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Als alles stil wordt
Als alles stil wordt van Gian Sardar is een ontroerend oorlogsverhaal van een jonge vrouw die een hartverscheurende keuze moet maken in het Brugge van de Eerste Wereldoorlog.
Brugge, 1918. Evelien probeert de oorlog door te komen zonder al te veel op te vallen. Ze werkt als dienstmeisje in een door de Duitsers geconfisqueerd huis. Maar alles verandert wanneer ze wordt benaderd door het verzet: als Evelien een lijst met namen weet te stelen, dan krijgt ze in ruil daarvoor een brief van haar verloren gewaande echtgenoot Emiel. Leeft hij nog, of is het zijn laatste bericht?
Dan ontmoet Evelien een jonge Duitse soldaat, met wie ze het tegen haar verwachting in wonderwel kan vinden. Terwijl de situatie in de stad grimmiger wordt, staat ze voor een onmogelijke en gevaarlijke keuze. Als het haar al lukt om de missie te voltooien, hoe ziet het leven na de oorlog er dan voor haar uit?
‘Een aangrijpende pageturner over het leven in oorlog en hoe liefde en kunst ons helpen overleven.’ Janelle Brown, auteur van Alles wat wij wilden was alles
‘Een diepromantische pageturner: een prachtig en meeslepend verhaal over liefde, vergeving en mededogen.’ Meg Howrey, auteur van Zwanendans
‘Uitstekende historische fictie met goed uitgewerkte details, levendige personages en een meeslepend plot.’ Jane Healey, auteur van De Ophelia-meisjes
Brugge, 1918. Evelien probeert de oorlog door te komen zonder al te veel op te vallen. Ze werkt als dienstmeisje in een door de Duitsers geconfisqueerd huis. Maar alles verandert wanneer ze wordt benaderd door het verzet: als Evelien een lijst met namen weet te stelen, dan krijgt ze in ruil daarvoor een brief van haar verloren gewaande echtgenoot Emiel. Leeft hij nog, of is het zijn laatste bericht?
Dan ontmoet Evelien een jonge Duitse soldaat, met wie ze het tegen haar verwachting in wonderwel kan vinden. Terwijl de situatie in de stad grimmiger wordt, staat ze voor een onmogelijke en gevaarlijke keuze. Als het haar al lukt om de missie te voltooien, hoe ziet het leven na de oorlog er dan voor haar uit?
‘Een aangrijpende pageturner over het leven in oorlog en hoe liefde en kunst ons helpen overleven.’ Janelle Brown, auteur van Alles wat wij wilden was alles
‘Een diepromantische pageturner: een prachtig en meeslepend verhaal over liefde, vergeving en mededogen.’ Meg Howrey, auteur van Zwanendans
‘Uitstekende historische fictie met goed uitgewerkte details, levendige personages en een meeslepend plot.’ Jane Healey, auteur van De Ophelia-meisjes
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 13, 2024
7676 people are currently reading
14665 people want to read
About the author
Gian Sardar
5 books243 followersI'm the author of the upcoming novel LAND OF DREAMS, as well as the novels WHEN THE WORLD GOES QUIET, TAKE WHAT YOU CAN CARRY and YOU WERE HERE. In addition, I co-authored the book PSYCHIC JUNKIE.
Currently I live in Los Angeles, but have also lived in Colorado and Minnesota, two states that are big in my heart. I'm obsessed with reading, gardening, football, baking, and any form of procrastination.
If you have any questions, I'd love to answer them. :)
Currently I live in Los Angeles, but have also lived in Colorado and Minnesota, two states that are big in my heart. I'm obsessed with reading, gardening, football, baking, and any form of procrastination.
If you have any questions, I'd love to answer them. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 764 reviews
February 17, 2024
I’m not a fan of historical fiction, but this new title drew me because it’s set in Brugge, Belgium, whose streets I walked less than two months ago. And the story does not disappoint.
As World War 1 drags on, a Flemish housekeeper and a German soldier find themselves dangerously drawn together by their shared love of art. As this goes on, the housekeeper is asked to commit an act of espionage in exchange for a letter from a loved one whom she’s long thought to be dead... The story is heavy with the exhaustion of daily life under aerial bombardment. Everyone, simply everyone, is tired of war. But having started, how do nations just stop? (My gosh, I’ve highlighted this book more than any fiction book ever. So much good stuff on character, identity, obligation, freedom, and worth. The sentences hit me in my very soul. They're so well crafted!)
Something I like about this story versus other historical fiction I’ve read is that it’s confined to a small stage — Brugge, and only Brugge. (Forget the world stage; war is ugliest where you live.) The protagonist’s house, her secret place, her employer’s home, and the route between the three. The limited geography really adds to the feeling of being “trapped.”
As World War 1 drags on, a Flemish housekeeper and a German soldier find themselves dangerously drawn together by their shared love of art. As this goes on, the housekeeper is asked to commit an act of espionage in exchange for a letter from a loved one whom she’s long thought to be dead... The story is heavy with the exhaustion of daily life under aerial bombardment. Everyone, simply everyone, is tired of war. But having started, how do nations just stop? (My gosh, I’ve highlighted this book more than any fiction book ever. So much good stuff on character, identity, obligation, freedom, and worth. The sentences hit me in my very soul. They're so well crafted!)
Something I like about this story versus other historical fiction I’ve read is that it’s confined to a small stage — Brugge, and only Brugge. (Forget the world stage; war is ugliest where you live.) The protagonist’s house, her secret place, her employer’s home, and the route between the three. The limited geography really adds to the feeling of being “trapped.”
February 4, 2024
This book reads like poetry in motion. It’s perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction, but that’s not the reason the reader will fall head over heels with it. Yes, WWI is the backdrop for book, but it is so multi layered and poignant that it would be a shame to relegate it to the shelf of any genre. I was so consumed that it didn’t feel like reading at all, more like I was transported to a physical place where I could actually see and feel the story unfurling around me.
The author’s ability to captivate my imagination with her craft was a feast for my soul and I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of her work.
The author’s ability to captivate my imagination with her craft was a feast for my soul and I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of her work.
February 13, 2024
TITLE: WHEN THE WORLD GOES QUIET
AUTHOR: Gian Sardar
PUB DATE: 03.01.2024
SYNOPSIS: Swipe Above
I love discovering new authors to me. Gian Sardar is a phenomenal writer and a hidden gem in the historical fiction genre. WHEN THE WORLD GOES QUIET captured my heart and the main character Evelien is going to stay with me for a while. I’m serious, if I could still have a child, my daughter will be named Evelien - she inspired me so much!
Set in 1918 in Bruges, Belgium during the Great War, this riveting complex multidimensional story had surprising and unexpected twists and turns that kept me turning those pages. I enjoyed reading about the art world and WWI - learned a lot in the process and glad to read Historical Fiction outside of the usual WWII.
AUTHOR: Gian Sardar
PUB DATE: 03.01.2024
SYNOPSIS: Swipe Above
I love discovering new authors to me. Gian Sardar is a phenomenal writer and a hidden gem in the historical fiction genre. WHEN THE WORLD GOES QUIET captured my heart and the main character Evelien is going to stay with me for a while. I’m serious, if I could still have a child, my daughter will be named Evelien - she inspired me so much!
Set in 1918 in Bruges, Belgium during the Great War, this riveting complex multidimensional story had surprising and unexpected twists and turns that kept me turning those pages. I enjoyed reading about the art world and WWI - learned a lot in the process and glad to read Historical Fiction outside of the usual WWII.
February 21, 2024
2.5 stars
I chose this as my Kindle First Reads book for February 2024. I was enticed by a story of WWI, for a change. While I've read books set during WWI, it seems WWII books are much more popular overall. I've read a lot of those. This one offered a different take.
The best part of this book is the description of civilian life in a war zone. The reader gets the smell, taste, view, and feel of what it's like. We can try to imagine the hunger, illness, fear that are constant companions of the victims of the war. While far from pleasant, those scenes made it all seem very real. Educational and interesting.
On the other hand, I just couldn't get attached to the characters, nor the plot. The writing is poetic in its descriptions, but it felt bogged down. I sometimes found myself scanning a paragraph, and having to go back and reread it once or twice in order to understand what was going on. My mind wandered. I think something more direct would have been more my style.
By the same token, I forgot small details and plot information that came back chapters later. I had forgotten who that person was or what happened with that particular thing. I just didn't mesh with the writing style and the structure.
I imagine that some people in wartime tend to reflect a lot on human nature, good and evil, making decisions in life, etc. Evelien certainly did. She's the main character and, while the narration is in the third person, we see everything through her eyes. She's young (about 19 at the start of the story), which means she doesn't know everything about her family and neighbors, and has less life experience. She often misinterprets other characters and their motivations, causing pain and also some serious missteps in her decisions. Her mother-in-law, Coletta, has very firm beliefs and needs. She's a powerful woman who does not realize that her decisions have caused pain for several others. These two characters stand out more than any others. There is much thinking and discussing how people react and the consequences of their actions. This, too, takes away from the plot development, in my opinion.
Bottom line: Because of the book's style, it was not for me. I think others will probably like it more. As for war? Some things never change, and humans will continue to do awful things to each other, while the civilians carry much of the burden.
I chose this as my Kindle First Reads book for February 2024. I was enticed by a story of WWI, for a change. While I've read books set during WWI, it seems WWII books are much more popular overall. I've read a lot of those. This one offered a different take.
The best part of this book is the description of civilian life in a war zone. The reader gets the smell, taste, view, and feel of what it's like. We can try to imagine the hunger, illness, fear that are constant companions of the victims of the war. While far from pleasant, those scenes made it all seem very real. Educational and interesting.
On the other hand, I just couldn't get attached to the characters, nor the plot. The writing is poetic in its descriptions, but it felt bogged down. I sometimes found myself scanning a paragraph, and having to go back and reread it once or twice in order to understand what was going on. My mind wandered. I think something more direct would have been more my style.
By the same token, I forgot small details and plot information that came back chapters later. I had forgotten who that person was or what happened with that particular thing. I just didn't mesh with the writing style and the structure.
I imagine that some people in wartime tend to reflect a lot on human nature, good and evil, making decisions in life, etc. Evelien certainly did. She's the main character and, while the narration is in the third person, we see everything through her eyes. She's young (about 19 at the start of the story), which means she doesn't know everything about her family and neighbors, and has less life experience. She often misinterprets other characters and their motivations, causing pain and also some serious missteps in her decisions. Her mother-in-law, Coletta, has very firm beliefs and needs. She's a powerful woman who does not realize that her decisions have caused pain for several others. These two characters stand out more than any others. There is much thinking and discussing how people react and the consequences of their actions. This, too, takes away from the plot development, in my opinion.
Bottom line: Because of the book's style, it was not for me. I think others will probably like it more. As for war? Some things never change, and humans will continue to do awful things to each other, while the civilians carry much of the burden.
February 22, 2024
This book is so slow. I've read a couple of reviews that say the first 200 pages drag on and then the rest of the story is wonderful. I got to page 79 and grew bored. I can't read another 121 pages to wait for the story to really begin. I have far too many books that I'd rather read.
June 19, 2025
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the sense of time and place, and the way the author created the atmosphere of Belgium during German occupation in WWI. The final days of occupation as depicted here were both hopeful and exhausting. Waiting for the inevitable end, trying to squeak by before liberation, but not knowing if you'll make it day by day. Those parts were done extremely well.
Less well done is the plot and characterization. Evelien didn't feel like she had a real, set personality to me. We hear a lot about her best friend turned husband Emiel, but he feels like a footnote for all that the plot hinges around his letters from the front. The plotting was a bit on the slow side, but that was fine for the most part. The writing was good enough to keep me reading despite that. I wish the conflicts hadn't been resolved quite so conveniently, though.
I really enjoyed the sense of time and place, and the way the author created the atmosphere of Belgium during German occupation in WWI. The final days of occupation as depicted here were both hopeful and exhausting. Waiting for the inevitable end, trying to squeak by before liberation, but not knowing if you'll make it day by day. Those parts were done extremely well.
Less well done is the plot and characterization. Evelien didn't feel like she had a real, set personality to me. We hear a lot about her best friend turned husband Emiel, but he feels like a footnote for all that the plot hinges around his letters from the front. The plotting was a bit on the slow side, but that was fine for the most part. The writing was good enough to keep me reading despite that. I wish the conflicts hadn't been resolved quite so conveniently, though.
February 25, 2024
4.5/5 (rounded up) An Amazon first reads win! Really happy to see more WWI books coming out.
Pretty different from other war novels I’ve read. This is very much a character driven story. It dives deep into guilt, blame, right & wrong, loss, art, & so much more. The romance wasn’t black & white here, which I appreciated. It was unique & realistic. The plot does pick up a bit around 60% & a few twists come in.. one of them I predicted, but the other I did not. What really kept me reading was the writing, it’s spectacular. I think anyone with a love for art would especially enjoy this book.
Pretty different from other war novels I’ve read. This is very much a character driven story. It dives deep into guilt, blame, right & wrong, loss, art, & so much more. The romance wasn’t black & white here, which I appreciated. It was unique & realistic. The plot does pick up a bit around 60% & a few twists come in.. one of them I predicted, but the other I did not. What really kept me reading was the writing, it’s spectacular. I think anyone with a love for art would especially enjoy this book.
April 15, 2024
This was really hard for me to get through. Ended up DNFing at 73%. I can’t pin down exactly why but every time I picked this up I wanted to be doing anything else. Whether it was the characters whose motivations I just didn’t quite believe or the slow pace I’m not sure. But I don’t think I’ll be picking this back up.
Amazon First Reads - February
Amazon First Reads - February
February 17, 2024
3.75. WWl, Bruges, Belgium. Art as a salvation during war and occupation, love, familial responsibility and complicated relationships dominate the story. A little contrived—maybe more than a little.
February 4, 2024
WONDERFUL read.
This book is beautifully written with many layers. It is carefully crafted showing the ambiguity of war, of learning to see the person instead of the politics. I had a hard time putting it down. Just wanted to keep the pages turning. Thanks for the beautiful read.
This book is beautifully written with many layers. It is carefully crafted showing the ambiguity of war, of learning to see the person instead of the politics. I had a hard time putting it down. Just wanted to keep the pages turning. Thanks for the beautiful read.
March 15, 2024
Made it to the halfway point before closing the cover for good. This book is for you if you enjoy dialog that goes nowhere. I could never escape boredom.
March 29, 2024
Loved this book and how the author beautifully weaves everything together. Definitely would recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction 🌟
March 14, 2024
Bruges, Belgium in 1918. Evelien is in the final days of WWII and I was so moved by her story. History, love and its connection to art was the main focus for this well-written novel. I have always been fascinated with the resistance and there are so many complex and scenarios that kept me reading. I did not want to story to end. Its hard to keep historical fiction, fresh and Sardar did just that.
Thank you Suzy Approved Books and Gian for this lovely novel. I highly recommend this one. Out as of March 1.
#lakeunionpublishing, #giansardar, #historicalfiction, #suzyapprovedbooks, #booktour, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50
Thank you Suzy Approved Books and Gian for this lovely novel. I highly recommend this one. Out as of March 1.
#lakeunionpublishing, #giansardar, #historicalfiction, #suzyapprovedbooks, #booktour, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50
February 5, 2024
This was a very interesting historical fiction book in which the vast majority of the book takes place over 9 days in 1918 in Bruges, Belgium.
A lot happens over this short time period for the main character, Evelien. She is married but her husband is at war. She lives as well as feels a responsibility to her in-laws. She is coerced to steal a list of names from her German employer for the resistance with the promise of receiving a letter from her husband. She also finds a strong connection to a German soldier that stands sentry on her street and has his own burdens he bears..Evelien’s burdens are that she doesn’t really love her husband. He was her best friend. She also wants to be an artist and live in France.
All of these emotions of obligation, guilt, apprehension and affection are beautifully written about in this book. There is also quite a bit of action as War War I is coming to a close during the setting. Art is discussed over the course of the read and I really connected to that. I found myself learning about what happened to Belgium during WWI. I really haven’t thought about the impact of that war in that country.
I think historical fiction lovers will find this book and its main character, Evelien riveting.
A lot happens over this short time period for the main character, Evelien. She is married but her husband is at war. She lives as well as feels a responsibility to her in-laws. She is coerced to steal a list of names from her German employer for the resistance with the promise of receiving a letter from her husband. She also finds a strong connection to a German soldier that stands sentry on her street and has his own burdens he bears..Evelien’s burdens are that she doesn’t really love her husband. He was her best friend. She also wants to be an artist and live in France.
All of these emotions of obligation, guilt, apprehension and affection are beautifully written about in this book. There is also quite a bit of action as War War I is coming to a close during the setting. Art is discussed over the course of the read and I really connected to that. I found myself learning about what happened to Belgium during WWI. I really haven’t thought about the impact of that war in that country.
I think historical fiction lovers will find this book and its main character, Evelien riveting.
July 23, 2025
This is a wonderful story about an awful war. I thought the characters were well developed, and the plot kept me avidly reading. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
February 2, 2024
I loved this book. It’s beautifully written; poignant and thought-provoking, perfect for book clubs. The characters felt real & I missed them when i turned the last page.
Being a history major, I love historical fiction & this book didn’t disappoint. Along with capturing the real life moments of the war, Sardar manages to include a beautiful, unique love story. The tissue box came out once or twice.
I appreciate the history lesson as well as a story that had me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend.
Being a history major, I love historical fiction & this book didn’t disappoint. Along with capturing the real life moments of the war, Sardar manages to include a beautiful, unique love story. The tissue box came out once or twice.
I appreciate the history lesson as well as a story that had me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend.
June 6, 2024
So this book was really hard for me to get into, I didn’t love the style of writing at first. I couldn’t follow it and was just really confused on what was going on. But! This is a beautiful story and I loved it. I’m glad I pushed through. It got good 200 pages in lol but it was so creative and I loved how everything connected in the end.
September 24, 2024
Ik mocht ‘Als alles stil wordt’ lezen voor de Libelle Leesclub, en wat heb ik daarvan genoten!
Het boek speelt zich af in Brugge, oktober 1918, de eerste wereldoorlog loopt op zijn einde. Evelien, het hoofdpersonage, woont in bij haar schoonouders terwijl haar echtgenoot, Emiel, al sinds het begin van de oorlog vecht aan het front. Ze hebben al jaren niets meer van hem gehoord.
Evelien werkt als huishoudster bij een Duitse vice-admiraal, wanneer ze op een avond de vraag krijgt van een onbekende man om iets uit dat huis aan hem te bezorgen in ruil voor een brief van Emiel.
Het boek volgt Evelien gedurende haar zoektocht naar wat goed en slecht is en haar ontwikkelende vriendschap met een Duitse soldaat.
Het verhaal komt naar mijn mening wat traag op gang, maar is het doorzetten meer dan waard! Een verhaal over liefde, vriendschap, kunst en over hoe je soms normen en waarden aan de kant moet zetten om een geliefde te redden.
4,5 ⭐️, misschien wel afgerond naar 5 ⭐️
Het boek speelt zich af in Brugge, oktober 1918, de eerste wereldoorlog loopt op zijn einde. Evelien, het hoofdpersonage, woont in bij haar schoonouders terwijl haar echtgenoot, Emiel, al sinds het begin van de oorlog vecht aan het front. Ze hebben al jaren niets meer van hem gehoord.
Evelien werkt als huishoudster bij een Duitse vice-admiraal, wanneer ze op een avond de vraag krijgt van een onbekende man om iets uit dat huis aan hem te bezorgen in ruil voor een brief van Emiel.
Het boek volgt Evelien gedurende haar zoektocht naar wat goed en slecht is en haar ontwikkelende vriendschap met een Duitse soldaat.
Het verhaal komt naar mijn mening wat traag op gang, maar is het doorzetten meer dan waard! Een verhaal over liefde, vriendschap, kunst en over hoe je soms normen en waarden aan de kant moet zetten om een geliefde te redden.
4,5 ⭐️, misschien wel afgerond naar 5 ⭐️
October 16, 2024
" If there is one lesson I've learned, it's that you should embrace love and life when you are allowed to, which is every second you are blessed with breath."
This novel is based in German occupied Bruges, Belgium during the final days of World War 1.
It's main character Evelien is married to a soldier named Emiel and in love with an enemy sniper named Joseph - who may have something to do with Emiel's death. This book is about kindness, betrayal and finally understanding.
I really liked the character of Evelien and really wanted her to find happiness in the end after everything she went through.
This novel is based in German occupied Bruges, Belgium during the final days of World War 1.
It's main character Evelien is married to a soldier named Emiel and in love with an enemy sniper named Joseph - who may have something to do with Emiel's death. This book is about kindness, betrayal and finally understanding.
I really liked the character of Evelien and really wanted her to find happiness in the end after everything she went through.
March 31, 2024
A gripping story about survival and the sacrifices during war time.
Immersive, heart-wrenching and moving, a beautiful reminder that there’s always hope and light even in the darkest times.
If you like historical fiction this is a great read.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁 by Gian Sardar released March 1, 2024.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
Immersive, heart-wrenching and moving, a beautiful reminder that there’s always hope and light even in the darkest times.
If you like historical fiction this is a great read.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁 by Gian Sardar released March 1, 2024.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
October 11, 2024
It was an enjoyable read with good descriptions and wisdom, but a few things made me reduce the stars to 3. Quite a bit I found myself having to re-read a section because I found it confusing; it didn't always explain things well or the back-and-forth dialogue was confusing as it went along, so I had to go back to see who was actually saying what.
I loved the initial Prologue to bring me into the story. "There was nothing the wind couldn't do. It was alive and angry and eager. It was a world of hands, prying and cruel. It sprang from a sky..." and "There is nothing worse than silence, in a moment after ... Silence screams the loudest of all."
I felt like throughout the story Gian wrote in a way that was insightful:
- "Sometimes fault is also like a wind. It slips into cracks and fills spaces." (3)
- "A bullet kills at the end of the war the same way it does at the start." (4)
- "The painting was a promise: Your world doesn't need to be the one others see. " (7)
- "Always look for the knife behind the back of kindness." (40)
- "Drawing is a reordering of her life, each stroke like a translation that helps her understand the world. Even as she walks to the ruined garden, she imagines stretching her arms and watching her fingers blacken with charcoal as worlds emerge." (78)
- "Because every choice I'd ever made, and every loss and every disappointment, all of it had to happen exactly as it did to lead me to this moment and to Emiel... If life hadn't happened the way it did, I wouldn't have had Emiel. You see the shape of the road you took and you're grateful for every twist and turn, because it led to where you are." (110)
- "You think like an artist. That's not wrong. Being different is not wrong. It's interesting. If it wasn't, we'd all paint the same thing and see the world the same way and there'd be no movement, and no chance at understanding... art is not what you see but what you make others see." (147)
- "My personal opinion is that a little wrong that prevents a lot of wrong is worth it. It might not be popular in the eyes of the law or the Lord, but to prevent cruelty - wouldn't it be right to do something a little wrong? Something that helps a greater good?" (185)
I loved the initial Prologue to bring me into the story. "There was nothing the wind couldn't do. It was alive and angry and eager. It was a world of hands, prying and cruel. It sprang from a sky..." and "There is nothing worse than silence, in a moment after ... Silence screams the loudest of all."
I felt like throughout the story Gian wrote in a way that was insightful:
- "Sometimes fault is also like a wind. It slips into cracks and fills spaces." (3)
- "A bullet kills at the end of the war the same way it does at the start." (4)
- "The painting was a promise: Your world doesn't need to be the one others see. " (7)
- "Always look for the knife behind the back of kindness." (40)
- "Drawing is a reordering of her life, each stroke like a translation that helps her understand the world. Even as she walks to the ruined garden, she imagines stretching her arms and watching her fingers blacken with charcoal as worlds emerge." (78)
- "Because every choice I'd ever made, and every loss and every disappointment, all of it had to happen exactly as it did to lead me to this moment and to Emiel... If life hadn't happened the way it did, I wouldn't have had Emiel. You see the shape of the road you took and you're grateful for every twist and turn, because it led to where you are." (110)
- "You think like an artist. That's not wrong. Being different is not wrong. It's interesting. If it wasn't, we'd all paint the same thing and see the world the same way and there'd be no movement, and no chance at understanding... art is not what you see but what you make others see." (147)
- "My personal opinion is that a little wrong that prevents a lot of wrong is worth it. It might not be popular in the eyes of the law or the Lord, but to prevent cruelty - wouldn't it be right to do something a little wrong? Something that helps a greater good?" (185)
March 7, 2024
Sorry but I’m a sucker for a World War story. A beautiful book that explores morality and if it is at all possible to be a “good person” during a war. Also discusses how we make excuses for our actions to justify them, when actually we know what we’ve done is wrong.
Idk if it’s just me, but the twist at the end totallyyy got me. Did not see that coming😭😭
The writing was poetic and the story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, overall loved this one
Idk if it’s just me, but the twist at the end totallyyy got me. Did not see that coming😭😭
The writing was poetic and the story kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, overall loved this one
March 28, 2024
To be fair, I loved the description of the book and the detail the author goes into seeing the world from an artists perspective. I loved it all. But at times it was slow and challenging to get through. Ultimately, it’s the kind of book I’d love to read again, but I read it at the wrong time for me.
March 3, 2024
5 brilliant, beautiful stars!!!! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like historical fiction GO GET THIS NOW!
If you like historical fiction GO GET THIS NOW!
March 15, 2024
Wonderful book!!!
This was a great read-not my usual murder mystery!! I highly recommend this book!! It is set during WW1 and I could not put it down!!
This was a great read-not my usual murder mystery!! I highly recommend this book!! It is set during WW1 and I could not put it down!!
March 16, 2024
This was a very emotional book. While I knew that it would be sad from the start as it is set in World War 1, it was heart wrenching. The writing style is beautiful, I enjoyed the character development, and it ended on a mostly happy note. (3.5)
February 21, 2025
4.6 stars. Really enjoyed this book. Kept me wanting to keep with it and made me think alot about life. Would definitely recommend.
March 26, 2024
This book was in the first read selections for February. Beautifully written historical fiction occurring during WW1 in Belgium, the year is 1918. The author did a great job of making me feel as if I were there living civilian life in a war zone. I was inspired by Eveline throughout the book.
July 2, 2024
I read this book while traveing so it took a little longer and since I would go days without having time to read it was a little hard to keep the storyline in my mind. The characters were interesting and the writing was engaging. I liked the way they explored the idea of good people doing bad things out of necessity and the way that impacted their lives and the lives of others.
December 4, 2024
Heart wrenching, breathtaking, hopeful. Just an amazing, wonderful novel. Highly recommend.
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