Lovely War - Review
Julie Berry does an amazing job at combining romance, war, and mythology into one solid story.
Synopsis:
"Lovely War" by Julie Berry is a captivating historical fiction novel that beautifully weaves together the stories of four young adults during World War I. With a combination of romance, war, and mythology, Berry has created a unique and compelling tale that will leave readers spellbound.
The novel begins in 1942 with the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the god of war, Ares, arguing in a Manhattan hotel room. They discuss the impact of love and war on humanity, and to prove their points, they each tell a story from their own perspective. The two stories they tell are those of two couples during World War I: Hazel and James, a British pianist and an American soldier, and Aubrey and Colette, a black soldier and a Belgian singer.
Throughout the book, we learn about the struggles and triumphs of each couple, as well as the impact of the war on their lives. Hazel and James' story is one of love and loss, as James enlists in the army and is sent to fight on the front lines. Meanwhile, Hazel must navigate the challenges of being a female pianist in a male-dominated industry. Aubrey and Colette's story is one of racial injustice and discrimination, as they must overcome the prejudices of the time to be together.
Review:
The novel's characters are all well-developed and complex, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Hazel is a determined and independent woman who struggles with anxiety and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. James is a loyal and courageous soldier but also suffers from PTSD and survivor's guilt. Aubrey is a talented musician and a caring friend, but he also grapples with the racism he experiences in the army. Colette is a talented singer and a fierce advocate for justice, but a traumatic event from her past also haunts her.
One of the most impressive aspects of "Lovely War" is the way that Berry seamlessly blends historical fact with fiction. The novel is rich with details from the time period, including the war itself, the social and political climate, and the cultural norms of the era. However, the historical context never feels overwhelming or forced. Instead, it enhances the characters and their stories, giving the reader a deeper understanding of their experiences.
Another strength of the novel is the way that Berry incorporates mythology into the story. Aphrodite and Ares' debate and commentary on the characters' lives add an extra layer of depth and meaning to the narrative. The Greek gods and goddesses serve as a metaphor for the larger forces at play in the characters' lives, such as love, war, fate, and free will. The way that Berry integrates mythology into the story is both creative and effective, adding a unique twist to the traditional historical fiction genre.
One of the few weaknesses of "Lovely War" is that the book's structure can sometimes be confusing. The novel switches back and forth between Aphrodite and Ares' debate and the stories of the two couples, and the transitions between the two can be abrupt. The novel is divided into sections based on the different stages of the war, which can also make the timeline feel disjointed at times. However, these issues are minor and do not significantly detract from the reading experience.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Lovely War" is a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers. Julie Berry has crafted a moving story of love and war set against the backdrop of one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. With its well-developed characters, seamless blend of fact and fiction, and unique incorporation of mythology, "Lovely War" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or a good love story. Overall the book was a solid four stars.
If you are interested in reading “Lovely War” by Julie Berry, we have provided links below to both a free online reader and Amazon. Feel free to use them, and let us know what you think!