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Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Hidden Village (Wartime Holland Book 1) [Audiobook] in Books

Jan 16, 2022

This is an engaging and compelling story of what life was like in a small village in Holland during World War II. It is a fictional story but is based on real events.

There is a palpable sense of tension throughout; you really get a sense of the fear amongst a village population trying to keep their fellow human beings, who just happen to be Jewish and the odd downed airman, safe from the clutches of the Nazis whilst putting their own lives and the lives of their families at significant risk.

The story is told through the eyes of various villages of different ages and of Dutch and Jewish perspectives. This really helps to provide a full picture of what life was like for each of the individuals at this horrendous time; the bravery of them all astounds me. Amongst all this, is a look into "normal" life and the trials and tribulations of trying to survive in occupied and war-torn Holland.

The story moves on at a fairly good pace. I listened to the audio version of this book and realised that I was on tenterhooks all the time knowing that something could happen at any moment but not knowing what. I must applaud the narrator; there are quite a few characters, male and female, young and old, but she did a great job.

If I have one gripe it's that I felt it ended rather suddenly and, I feel, left some things unfinished - maybe there is a Book 2 to come? If so, I would be interested in reading/listening to find out more.

My thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.

Kudos

Cal Brown (53 KP) rated The Circle (2017) in Movies

Jul 2, 2017

The Circle (2017)

2017 | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi

5.9

(44 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

The initial concept of the film is good and has entertained the original book by Dave Eggers. (2 more)

Tom Hanks' performance.

The quality of production design/mise-en-scene was high and well thought out.

Emma Watson's attempt at an authentic Californian accent is par and not up to her reputation as a great actress. (5 more)

Many misleading sub-plots which only allow the main story-line to be shrouded in confusion.

The awkward dialogue lead to uncertainty on the character relationships, which in turn exemplifies the poor attempt to achieve a suspension of disbelief.

Many unnecessary characters were implemented into the story which only allowed for more confusion of the main plot.

No apparent character arcs, other than that of Mae Holland and partially Annie Allerton.

Extremely anti-climatic ending.

A circle has no ending, neither does this film.

Kudos

Christina Tsitlakidou (43 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies

Jul 7, 2017

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

2017 | Action, Adventure

8.1

(307 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Happy (2 more)

Captain America - after credits

Jacob Batalon as Ned (absolutely hilarious!!)

Had high expectations and I wasn't disappointed. Homecoming was surprisingly funny and definitely worth the watch !

Loved the video diary at the beginning!! Tom Holland was a great choice to play young spider-man!
There's no origin story, so for anyone who isn't familiar then watch the earlier movies (which I highly doubt) There are a view plot twist thrown in which you wouldn't expect (but I won't spoil anything) The way the movie was shot felt like it wasn't trying too hard which definitely worked to it's benefit, I feel like movie nowadays try to shove so much CGI that it takes away from the story and actors, but this was really refreshing, hence why I love the video diary at the beginning so much