Location: England, Massachusetts Type: Physical Book
Timeline: non-linear Genre: Historical Fiction - WWII
Narration: two character's perspectives, both written in 3rd person
Review:
Stars: 4.5
Such a beautiful story! It is hard to find WWII stories that do not focus on Jewish people and the Holocaust but here is a great one about another atrocity from the war: separating from your children for their safety. It was nice to read a different perspective of the war. At the end I felt so fulfilled yet I desired more. I want to know more. I definitely recommend this book!
Sex:
Described in minor detail
Language:
Fuck: 3
Ass: 2
Bitch: 0
Shit: 0
GD: 0
Cunt/Pussy: 0
Bastard: 0
L in V: 0
Triggers:
N/A
Questions:
The book begins with showing Hazel's love for literary artifacts and collectibles. The value of these items depends on who is wanting them. Something that would mean a lot to me doesn't mean as much to you. Vice versa.
What would be a literary artifact or collectible that would mean a lot to you?
What do you think Mr. Edwin would have done if Hazel told him the truth upfront?
After Edwin finds out about the manuscript, illustrations and Hazel's story, he says the following: "Stories and books tend to find their rightful owners."
What do you think this means?
Have you ever found a book or story you thought was meant for you?
When Hazel visits Birdie for the first time since the war, Hazel questions why Birdie didn't come find her. Birdie said this:
"I tried once, years ago, and your sweet mum made it clear that you needed to heal, that you didn't need to revisit that time over and over. I understood even as it broke my heart. But I have waited."
Hazel said it felt glorious to know someone cared enough to wait for her.
Why do you think it felt so glorious to Hazel?
Have you ever waited for someone or has someone ever waited for you? Explain.
"Peggy's education had been focused on mythology and fairytales...she knew the motivations of the characters in her novels better than she understood what she herself wanted - or why."
Is there a story or character that you feel you know better than yourself?
Hazel's mum says "a heart can hold much joy and great sorrow at the same time. It's a mystery and it's also true."
Have you experienced this? Explain.
"All the best love stories are doomed love stories. Romeo and Juliet. Tristan and Isolde. They end in heartbreak;" Hazel said, pointing to Kelty's book on the kitchen table: Wuthering Heights.
Do you think this is true?
Can you give a counter-example?
"They'd been carrying the same burden. The same bloody weight of guilt. They could have, she realized, been carrying it together all this time."
Does sharing guilt truly make the burden lighter?
Why or why not?
"The best stories are soul-making. But stories we tell about ourselves, and even the harrowing ones told by others about us, can also be soul-destroying. We have to choose what is good and true, not what will destroy."
What were your thoughts when you read this?
What story comes to mind as 'soul-making'?
Do you think Barnaby truly wanted Hazel to heal and get better or do you think he only wanted her to get over Harry?
At the train, Hazel has to decide between Barnaby or the past. She couldn't have both.
Were you surprised when she left Barnaby?
Would you have done the same as Hazel?
Do you think sh would have ever found Flora if she had chosen Barnaby at that moment?
What was your reaction when Flora Lea was finally found?
Do you think it was right for Peggy's mother to keep silent about the origins of the story?
How would the story change if she was honest upfront?
Do you think Imogene was in the wrong?
Why or why not?
Are her actions justified since she did them in the name of God?
Does Dot own some guilt for letting Imogene get away?
Why or why not?
Who would you choose for Hazel: Harry or Barnaby?
Why?
What questions were you left with in the end?
If the story was told from another character's perspective who would you want it to be?
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