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A review by parklandmom
All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee
5.0
Completed: Feb. 26/25
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Caroline Hewitt (PHENOMENAL!)
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #40 of 50 - "set during WW2" -- the earlier timeline is during WW2.
Book #24 of 2025: This is my second book by Shocklee and I loved it as much as the other, Appalachian Song. The same narrator is used for both and she is a top favourite of mine now.
There are two timelines in this story. We begin the novel with a 1942 timeline during WW2 and the other begins in 1969. Both timelines are equally fascinating. Ava, in the earlier timeline, is my favourite character. I just respect all she overcame, all she accomplished, and what she did with her life. Gunther is also just a joy to read about. He is a man of honor and integrity despite enduring many awful things done to him.
Even though Mattie (1969) comes across quite abrasive, I respect the growth arc that she has. Underneath her strong opinions is someone who deeply grieves her twin, Mark, greatly and wants the love and respect of her distant father.
I really appreciate all the personal insights into these periods of history, things we maybe haven't heard as much about in the history books. There were some pretty ugly truths of man hurting man. War is ugly and it can result in hurt, shame, and pain for generations.
Both women go through a journey to discover that they don't always know the correct or full truth about a matter. Or perhaps their assumptions and expectations weren't correct to begin with. I knew where the story was going with the mystery aspect but that didn't bother me at all. It's such a poignant aspect of the story.
I strongly recommend this author and I would encourage choosing the audiobook if you're an audiobook lover. I was immersed into timeline right off the cuff and I enjoyed every moment of this novel.
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Caroline Hewitt (PHENOMENAL!)
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #40 of 50 - "set during WW2" -- the earlier timeline is during WW2.
Book #24 of 2025: This is my second book by Shocklee and I loved it as much as the other, Appalachian Song. The same narrator is used for both and she is a top favourite of mine now.
There are two timelines in this story. We begin the novel with a 1942 timeline during WW2 and the other begins in 1969. Both timelines are equally fascinating. Ava, in the earlier timeline, is my favourite character. I just respect all she overcame, all she accomplished, and what she did with her life. Gunther is also just a joy to read about. He is a man of honor and integrity despite enduring many awful things done to him.
Even though Mattie (1969) comes across quite abrasive, I respect the growth arc that she has. Underneath her strong opinions is someone who deeply grieves her twin, Mark, greatly and wants the love and respect of her distant father.
I really appreciate all the personal insights into these periods of history, things we maybe haven't heard as much about in the history books. There were some pretty ugly truths of man hurting man. War is ugly and it can result in hurt, shame, and pain for generations.
Both women go through a journey to discover that they don't always know the correct or full truth about a matter. Or perhaps their assumptions and expectations weren't correct to begin with. I knew where the story was going with the mystery aspect but that didn't bother me at all. It's such a poignant aspect of the story.
I strongly recommend this author and I would encourage choosing the audiobook if you're an audiobook lover. I was immersed into timeline right off the cuff and I enjoyed every moment of this novel.