ...more
Someone liked my review for this book and I realized I never said anything about it, which is absurd since it’s still the best book I read this year so far.
This is a world war 1 love story told from the perspectives of Aphrodite (the goddess of love), Ares (war) and Hades (death). As you can imagine, I was a little stressed when Hades was on scene.
This was so phenomenal. From the writing style, to the plot, to the characters, to the story, I loved it all. So much innocence and love in such a b ...more
This is a world war 1 love story told from the perspectives of Aphrodite (the goddess of love), Ares (war) and Hades (death). As you can imagine, I was a little stressed when Hades was on scene.
This was so phenomenal. From the writing style, to the plot, to the characters, to the story, I loved it all. So much innocence and love in such a b ...more
Read this if you like:
♥ historical fiction (specifically WWI)
♥ adorable romance
♥ multiple storylines
♥ soft bois
♥ greek mythology
This was a delightful treat. Y'all need to stop sleeping on Julie Berry. ...more
♥ historical fiction (specifically WWI)
♥ adorable romance
♥ multiple storylines
♥ soft bois
♥ greek mythology
This was a delightful treat. Y'all need to stop sleeping on Julie Berry. ...more
5/5 stars!
rick riordan you have 24 hours to respond
rick riordan you have 24 hours to respond
Apr 14, 2019
bee ❤︎
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fields-of-flowers,
soaking-up-the-sun
reread march 2020; five stars ∗ didn’t think i could have enjoyed reading this more the second time around and yet here i am, having binge read this whole book in one day. i can’t even begin to explain why this book has my whole heart but just know that it does and it has good reasons. this book is definitely in my top five favorites books of all time, and even though i just finished rereading it, i already want to pick it back up from the beginning. that’s how you know a book was good ∗
5 | this ...more
5 | this ...more
A friend read this book before me and told me how much she loved it so I knew I had to get it, too.
Lovely War is a YA historical fiction novel set during World War I and told from the perspectives of various Greek gods, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, among them. The book focuses on two couples, Hazel & James, and Collette & Aubrey.
At a time where racism, prejudice and hatred were in full bloom, being black was tough. Aubrey Edwards himself is a young man from Harlem, talented Jazz musician an ...more
Lovely War is a YA historical fiction novel set during World War I and told from the perspectives of various Greek gods, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, among them. The book focuses on two couples, Hazel & James, and Collette & Aubrey.
At a time where racism, prejudice and hatred were in full bloom, being black was tough. Aubrey Edwards himself is a young man from Harlem, talented Jazz musician an ...more
the book thief meets the invisible life of addie larue in this heart wrenching story of art, war, death and love. (hence the title, lovely war)
this is historical fiction done right. there was diversity, prejudice, historically accurate language, and amazingly complex characters while still remaining to be an accessible young adult story.
the narration by the greek gods added a whole new layer of intricacy to this novel that i haven’t ever read before. (we stan aphrodite and hephaestus in this ho ...more
this is historical fiction done right. there was diversity, prejudice, historically accurate language, and amazingly complex characters while still remaining to be an accessible young adult story.
the narration by the greek gods added a whole new layer of intricacy to this novel that i haven’t ever read before. (we stan aphrodite and hephaestus in this ho ...more
I love the idea of this book. I love much of the execution of it too. But it just took too dang long to get anywhere.
I get it. The tension builds as WW1 continues and the reader is left wondering what happened to the world's four most perfect lovebirds. Increasingly, though, I found myself wishing for more and more interruptions from the Greek gods. Those were funny, astute, and occasionally insightful moments. The romance itself was just sort of...
* long sigh *
Boring?
Maybe I'm spoiled because ...more
I get it. The tension builds as WW1 continues and the reader is left wondering what happened to the world's four most perfect lovebirds. Increasingly, though, I found myself wishing for more and more interruptions from the Greek gods. Those were funny, astute, and occasionally insightful moments. The romance itself was just sort of...
* long sigh *
Boring?
Maybe I'm spoiled because ...more
BRILLIANT!! ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! There are a lot of books that I enjoy, and entertain me but there are very few that make me emotional on multiple different spectrums. The fact that Lovely War is the first book in years to make me cry easily became a favorite of mine and quite possibly the best book I have read this year.
Lovely War is genuinely one of the most heartwarming books you could pick up. Aphrodite claims that Love and War are eternally drawn to each other and she uses her fellow God ...more
Lovely War is genuinely one of the most heartwarming books you could pick up. Aphrodite claims that Love and War are eternally drawn to each other and she uses her fellow God ...more
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's uniquely and brilliantly told. It's a story that took me through all of the feelings: happy, swooning, scared, angry, I wanted to throw the book at one point, heartwarming and ultimately blew my mind wide open. This is a work of art!
Content Warnings: racism, PTSD, war/battle scenes ...more
Content Warnings: racism, PTSD, war/battle scenes ...more
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This is one of those books with a cover that just called to me. (It’s also one of those covers embracing the white-uppercase-sans-serif-with-stuff-over-it trend.) But still, I went into Lovely War a bit trepidatious—I’m not the biggest historical fiction fan, and I spent a good portion of my time in school history classes daydreaming about being elsewhere.
Well, there was no reason to fear; this book swept me off my feet in a major way. I’d heard som ...more
This is one of those books with a cover that just called to me. (It’s also one of those covers embracing the white-uppercase-sans-serif-with-stuff-over-it trend.) But still, I went into Lovely War a bit trepidatious—I’m not the biggest historical fiction fan, and I spent a good portion of my time in school history classes daydreaming about being elsewhere.
Well, there was no reason to fear; this book swept me off my feet in a major way. I’d heard som ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YA Buddy Readers'...: Lovely War by Julie Berry - Restarting January 20th 2021 | 57 | 96 | Feb 02, 2021 12:33PM | |
| My Little BOTM Bo...: Lovely War | 1 | 1 | Dec 14, 2020 06:29AM | |
| Literally Leander: First Impressions - September | 4 | 5 | Oct 17, 2020 06:53AM | |
| Literally Leander: Final Thoughts - September | 2 | 9 | Oct 15, 2020 05:30AM |
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