Lovely War

Wonderful WW1 Book

Exquisitely written WW1 love stories narrated by Aphrodite and other Greek Gods who have their own need for love and in misplaced efforts to gain it, do stupid impetuous things (one would think god’s to be above the frailties of mortals), including adultery, forgiveness, understanding, blaming, and making deals that go against the fates. All the tragedies of war, bigotry, the changes that began in the US that lead eventually lead to the abolition of segregation, rights to vote, work, education, equal housing rights. The war scenes, letters, horrible contradictions, tolarence and cover up of murders within the military are just a handful of what this novel contains. It is brilliantly written, and believable. I fell in love with the main and secondary characters, have gained a deeper understanding of was and it’s grave depravation, ability to wipe out families and towns, and the toll that the evolution of war took on multiple countries, people, and had shaped the world as we know it today.

I loved this book and will listen to it again. The women are heroins although not spies as in other well written historical fictional. It was about coming of age during wartime, loss, love, and the power of the human spirit to commit and overcome great tragedy. The stories depicted, although fiction has true and factual characters and events that lend this to be such credible depiction of heart.

This is a new favorite author for me. I can’t wait to read more of her work. Her writing (unlike mine) is articulate, beautiful, and made me stretch in my role as the reader and observer of mortal life - love stories in war time being depicted by Greek gods. I though, “what is happening?” and how can the perspective of Greek Gods tie together? Keep reading (or listening). The characters both mortal and Gods bring an unusual perspective to war & love. I thing I may even enjoy learning more about Greek Gods because their characters became real to me for the first time in this writing (other than Disney’s Hercules).

I so loved this book; the writing, the characters, the setting, and the audio delivery, and hope you will love it too!

Bravo to all those who made this audio book available. Thank you.

3 people found this helpful

Lovely account of men, women, and racial experiences in WW1

Many books I’ve read about WW1 and WW2 have been focused on women OR men. This novel creates a full picture of the war’s effects on women, men, race, and nationalism. Rarely has PTS(D) been introduced as a result of service, so that was nice to see included in the broader look at war. It’s not a gory book but I would have liked a little more of a detailed account of James’s battles. Overall, if war novels are your jam and you’re not looking for something like The Nightingale or Unbroken, then this romantic version is a light and fun read/listen. The narrators are also fantastic.

1 person found this helpful

Loved

The various narrators add to this beautifully told story. Love the addition of Greek mythology

1 person found this helpful

A Lovely Book, Indeed!

Such a sweet, touching, funny, and heartbreaking story! This is not my typical genre but I loved every minute of it. Julie Berry is my new favorite author!!

1 person found this helpful

Excellent story of love, music and history

This book was way better than I initially expected it to be. The history that was included in the story was very moving and I loved the way Greek mythology was intertwined with the characters motivations.

1 person found this helpful

I wept.

I wept as I listened to this story. My great uncle Leo registered for the draft in June of 1917 and in May of 1918, was in a ship bound for the war. By October of 1918, he died of wounds sustained in battle. He had given money to my grandmother for her children’s education. At that time, she didn’t have children and her own husband was fighting overseas. She held onto the money and eventually purchased a piano for her children’s musical education. That piano is in my home and Leo is buried in Arlington cemetery. Julie Berry is one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend this book - gorgeously written and performed.

Delightful Surprize

The reading of a few of this author’s books is why I purchased Lovely War. She does her research, and her writings surpass expectation. This book along with the others did just that. You will not be disappointed. I recommend the audio version. The use of multiple voice actors and the music adds superbly to the imagination

Creative and unusual read great for all ages

Great read with a very unique storytelling structure. Very well done with loads of historic information conveyed via interesting characters Keeps your attention and doesn’t sugar coat any aspects of war.

Worthwhile

I both enjoyed this book and learned from it. Effortlessly intelligent and presented withiijn a framework I've never encountered before and appreciated.

so beautifully depicted and the story was amazing

First and foremost, This book is so beautifully written from the little snippets between the gods to the different (and very fitting) voices for each respective story. It was an intriguing experience and very enjoyable. A fair warning: This book does have a few triggers such as Racism and Traumas. it's set around WWI so it's expected.

My only set back with the Audiobook is the voice actor of Hades whenever something goes on, he sounds a bit odd. can't really describe it too well. I just wished it was better.

all in all, I loved the story and aside from that small notion, I enjoyed the performance. I highly recommend this book to anyone.