Immersive post WWII novel offers different viewpoint
*Thanks to Bookishfirst, Amanda McCrina, and publisher for the copy of the book this review is based on*
As soon as this book popped up on the Bookishfirst page, I was drawn to it. I love historical fiction BUT try to stay away from the WWII time period. I also am not a fan of YA---- however this YA post WWII historical fiction was awesome. I read this book in 1 day--I was quickly drawn into Maria's world as the book begins after she has recently escaped from a Nazi Labor camp in a factory. I agree with other reviewers that at times, I was confused as to which group Maria and Kostya were running from. Although it was confusing, I felt that this served a purpose in this book, in Kostya and Maria didn't know who to trust and who at times was "the bad guy." I felt like that author did a great job in exploring all of the emotions that Kostya and Maria felt as they became friends and learned more about each other's history
I have read WWII historical fiction from the view point of a British, Italian, an American citizen, but I knew nothing about the Polish and Ukranian view point that was the focus of the book. Would recommend to others and I rated this book 4 1/2 stars.
As soon as this book popped up on the Bookishfirst page, I was drawn to it. I love historical fiction BUT try to stay away from the WWII time period. I also am not a fan of YA---- however this YA post WWII historical fiction was awesome. I read this book in 1 day--I was quickly drawn into Maria's world as the book begins after she has recently escaped from a Nazi Labor camp in a factory. I agree with other reviewers that at times, I was confused as to which group Maria and Kostya were running from. Although it was confusing, I felt that this served a purpose in this book, in Kostya and Maria didn't know who to trust and who at times was "the bad guy." I felt like that author did a great job in exploring all of the emotions that Kostya and Maria felt as they became friends and learned more about each other's history
I have read WWII historical fiction from the view point of a British, Italian, an American citizen, but I knew nothing about the Polish and Ukranian view point that was the focus of the book. Would recommend to others and I rated this book 4 1/2 stars.