I really love this author! This book was so different from Me Before You, yet I loved them both.
The second part of the book is more emotionally meaningful due to the author spending the first part of the book telling us Sophie's story. I really loved Sophie's story, so I had a difficult time switching to Liv's story initially. Especially since I couldn't understand why Liv insisted on fighting for the painting! The German's treated people so horribly, stealing all of their possessions and letting them starve and freeze to death - or outright killing them. I really felt like Liv needed a deeper understanding of War - and how awful it was for those countries involved/invaded. The Germans stole precious art from all the countries they invaded, and I believe that this art should be restored to the proper owner. Of course, in this case, there were a few things that bothered me: the Lefevre heir didn't really care about the painting itself, only the worth of it; Sophie had intended to give the painting to the Kommandant - even though I know she took it back home with her when she left him; the Lefevre family turned against Sophie. The way it was presented though, I still couldn't believe that Liv didn't turn over the painting!
This story, and The Nightingale, makes me wonder what I would do if I was ever in this horrible position: accept food from the enemy to save my family/children, or not, because it is a betrayal of your people, your nation? Obviously, your townspeople, friends and family will see you as a traitor even if you are forced to live with/serve the enemy! Why do people always think the very worst of each other?? I really couldn't stand Sophie and Helene's brother, Aurelien!! I couldn't believe he could turn against his own sister the way he did! And people are SO incredibly judgemental!! I hope to never be in this type of situation of course, but I really think I would do whatever it takes to save the people I love. I don't think in "black" and "white" anyway though, so that's not terribly surprising I guess.
Although Sophie's story - and all those connected to her - makes me feel a bit melancholy - I think their stories ended in reasonable ways: lots of heartache and loss, mixed with some positive moments. I liked the way Liv's story ended.
Jojo Moyes seems to enjoy writing about controversial subjects - like Jodi Picoult - although I like how she infuses a little romance in the mix as well. It's not always a "happy ending", but the romance is there. I have already added the rest of Jojo Moyes' books on my Wish List because now I know that my love of Me Before You was not just a fluke. I really love this author!
Wendy's Rating *****
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