Sign in with Facebook
Lori Elliott's Reviews > Lilac Girls
Lilac Girls (Lilac Girls, #1)
by
by
After all the books I've read about the horrors surronding WWII it still amazes me how awful humans can be to each other. Lilac Girls is one of those novels that brings to light a little known atrocity... the experimentation on women in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. The writing is so raw that at times I wasn't sure I'd be able to get through it. It saddens me so much to think that any of the victims of these atrocities would carry guilt feeling any it was their fault. I appreciate the dedication and research Kelly did in order to bring these women's story to us. It is important that stories like these continue to be written so that the victims of these atrocities are never forgotten. 4.5 stars.
*Spoiler? My one criticism might be a spoiler so at this point you might want to stop reading...
The only part of this story I didn't really feel connected with was the relationship between Caroline and Paul. Something about it just felt off. To my surprise, I discovered in the Authors Note that this was the only totally fictious relationship in the book. I don't think this relationship was needed and it would've earned a 5 star rating from me if it had been omitted. Still a brillant story.
*Spoiler? My one criticism might be a spoiler so at this point you might want to stop reading...
The only part of this story I didn't really feel connected with was the relationship between Caroline and Paul. Something about it just felt off. To my surprise, I discovered in the Authors Note that this was the only totally fictious relationship in the book. I don't think this relationship was needed and it would've earned a 5 star rating from me if it had been omitted. Still a brillant story.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
Lilac Girls.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
April 4, 2016
–
Started Reading
April 4, 2016
– Shelved
April 9, 2016
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-13 of 13 (13 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Alaine
(new)
-
added it
Apr 09, 2016 06:30PM
Thanks Lori. Good review. It's next on my reading list.
reply
|
flag
I really liked this one!
Alaine wrote: "Thanks Lori. Good review. It's next on my reading list."I hope you enjoy!
It was interesting that you mentioned Caroline and Paul's relationship. I thought it was off too and didn't understand where the grand passion was. They just didn't connect the way the author wanted.I would have liked to read more about the Dr. What did she think about when she was sent to prison? How did she get out so early? Did she have a family after prison? How did she feel when she opened her own practice? It left me a lot of questions about her.
I do enjoy reading your reviews and I am also interested in many of the books you read.
Great review! Looking forward to reading this!!
I agree, I thought the same thing with Caroline and Paul but after reading the author's note, I think the relationship tied to father's death in some way.
Yes! I agree that the Caroline/Paul relationship did nothing to enhance this story. This was a primary focus in the early part of the book, and it all seemed so shallow I very nearly gave up on this story altogether. I was listening to it on CD while sewing and since I did want to listen while working, I went back to it. So glad I did!
Hmm, I actually enjoyed the Caroline/Paul story until the point where he continuously sent her letters that she never opened. He tells her that she would understand things better if she read his letters, but yet the author just let that remain a mystery. I think the untold story in Paul's letters is what makes the Caroline/Paul portion seem off.
" ... it still amazes me how awful humans can be to each other."What I found chilling about Lilac Glirls — and it's not my first book about World War II — is how we still, in other countries and the United States, still look down on certain others as being less worthy of living than we are. Where does the hate come from? Is there a human need to feel superior? It scares me to know that this was not limited to World War II — or World War I, or the Vietnam War, or the Korean War.
Great review-your opinions were very similar to mine.
I totally agree about Caroline and Paul.
Agree with you about Caroline and Paul's relationship.
