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Nov 28, 2018miketany rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This book was simply difficult to follow and enjoy. It was captivating at some parts, particularly the climax and denouement. Anthony does not fail to create interesting characters, especially Werner. I liked Werner's backstory and how he joins Hitler Youth, being realistic for a boy so talented with mathematics and radios. I admire how fluidly Anthony is able to transfer point of views chapter by chapter, as each chapter accommodates a cliff-hanger and makes you long for more in the book. Anthony put lots of effort into signifying the nostalgia people get when they remember what life was like before wartime situations, and how much they long for it to over. This is shown when Werner hears what he heard as a child, "Claire de Lune", and he felt a longing for the time in his life when did not have to worry about war and surviving. I dislike how the author leaves out the effects of war in different towns, as Wehrmacht forces were constantly looting homes and stores, taking the supplies and re-directing it toward the war effort. I think the author sort of veers away from the main idea near the middle of the book and goes back to it near the end, which really diffuses the sharpness of the point the book is trying to make. I rated this a 8/10 because the author makes an attempt at making a clear and powerful message while hiding it between the lines, but it is difficult to see without really digging deep and considering the underlying meaning in every word Anthony writes.