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There are currently 44 member reviews
for On a Night of a Thousand Stars
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Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
On A Night Of A Thousand Stars
I didn't know much about the history of Argentina, and this book opened my eyes to this era. History lovers will read this book with interest. Unfortunately, for me, the character development was rushed, and I never connected with any of the main characters. There were also many extra characters that I found hard to keep track of. Switching back and forth between time periods also didn't help the flow.
The book was written with a feeling of excitement, and I do think it portrays this dark period well. I would probably give it 3 1/2.
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Myrna M. (Chapel Hill, NC)
The Stars Don't Twinkle
As a writer, I am hesitant to express negative thoughts about the work of another writer. So I will begin this review with one positive: the background of this book is one that needs to be told and retold. The history of political unrest of Argentina in the 1970s; the resultant abuse of those citizens who resisted the policies of those in power, beginning with Peron and the stories of the "disappeared" have, in practicality, disappeared from our consciousness. I am grateful to Clark for having brought it to the forefront—it is a story that could well serve as a warning to all peoples about what happens when autocracy rules.
However, and this is a big however for me, the romance that is the central theme of the book, one might say the heart, is told in language that is banal. The love scenes might be enjoyable for those in the 14-16-year old range, but the words don't ring true. I found throughout the book that I was bored by language that was describing emotions; they were stodgy and stiff. Additionally, the reader would intuit immediately that Santiago's mother would prevent his letters from reaching his love, of whom his mother disapproved because of her "lower" station in life. Where there should have been tension, there was none.
I hope Ms Clark has an opportunity to rewrite this story. With a good editor, it could be an important book.
