I know I’m discovering this book late in the game because it’s been out since 2014 but I feel the need to share.
A week ago I started this book I finished it today. Prior to reading it, I heard many say it is a good read, so I took the bait.
Here is my humble opinion. I don’t claim to be a master on book reviews, these are simply my own thoughts. Do with it what you will.
I have to say, I’m disappointed. I realize this book explores topics like human nature and the use or misuse of technology, so I do get the theme. However, I found this book flat, with very little character development. Werner was unmemorable, but I do honour how he chose to do the right thing in the end. Marie was charismatic at times in the novel, but again, left me wanting to know more about her. Many of the other characters, I didn’t understand their purpose. Sometimes I thought I did, but it left me guessing. There’s just too many unnecessary events going on, causing what potentially could have been a good story to become skewed or confusing and sadly, messy.
Regarding layout, I’m not a fan of the short sometimes half page chapters. It was too much bouncing around.
The plot was uninspiring at best. The word mediocre comes to mind, a ride on the WW2 emotions ferris wheel. I think he could have done better at bringing more war facts into the storyline. I found the last 50 pages the best part of the book but left a big old ‘meh’ in the void.
I realize I might be hard on this book and for those of you who loved it, I don’t mean to negate your opinions. I will say I did appreciate some of the imagery in his language. Overall, I simply don’t understand the hype.
