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marcycopp's review against another edition
4.0
During war time, London children were sent away without their parents to keep them safe from potential bombings. Hazel was 15 and her sister Flora was 5 when they were taken in by Bridie and her son Harry. To keep her sister from worry and being scared, Hazel would take them to an imaginary magical land called Whisperwood… a secret land only for them. After about a year, within a couple of minutes, their lives change tragically and then 20 years later a book named Whisperwood comes to Hazel at her job. Can this unfold the mystery? It was a fantastic book that kept me captivated. Highly recommended!
ciebmo's review against another edition
3.0
I liked the premise of this book but the overall story fell flat for me. As others have mentioned, Harry is rather a convenient character with no dimension to him, so his interactions with Hazel throughout the book lacked depth for me.
The author did convey the power of stories and that's what resonated for me. One particular quote from the character, Bridie, stood out. She says to Hazel, "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."
The author did convey the power of stories and that's what resonated for me. One particular quote from the character, Bridie, stood out. She says to Hazel, "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."
corgigirl's review against another edition
2.0
Life's too short to read tediously boring books. DNF 25%
cdub11's review against another edition
4.0
I loved how whimsical this book was, and the story that was woven throughout. Told from the lens of a very horrible time in history, but yet a journey and story of redemption. A few events were too “coincidental” for my liking… but I loved it nonetheless.
hayley_s's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
holmesemilyann's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
melissaspt's review against another edition
5.0
This book may be my absolute favorite historical fiction of all time. It’s whimsical and in this world, heartbreaking and heartwarming, and tells a story of love among sisters, love between mothers and daughters, and romantic love gained and lost. I love the way the author tells stories and uses the act of storytelling as part of the story. I love the nod to rare and unique books and the genuine value they carry. My only disappointment is that it has no sequel!! I am dying to know what happened next to the characters!
mrswarneckeslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
angelaw's review against another edition
3.0
I would give this 3.5 stars. I really like the premise of the book and particularly the connection to history. In London during WW2, they relocated about 500,000 children into the countryside so they would not be bombed. The story builds from that. I liked how it told that important aspect. However, this book became at times a bit too predictable.
It was definitely a page turner, though. I do recommend this book.
It was definitely a page turner, though. I do recommend this book.