Comments on: The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck | Review

By: susan

susan — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 21:56:05 +0000

Hi – I just finished this novel and think you did a good job with the review. It had a lot of elements to it and I particularly found the German perspective quite intriguing. I thought the storytelling in it was quite good — particularly the first half of the novel which I liked the best. I think the B is a fair assessment. Marianne was okay to me, the Ania twist was alarming, and Benita seemed to be the type to sweep it under the rug and get on with life. All three perspectives gave me something to think about. I will write my review soon. thanks.

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 05:16:21 +0000

In reply to Sarah's Book Shelves. Even though this wasn't my favorite WWII book, I do think it would appeal to a lot of women.

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 05:15:12 +0000

In reply to Angela. thank you and thank for stopping by.

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 05:14:42 +0000

In reply to Catherine. I've never even heard about The Undertaking. I'll need to check it out. Thanks. Even though I didn't care for the women in The Women..., I gave it a B because it did keep me engaged the entire book and I liked seeing WWII from a German perspective as well as from after the war.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 00:08:38 +0000

Once again, we’re in agreement! I think my dislike of Marianne’s attitude made me like the book a little less than you. I would probably not go as high as a B. Plus, as you mentioned there are simply so many outstanding WWII books out there. Skeletons at the feast is one of my all time favorites- both as a Bohjalian novel and as a WWII novel.

Did you ever read The Undertaking? That’s another one from the perspective of German civilians. Brutal reading but incredibly well-written. Not a likable character to be found, but powerful reading.

By: Annie

Annie — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 06:45:31 +0000

This caught my attention but I wasn’t sure so I didn’t request in the end. Your review has me intrigued, although I don’t think I’m in the mood for it right now, so I’ll save it for later!! I also love books set in those years, although they’re always so sad!

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 13:28:06 +0000

I love reading WWII novels, and this one sounds like an interesting and different take on the genre. I’m really looking forward to it. Great review!

By: Sarah's Book Shelves

Sarah's Book Shelves — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 11:31:00 +0000

Despite being burned out on WWII novels, I put this one on hold at the library. Loving Georgia’s book has made me a little more open to it and I like the focus on the women. I’m also getting lots of recommendation requests for books like this, so I guess I need to have a couple in my back pocket.