The Lady Who Was Beautiful Inside
5.0
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Such was the power of the BEAUTY INSIDE her that Winter turned to Spring in her path and flowers...
Pan's Labyrinth: The Labyrinth of the Faun
Cornelia Funke and Guillermo del Toro
8.5
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This enthralling novel, inspired by the 2006 film, illustrates that fantasy is the sharpest tool to...
<i>Wake</i> is a historical, debut novel by the British author, Anna Hope. Set in 1920 the story spans itself over five days, from Sunday 7th November until Thursday 11th November – Armistice Day. It is a story about the aftermath of the First World War and how individuals deal with the loss of loved ones, as well as their relationships with those around them.
The novel tells the story of three different women. None of them know of each other, nor even meet during the course of the narrative. However, they are connected through relationships and acquaintances with other people. There is Hettie, a young woman who works as a dance instructress at the Hammersmith Palais. Her brother fought in and survived the war only to return shell shocked and unable to cope. Evelyn, just short of 30, lost someone dear to her. Her brother, however, survived but he is also greatly affected by what he has done. Finally, there is Ada, a mother of a soldier who died from his wounds. Unable to let go of tragedy she is slowly, unknowingly, pushing her husband away.
The title of the novel initially gives an indication of what the story may contain. The most common definition is about waking up – emerging from sleep. There is slightly less focus on this meaning, nevertheless, toward the end of the book Ada is, in a way, waking up out of the past and concentrating on the here and now. Wake is also the term for a ritual of the dead. The story takes place in the days leading up to Armistice Day, the day when the Unknown Warrior was brought to England and buried in London. The final meaning, and most important in terms of this novel’s content, is consequence or aftermath. Every character, not just the three women, is dealing with the repercussions of war.
Hope has conducted in-depth research with the result that <i>Wake</i> gives a powerful insight into the lives of Londoners at that difficult time. It shocks the reader by revealing the awfulness and pain – emotionally and physically – people went through. As well as war, the book heavily focuses on family and romantic relationships, and even encompasses a hint of mystery, not in the crime thriller sense, but enough to keep the reader engaged and eager to discover the truth.
Admittedly, the beginning did not appear to have a clear plot line, but once the secrets and revelations begin cropping up, the book takes off and becomes an enjoyable read.
The Book of Last Letters
10.0
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Inspired by an incredible true story, a young nurse captures the final letters of injured soldiers...
World War II Historical Fiction Literary Saga
Stevie Nicks: Visions, Dreams & Rumours
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While she once made headlines with her hedonistic lifestyle, part of Nicks' irresistible appeal is...
The Druid's Gift (The Nameless Gods #1)
8.0
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After facing betrayal, Nuné undertakes a pilgrimage into the mountains at her druid sisters'...
Fantasy
Femina Magazine
Entertainment and Magazines & Newspapers
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The story of Femina, India's first and most read women's English magazine, reads much like the story...
Eleanor of Castile: The Shadow Queen
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Eleanor of Castile, the remarkable woman behind England's greatest medieval king, Edward I, has been...
Surveys: A Novel
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One day, I was not famous, the next day, I was almost famous and the temptation to go wide with that...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Dear Child in Books
Oct 29, 2020
"He creates day and night. Like God."
This book was quite the ride! I couldn't put this one down. It was eerily reminiscent of Wendy Walker's Don't Look For Me, which I just read, and of course, Room, as everyone has mentioned. It's utterly captivating; I read it over the course of about 24 hours. The story is told from the perspective of Hannah, who has her own unique voice (that's putting it mildly); the woman known as Lena; and Matthias. Together, they tell us a creepy and often heartbreaking tale, going back in time to the cabin, as well as present day in the hospital.
I won't go too in-depth, because it's best to go in to this one blind. I will say that it's easy to get caught up in the characters, particularly Lena, and Hannah, in a sort of spellbinding way. I was mesmerized by their stories and totally enjoyed that I didn't guess the outcome. I thought this was going to be a 4.5-star read, but the ending wound up being a little crazy. It came on suddenly and just seemed a bit jarring.
Still, if you're looking for an eerie and compelling read--told by some original and haunting voices--you'll enjoy DEAR CHILD. 4 stars.