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just_sit_and_read's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've only just started using this app to record my reading in 2025 but wanted to add some books from the previous year as a reminder and this was my absolute favourite. What a debut. Having attended a talk where she shared the stage with Elif Shafak at Hay, I met the author. As a first novel, my expectations were not particularly high but I was pleasantly surprised and sorry when I reached the end! I will probably read it again at some point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Triumph over adversity. The lengths to which some people are willing to go to help others escape. Destruction of the arts as a weapon of war.apthompson's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Genocide, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Deportation
milliemarilyn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Beautifully written yet heartbreaking story of a woman during a war as the world crushes down around her. This is a story of resilience and hope even in the darkest times, of friendship and finding community in the worst times. Zora is an artist and her love and dependence on art is prevalent throughout.
I didn’t know anything about the siege of Sarajevo before listening to this book, book some research alongside listening means I’ve learnt a fair amount. I can see why this was nominated for women’s book of the year, five stars.
I didn’t know anything about the siege of Sarajevo before listening to this book, book some research alongside listening means I’ve learnt a fair amount. I can see why this was nominated for women’s book of the year, five stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and War
Minor: Racial slurs and Islamophobia
ellieisreading's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Islamophobia, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Genocide