Okay, please don’t hate me for my choice for this one, but I tried desperately to get through this book but eventually caved and gave up. From what I’ve seen people really love it or hate it–there isn’t much in-between. I liked the premise of the story, and admit I really enjoyed the Netflix movie (I watched it AFTER I attempted to read it), but I couldn’t get past the writing style. The entire book is a series of letters back-and-forth between several characters discussing events from the war. It felt too disconnected for me and lacked a real story-line. The letters were impersonal and didn’t appear to give the story any life. I would still absolutely recommend the Netflix movie, but I just can’t get behind the book. (That statement is actually saying something there! Because I ALWAYS say the book is better than the movie)!
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I read this years ago and remember liking it. But the writing style is different for sure!
I read this a few years ago and really liked it. It did take some time to adjust to the writing style. I usually stick with a book for the first 50 pages before I give up it it doesn’t grab me right away. I guess I made it to 50 pages! I haven’t seen the movie yet.
I usually try to give at least 50 pages as well. Because of how much people raved about this one I actually read almost twice that thinking it would get better but I just couldn’t do it. The movie is definitely worth the watch though! If you are a fan of Downton Abbey at all there are actually several actors in the movie from the show 🙂
I’ve seen a lot about this book and from what I’ve seen it’s definitely a love it or hate it read. I haven’t read it myself but based on what I’ve seen I don’t think I would enjoy it.
I still say try the movie though 🙂
Thank you for your honest review. Maybe I’ll get a chance to watch the movie 🙂
It’s only on Netflix but if you have it it’s worth the watch! 🙂
Thank you for your honest review! I did enjoy the letters because I felt it gave the reader a different kind of look inside the head of the characters. I kind of enjoyed having the extra room to imagine and fill in the cracks. I put myself in the role of the heroine and imagined what she would have thought as she read the letters. It is a very different sort of style, and I can appreciate that it isn’t for everyone.
I did watch the movie after, and I was slightly disappointed that it left out parts, changed the ending and left out a character altogether. However, with that said, the casting, the costumes, the setting, were all brilliant!
If it was one person or two people back and forth I don’t think I would have minded the letters. I really think it had more to do with the number of people writing to each other and it felt too chaotic. Are you a Downton Abbey fan out of curiosity? I was pretty excited when I saw Downton actors (SYBIL!) in the movie 🙂
Yes!! Loved Downton Abbey!!
There are several actors from DA that also were on the cast of this movie. It was great to see them!
Everyone is not going to like every book. I read this years ago and enjoyed it, but it is not going to be for everyone.