This was a fascinating audiobook. I have wanted to read this book for years so I was thrilled to be approved for it on NetGalley.
The premise of Big Brother was, and still is, an interesting concept to me. Can a Party effectively run a dictatorship but control people’s thoughts and any diversion be punished?
This was a ‘very wordy’ book, so needed a lot of concentration on my part, but the substance is very powerful, and Peter Capaldi’s narration is nothing short of sublime, perfect for the book. As the book progresses, the urgency and tragic nature was portrayed beautifully.
This was a really difficult read for several reasons. It caught my eye initially because I have experience of schizophrenia in my family history and I hoped it would give me a better understanding of what is to me, a frightening illness.
After laughing out loud after just a few pages, I knew it was going to be special. Tom was a wonderful character, who I laughed at and with, and my heart ached for him throughout.
The dealing with schizophrenia was heartbreaking for me but it opened my eyes to how sufferers cope with it on a daily basis, and also epitomised the feelings of a sufferer’s family, watching someone they love manage their life with the condition.
This was so moving and poignant and will stay with me long after reading the final page.
Stunning.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54494980-safe-and-sound
I really enjoyed this. It was a well thought out and executed thriller. The characters were likeable, and I was rooting for them throughout.
It took a while for me to understand the importance of the Prin and her cousin subplot, but I definitely didn’t predict the twist and I loved it!
I personally would have liked more twists but I think I am a very demanding reader!
With thanks to HQ and NetGalley for an early reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good solid read. Fairly quick paced although I did get a little frustrated near the half way point. It was rather predictable in places but there was a good twist I didn’t foresee.
I didn’t like Daisey’s decision making too well though, she annoyed me a lot!
Overall, a good read but probably rather forgettable after a while.
WOW. My head is REELING from the twists in this book. I’m still trying to work it all out!
I love books that have an unusual approach, and this is about as original as they come. Two legal assistants are given the task of reading through pages and pages of emails and text message transcripts on a murder case and the reader is taken along for the ride.
What a wild ride. I lost count of the amount of times I gasped, said out loud ‘oh my God’ or ‘I spotted that bit!’
Absolutely thrilling and one I have already started recommending it to friends. I cannot recommend it enough. I definitely suggest keeping a photo or screenshot of the cast list and character relationships until you’re confident with them. And prepare for the reveals of the last 20%, I am stunned.
This is a book-of-the-year nomination for me already.
Just do yourself a favour, and read it.
My sister has been raving about this author for years, and I can definitely see the appeal. A very enjoyable read, with a great sense of humour to disperse the gritty plot.
The characters are great, I didn’t realise this was #3 in the Ash Henderson series, but as I was reading I kept thinking ‘Ash Henderson is a brilliant character for a series, there should be more.’ LOL.
My only criticisms are sometimes during the long pieces of dialogue, it was difficult to discern which character was speaking. Sometimes, I confused the 2 storylines of the child kidnappings and the bones in the garden.
Overall, a solid read and would definitely recommend.
**** 4 stars
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3670612946
My first point for this review has to be about the change of title for this novel. Originally entitled ‘The Flight of Swallows’, the title brought out a feeling of a very emotive read. This was then changed to ‘The German Girl’, and I cannot think of a more bland title, especially when dealing with traumas around World War Two. It just doesn’t do it for me.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and will definitely recommend it to others. It had great characters and a strong plot. The time lapse feature worked well, although I feel this could have been developed further rather than just at the beginning and end of the novel.
I am a twin too and this bond was warmly brought out by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
