An Historic Fiction that is Very Timely
I originally won a copy of this book from the publisher (all opinions are my own), but this year has been crazy and I haven't had as much opportunity to read actual books as much this year as I would have liked. So I waited on the very long waitlist from my library for the audiobook. It was worth the wait.
First, I love how Ruta Sepetys brings history to life through the stories of people who may have been there, even if they are fictional. I find that her writing draws me in to the stories and makes me want to learn more about the situation, the culture, the history. This book was the same.
Second, I knew very little about this period of history in Spain. I knew that it had been part of the socialism that spread in the early 1900s but was unaware of how their lives unfolded after World War II. This book painted a grim picture, but it also provided hope and comfort in the resilience of the people, and the way that they kept going despite the despair they experienced.
I also appreciated the mystery of the orphans. It is a tragic part of history, and one that was not unique to Spain. It is one that has impacted people who are adults now, and many have no way of knowing the truth, and may not ever learn the truth. That is heartbreaking.
All in all I am glad that I finally got to read this and it was one of my favorites of this year. I look forward to see what Ruta Sepetys comes up with next.
First, I love how Ruta Sepetys brings history to life through the stories of people who may have been there, even if they are fictional. I find that her writing draws me in to the stories and makes me want to learn more about the situation, the culture, the history. This book was the same.
Second, I knew very little about this period of history in Spain. I knew that it had been part of the socialism that spread in the early 1900s but was unaware of how their lives unfolded after World War II. This book painted a grim picture, but it also provided hope and comfort in the resilience of the people, and the way that they kept going despite the despair they experienced.
I also appreciated the mystery of the orphans. It is a tragic part of history, and one that was not unique to Spain. It is one that has impacted people who are adults now, and many have no way of knowing the truth, and may not ever learn the truth. That is heartbreaking.
All in all I am glad that I finally got to read this and it was one of my favorites of this year. I look forward to see what Ruta Sepetys comes up with next.