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What Members Thought
The sensitivities, cadences and idioms of this book are modern, not of a hundred years ago. Conversations are used for exposition of background information the conversants wouldn't mention, because they'd be given. The story is told competently enough, but the author doesn't offer any new insights or twists on a tale oft-told. Having a gay protagonist in itself isn't compelling enough to save this very predictable tale. Yeah, it stinks.
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It is hard to write a review immediately after finishing this stellar novel. Heartstrings pulling and emotions strong. This is my 3rd or 4th book by John Boyne and it’s not the first time I feel this way at the end of his novels.
I simply love this author. I have listened to three of his novels...the setting, the curious topics, the rich language, the accent are a perfect marriage for me. He does a wonderful detail job of foreshadowing with teasers, going back and forth in the story seamlessly. There are several common elements in all three: stories of men - things are complicated and controversial.
It’s 3 stars only because I’m not a fan of war books. But, I also don’t read book blurbs so I didn’t know it was one. Having said that though, the writing is really good and I read it in one day.
Jun 05, 2011
Steve Anderson
marked it as to-read
Jul 08, 2012
Greer
marked it as to-read
