This historical YA novel will stick with me for a long time--I will be thinking about the characters and the horrific mind games and physical abuses that they had to endure under a cruel dictatorship. I did not know anything about this time and place in history until reading this powerful and emotional novel and my perspective has forever changed. Not only did I enjoy this engaging writing and story, but now have a deeper appreciation for my life and the freedoms I have and take for granted every day.
This is my second novel by the talented author and I enjoyed it even more than the first. The author immediately engaged me and put me into the point of view character's shoes from the first sentence: "Fear arrived at five o'clock." This is one of the most impactful, unforgettable opening lines and set the foreboding tone in just five words. The setting became an integral character--a living, breathing cold monster lurking in the shadows always.
The friendships and family relationships are depicted so well, with each character having both good and flawed traits. The plot twists and danger they faced everyday kept me reading. The choices these characters were forced to make are gut-wrenching and made me think about my own life and personality. Would I be able to make the same sacrifices? Would I have the strength to continue on or would my hopes be crushed?
I already know this is a novel I will be recommending (already have!) to everyone and one that will definitely be a top book for 2022 for me.
This is my second novel by the talented author and I enjoyed it even more than the first. The author immediately engaged me and put me into the point of view character's shoes from the first sentence: "Fear arrived at five o'clock." This is one of the most impactful, unforgettable opening lines and set the foreboding tone in just five words. The setting became an integral character--a living, breathing cold monster lurking in the shadows always.
The friendships and family relationships are depicted so well, with each character having both good and flawed traits. The plot twists and danger they faced everyday kept me reading. The choices these characters were forced to make are gut-wrenching and made me think about my own life and personality. Would I be able to make the same sacrifices? Would I have the strength to continue on or would my hopes be crushed?
I already know this is a novel I will be recommending (already have!) to everyone and one that will definitely be a top book for 2022 for me.