Rated of 5
by Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
Where's the rest of the story?
Being a child of that generation (1940s-60s), this book haunted me. Having read all the letters written by my own parents to one another during WWII, I can say that the author has done her research and quite accurately captured the mood and character of that period.
Her portrayal of the psychological and emotional trauma of war, affecting not only the soldiers, but their families, is heart wrenching. Writing in third persion, she really allows you to get "inside the heads" of the characters.
While I enjoyed reading the book very much, I was somewhat disappointed in the ending. I felt that the author was trying to cover too much in too little time. She attempted to tie up all the loose ends, but still left me hanging out there waiting for "the rest of the story."
It was a very good read though and I did enjoy.
Rated of 5
by Shirley L. (Norco, LA)
Good Overview of the Effects of War
Although not as original as her book "The Boy Who Loved Ann Frank" or as detailed as "Lucy", "Next to Love" gives an insightful overview of life during and after World War II for servicemen, their parents, their wives and their children. Given that the book tells the story of three main families as well as several supporting characters over the span of time from December 1941 to August 1964, an overview of their stories is all the reader can hope to get. The scope of the story means depth of character development gets sacrificed. The story is told in multiple scenes of each of the main characters. Although worth reading for the effects of war, any war, on its participants, and in places displaying examples of beautiful writing, the reader can't help but wonder if the author bit off more than her 291 page book could chew.
Rated of 5
by Bess W. (Marlton, NJ)
Love and War
Ellen Feldman has written a story with well-developed characters and shows the effects of war on the soldiers and their families. Babe, Grace and Millie's friendship endures throughout the entire story focusing on their experiences before, during and after the war. I found it quite interesting to view the same event from each of the friends different viewpoints. Not only does the story deal with the war but also the class and race struggles of the era, many of which we still deal with today. The book was very enjoyable and would be a good choice for book clubs.
Rated of 5
by Christine B. (st. paul, MN)
Next to love- After the War
Following three women through 20 years of friendship, despair, and unexpected losses in love and life make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. I liked the format of hearing about their experiences through each woman's perspective . Their stores of course are intertwined but make us realize that new beginnings are available to all of us through the love and support of our friends. Even though this takes place after World War II, its story would be just as effective today. I highly recommend this book.
Rated of 5
by Dawn C. (Meridian, ID)
Next to Love
I think anyone who has loved can relate to this novel, especially during our times with men off to war as their families wait back in the states.Three couples are split apart by war, and this novel encapsulates what happens to them all with circumstances and choices made. I enjoyed it very much as it is in my grandparents time, but carries over to today! I highly recommend this book.
Rated of 5
by Elizabeth K. (Dallas, TX)
Next to Love is Well Worth Reading
If you like interesting, believable characters and a good story interwoven with its historical background, you will enjoy Next to Love. Reading about the female perspective on World War II and the time after the soldiers returned from war was quite intriguing. I look forward to reading more of this author's writing in the future.
Rated of 5
by Kathy D. (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Next To Love
Ellen Feldman, in Next to Love brings to life the time period during and shortly after World War II. Couples quickly married before the young men went off to war. Some of the husbands returned and others did not. I could feel the anxiety experienced by the three young women at the center of this book. It was interesting to observe how each one coped with difficulties and heartbreak in such different ways. I was disappointed how some relationships developed -or failed to develop, toward the end of the book. Perhaps a sequel is coming. I was a young girl during this time of history and the book is excellent describing what life was like on the home front for the wives, parents, and children of the soldiers. Women who had jobs during the war gave them up to soldiers when they returned. Prejudice against African Americans and Jews is also emphasized. This book offers provocative material for discussing life then as compared with life today. I recommend Next to Love and I think it is a great book for book club discussions.
Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today's globalized world.
The story of an American family, middle class in middle America, ordinary in every way but one. But that exception is the beating heart of this extraordinary novel.
First time novelist Vaddey Ratner captured my heart and senses in this novel based on her childhood in Cambodia. Her story transcends any news story...
read more
From the first page, I was drawn in by the lyrical writing of the author and mesmerized as the narrator, eight year old Raami, remembered the years...
read more
Trite but true, all good things must come to an end. I so wanted to keep reading the wonderful prose, the settings that let one think they are part...
read more
Amazon cuts off 5200 affiliates in Minnesota(Jun 19 2013) With Minnesota's online sales tax law due to take effect July 1, Amazon has played a familiar card by cutting ties with 5,200 members of its Associates...
Full Story
of 5
by Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
