It's beautiful. Julie Berry writes so well. There's something to be said for an author who can effortlessly straddle the line between YA and adult, not because of content really but because of tone and emotion.

This book was not my cup of tea, but it was decent. Definately had some action, some lust, told a lot different stories, and incorporated the Greek Gods farily well. Fans of Percy Jackson all grown up will like this one.

According to my goodreads account, I started reading this book on January 18 and finished on February 28. Why is this worth remarking upon? Well, I am a speed reader, I have been since maybe the middle of 1st grade. So this for me means I took a long time to read this book and I want to explore that for a moment.

I downloaded the electronic galley to my new Surface tablet but the way the book was formatted made it very awkward to try and read, turning the pages was almost impossible. So I decided to download it to a different app on my phone. Success, kind of. Now I could easily turn the pages to advance the story but the screen was so much smaller. The result? I picked up and read this just a few pages at a time.

How this impacted my reading of the book. At first, I struggled to get into the story. The set up, that the gods of Mount Olympus have put Aphordite on trial and she is sharing an epic love story to save herself seemed to take me out of the action of the story itself. At least, at first. Too much cutting away from the action back to the room where the trial was happening. Too many side comments in the story. But when I switched and could read more easily, faster and slower, I found myself sucked in. And in a way, reading slower, on my small screen, I found myself savoring the story, the writing, the romances and the friendships, the historical details. The interludes with the gods, their comments, began to add layers and richness to the stories. The few pages I read each day were a treat, in a way. Well, until I got almost to the end and then I really wanted to know how everything turned out, so I read more and longer on my tiny screen.

So what? It is a good reminder for me, especially since last year I decided I wanted to try and read more (and one way to do that is faster) that some things are worth slowing down for. That you notice and appreciate different elements when you slow down. And for me, a librarian working with community college students of all ages and backgrounds, when some people say they prefer a format over another, there could be any number of reasons.

Now about the book. Lovely War is a lovely book. The undergraduate literature major that still lurks inside me somewhere would love to go back and look at some of the recurring motifs, of people looking out windows, and watching others depart or leave them. Berry also creates some very emotional and relatable scenes…what it feels like to be young and in love in the face of war, or in the case of Aubrey, in the face of a society that has made rules, places barriers in your way. I would also love to read some historical accounts of this time period. Berry’s author’s note includes some details about the people in the story who were real, and I have long enjoyed several mystery series set in the time between the wars. Getting more information about the people and the life during WWI would add to my experience and understanding.

I also think the plotting and structure of the book are quite cinematic, and part of me thinks it would make a good movie. The other part of me knows, as is often the case, no movie can match the one the Berry created in my mind. Finally, I while I would agree that many of the themes here are squarely in the young adult realm, the giddiness of first love, the first forays away from family and home, that this book has much to offer to adults as well. I hope many will pick it up and enjoy it.

Readalikes:

Not a one to one readalike, but if Hazel’s situation had turned out differently, she could have become Maisie Dobbs. While most of Maisie’s story happens after the War, the War is still in the front of people’s minds, and many of the first volumes in this series by Jaequeline Winspear deal with some kind of event or death connected to the Great War.

I would also recommend Berry’s other works. In this case not related in terms of time period or plot exactly but beautifully plotted and constructed. I loved All the Truth That’s in Me, and I felt like it was set in the past but not a past she chose to illuminate as she does here.

Review Excerpts:

“Scheherazade has nothing on Berry . . . An unforgettable romance so Olympian in scope, human at its core, and lyrical in its prose that it must be divinely inspired.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Berry’s evocative novel . . . gains steam as the stories flesh out. Along the way, it suggests that while war and its devastation cycles through history, the forces of art and love remain steady, eternal, and life-sustaining.” —Publisher’s Weekly

“Poignant…will make readers, by turns, laugh, cry, and swoon.” —The Horn Book

“Proves again that Berry is one of our most ambitious writers. Happily for us, that ambition so often results in great success.” —Booklist

“[A] triumphant piece of historically focused fiction. . . a moving, brutal, and yes, lovely, story of the ways in which people find hope in a world gone mad” —BCCB Reviews

“Berry’s accomplished talent for developing all elements of plot—character, tone, and mood—in addition to her fresh writing style makes this title a compelling page turner.” —School Library Connection

Reviewed from a publisher provided egalley. Amazon affliate: if you click through and buy something something, I receive a portion of the purchase price.

Historical fiction, romance, mythology: Lovely War is difficult to classify, but easy to love. The love stories of two couples during the Great War is uniquely narrated by Aphrodite, goddess of love. There's a fairly large cast of characters, which makes the story slow to begin. I almost quit several times, but after the first forty or so pages I was hooked. It is ostensibly a tale of love, but it's also a tale of race relations, war, friendship, loss,, and love. The novel is rich with historical detail, and the historical notes at the back were several pages long. It's a beautiful story, creatively crafted.

I was really intrigued by a book about WWI with a mythical twist, then I saw the author was Julie Berry and couldn’t wait to read it. She is an absolutely phenomenal writer, and I would read restaurant menus if she wrote them.
In this novel there are several stories unfolding at once. We begin at a ritzy Manhattan hotel in 1942 as Ares waltzes in with Aphrodite on his arm. The two are caught by Aphrodite’s husband Hephaestus, and Aphrodite begins to defend herself by telling a tale mortals who could teach the gods something about love.
Much of the book focuses on the two couples she watches over during WW I. Normally I don’t gravitate toward love stories or sweeping sagas, but this is worth stepping outside your normal comfort zone for. Their stories are compelling. I was genuinely a little sad when I finished this one.
While it is shelved in the teen fiction area, there is a lot of crossover appeal for adults here.

The Lovely War begins 20 years after World War 1, with the greek goddess Aphrodite telling two love stories to Hephaestus and Ares, "Some of her finest work."
Hazel, a pianist, and James, who sees her playing and can't keep his eyes off her, are the first couple. While Colette is determined to avenge the death of her family at the hands of the Germans, and Aubrey is an accomplished African American Jazz musician sent to the trenches.
Both stories are beautifully told, and I loved the Greek mythology twist.
Highly recommended!

In Lovely War, Aphrodite tells one of her favorite love stories - that of Hazel and James, two people who meet just before James is shipped to the front in World War I. In a time of hardship and brutality, does love really conquer all? A compelling story of friendship and love, music and hope, and sacrifice and courage.

WHAT DID I THINK OF LOVELY WAR BY JULIE BERRY?
Lovely War by Julie Berry is a gorgeous book. I think that at this point it is going to be one of my top books of 2019. It is so beautifully written and also quite unique. I am just obsessed with this book. You can’t help but FALL for it, and fall hard. Maybe that is Aphrodite at work? Regardless, I am just here today to push, push, push this book at you — if you’re similar in taste to me at all.

Lovely War is set in 1917 in Europe during The Great War, World War I. The story is framed by a trial conducted by Greek gods. You see, Aphrodite has been caught in a hotel room with Ares by her husband Hephaestus. So, Aphrodite stands trial and begins to tell a story of love set against the machines of war. Aphrodite’s story is the story of Hazel and James – a young pianist and an architect from England who meet at a dance just before James goes to the front. Intersecting with the story of Hazel and James is that of Colette and Aubrey. Aubrey is a musician who has played in places of renown. He’s also a member of an all Black regiment, the famed Harlem Hellfighters (fyi that history is fascinating). Colette is Belgian and well, has been through a lot thanks to the Germans. She’s a singer. Her connection with Aubrey is just spectacular. And so, this book follows love and war and I can’t say more except that IT IS PERFECT.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
Honestly, I think that the audiobook of Lovely War is a masterpiece. It is SO well narrated. Normally when there’s several narrators, there ends up being one person where I am like, ugh I don’t like you, let’s get on to the next person. In this case, I just thoroughly enjoyed my time with every narrator. The audiobook of Lovely War is narrated by a full cast including Jayne Entwistle, Allan Corduner, John Lee, Dion Graham, Nathaniel Parker, Steve West and Julie Berry. It also has original music which ADDS to the story not detracts. I think that anyone who is new to audiobooks should try this one because it is flawless. I just have nothing but positive things to say. Listen to it now. Or if you’ve already read Lovely War, reread by listening to the audiobook.

This review almost didn't happen. I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, but this one paired with the promise of Greek gods and goddesses and that wonderful cover... I had to at least give it a try. I see I should start reading synopsis more in depth tho......

Aphrodite and Ares have been sneaking around her husband Hephaestus' back. He's caught on and decided to trap them and give Aphrodite a chance to explain. She attempts to tell him why Love and War are so drawn together by telling the tale of four lovers and the way their stories intertwine during World War I.

The main thing that drew me to this was the way the Greek gods and goddesses were involved. I LOVED that they were incorporated and all had a part in telling the story of the young lovers. This was such an interesting concept and that I have never read before. I thought it was a great idea and even though I'm not a fan of historical fiction, I went ahead with reading it anyways.

I didn't care for the way there was SO MUCH EXTRA. I don't feel like this book had to be this long. I think had it only told the story of James and Hazel it would have been just as effective. I didn't care to read about Aubrey and Colette (because African Americans in historical fiction bring racial slurs and discrimination) and found myself skimming over their chapters. (Whether they were based on someone in real life or not.) It just turned out to be really wordy and it didn't have to be.

I also liked that there were some events that I didn't know about in this book. Like the Houston Riot in 1917. I live in Houston (now) and this isn't something we learn about in Texas history. So although I wasn't a fan of the romantic side of racism in this, I was glad these stories got to be told. Had I not read this book I don't think I would have known about James Reese Europe or the Houston Riot.There may be stories about them, but not in YA novels that I've found. It's difficult for me to think that I may never have known about it.

This book was difficult for me to rate. I enjoyed it, but I also was not a fan of some things. I skimmed it, but I read the most important parts and got the most out of it (for me) that I could. Some things worked and others didn't and for me that's ok. I can't say I'll run to everything else by the author, but I can say I didn't hate this one.I still don't know if I said everything I wanted to say and correctly at that, but for the most part, I got some words out.

In <i>The Lovely War</i>, Berry uses the backdrop of war and Greek mythology to tell a powerfully beautiful story of friendship, love, and loss. The writing is masterful and the reader is drawn in from the first page! During the height of WWI we meet Aubrey Edwards, an African-American ragtime musician playing under the legendary Lt. James Reese Europe, who enlists in the army to play in Europe's band and ends up as one of the infamous Harlem Hellfighters. We also meet Colette Fournier, a Belgian refugee whose family was slaughtered during the German "Rape of Belgium," James Aldridge, a brand new British soldier who plans to become an architect, and Hazel Windicott, a shy young pianist playing for churches and socials in London. As these four young people meet each other and the war pushes them together and apart, we experience the trauma and heartache of love and war.

Meanwhile, add in the fact that the stories of these star-crossed lovers is being narrated by none other than the goddess of love herself, Aphrodite, in a makeshift courtroom, as an attempt to justify her infidelity to a jealous husband. Besides herself, Aphrodite calls Ares, Apollo, and even Hades as witnesses to explain the inextricable connection between love and war and the necessity of the hope that love can bring in even the darkest of times.

I loved the strong female characters, I loved that all four protagonists were honorable, yet human. I loved that the intense hell of war was described briefly enough to have an idea, but wasn't the central focus of the story. I'm not normally a fan of romance books, but this one crosses that genre with adventure, excitement, some social justice, and a whole lot of history thrown in and it mixes beautifully! I laughed and cried while reading this book then I stayed up late to finish it. That's the best kind of book there is! Highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a free ebook from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I'm going to start with my star rating: 5/5. In case I can't adequately explain my adoration for this novel, let those five stars speak for me. However, I know you're reading this because you want to know the reasoning behind each of the stars, so I will do my level best to explain how each element of this novel captured my heart.

First, the narration. Each chapter is narrated by a god, and the focus of the chapter depends on that god's "specialty," which I thought was insanely clever. In addition to this, their voices are so distinct! Even without chapter titles, I would know who was narrating. Complete "Aha!" moment for me. I didn't know this is what I wanted out of multi-POV narration until I got it. My favorite voice was Aphrodite's, because I'm a sucker for a good love story, but Apollo came close--the descriptions of Aubrey's ragtime music and Hazel's piano were beautiful.

Speaking of characters, I kind of want to wrap these four in a blanket and cuddle them forever. I fell so hard, so fast. None of them had forced mannerisms, rare in a large cast, so I was impressed by that. My favorite characters were James and Hazel, because it's rare for me to find an insta-love couple I actually support. These two knew it by the end of their first dance, and surprisingly, so did I.

I'm saving the best for last: the prose and the research. If I could give you my favorite quotes, I would, but honestly, I'd be quoting half the book. Every sentence felt poetic, but not sappily. The whole book flowed in a way that made 450 pages fly by in a snap. I felt truly immersed in history in a couple of different ways. First, through the experiences of the human characters, second, in the World War II setting of the narration, and third, because the gods were characterized perfectly both in their ancient contexts and new modern roles.

The Author's Note at the end is complete with a bibliography, as well as explanations of the historical events and cultural phenomena mentioned in the book. Berry's research is clearly meticulous, and I feel comfortable knowing I haven't been completely misled about any parts of the history, even if some is dramatized.

I gave my "Overall" at the top, but to reiterate: Lovely War is nothing short of a five-star read, and I will definitely be including it on must-read lists for years to come.

A beautifully crafted story centered on four very different souls during World War I. It's only in recent years that I've been finding myself more and more interested in this period of history, and the story highlights many different types of experiences that real people could have easily been facing in the war to end all wars. I took my time reading this one, simultaneously wanting to be buried in the pages to know what happens while also wanting to take my time and savor the gorgeous writing. The inclusion of the Greek gods was interesting, but I usually wasn't paying attention to which one of them was narrating. A must buy for YA collections that enjoy historical fiction.

I almost didn't read this book, I was so busy with so many others, but it just kept looking at me, and so many other reviews said it was worth the read that I finally plunged in - and it WAS terrific!! Usually, I don't like stories being told from a "diety's" perspective, (as in "Death" telling the story of The Book Thief, a good book, but shiver!) however this telling from the perspective of Aphrodite and several other Greek gods was pretty amazingly efficacious! Although it was occasionally hard to follow who was talking, it was usually obvious and sufficient. A romance between an African American soldier and a Belgian white woman was undeniably fraught with problems for the time, and it was an important part of the story, but then it seemed too smooth a road for them at the end, especially when they came to the US. I was very grateful the romances were chaste, so many aren't these days. It was fascinating learning so much about that part of history, but war is hell, and it felt like and was portrayed so in this book too. Wonderful work, I am SO glad I read it!

#NetGalley #Lovely War

The goddess Aphrodite is one of the narrators of this multilayered tale of love and war, which primarily takes place during WWI. It focuses on the intertwining lives of James and Hazel, who are British, and Aubrey and Colette, who are American and Belgian. They each have their part to play in the war and each face personal, individual tragedies.
This novel touches on not only war and it’s consequences, but also issues of gender and race. Hazel and Colette, as young women, despite being volunteers to help with the war effort, are expected to not fraternize with any of the soldiers in any way that is deemed inappropriate. Aubrey, a young black man, is part of a unit that faces violence not just from their enemies at the front, but also from their own countrymen.
Written beautifully and with a unique take on the price of love and war and the fates that are bargaining for it; this novel is both haunting and captivating.

Originally posted on Forever Young Adult on 2019 March 5

BOOK REPORT for Lovely War by Julie Berry

Cover Story: Big Coat Energy

BFF Charm: Make It Rain

Swoonworthy Scale: 8

Talky Talk: Mighty Aphrodite

Bonus Factors: WWI, Paris, Gateway Book

Relationship Status: Marry Me Before You Go



Cover Story: Big Coat Energy

Okay, I confess: I’m not a huge fan of this cover. Not because it’s not beautiful—it is! And not because it’s not appropriate for the story, from the pink coat to the trenches to the tiny Eiffel tower—it has plenty of elements from the book, so clearly a lot of care has been placed in its design. My reservations stem from the fact that I have at least 5 historical fiction books with extremely similar covers in my home right now. That tells me that the branding is on-point; I just wish they had gone in a different direction.

The Deal:

Aphrodite is on trial. Her husband, Hephaestus, is none too pleased that being married to the goddess of love means suffering her repeated infidelities, particularly with petulant, self-aggrandizing Ares. In order to avoid punishment, she weaves a tale of four young lovers who all meet thanks to the horrors of World War I.

Hazel is a pianist who entertains visiting troops. James is the boy who meets her at a local dance, just days before he ships off to war. Collette is a Belgian girl who lost everyone she loves in the war, and Aubrey is a ragtime pianist from Harlem. While Ares is busy ravaging the mortal world with death and destruction, Aphrodite—a hopeless romantic, natch—helps the young lovers make their matches and persevere through the worst that life has to offer. If she can convince Hephaestus that her motives were good, maybe he’ll let her out of his trial in one piece.

BFF Charm: Make It Rain

For all the political horrors we have endured over the last few years, which have a body count of their own, it’s hard to imagine being caught in the first World War. (Trench warfare remains one of my biggest nightmares.) Yet, somehow, each of the four protagonists soldier on (sorry), grasping at the little moments that get them through: a new pink coat. A ragtime rendition of Reveille. Twenty-four hours in Paris. Stolen kisses. Letters from the front lines. They’re all so real, so human, that you can easily imagine yourself beside them, trying to make sense of a cruel world…and the whims of the gods.

A bonus BFF charm, of course, goes to Aphrodite, who is as wily as she is romantic.

Swoonworthy Scale: 7

There’s no higher stake than a wartime romance, in which the “getting to know you” courtship period is replaced by separation, possible death or injury, and delayed communications. (Then you have the small complication that Aubrey is a black American soldier in an overtly racist time, dating a white woman.) It makes everything good more precious. You’ll hold your breath and then swoon right along with Hephaestus and Ares as Aphrodite brings their attention to a side of mortality they paid little attention to.

Talky Talk: Mighty Aphrodite

Gods telling tales of mortals is a trope that dates back centuries, if not millennia, and Julie Berry definitely does it justice here. Rather than perching atop Mount Olympus, Aphrodite and her cohort are holding court (heh) in a luxurious Manhattan hotel room. Her narration is woven throughout the book (talk about first-person omniscient!), giving context and foreshadowing to the distinct voices of the four protagonists.

It starts off a bit slow, but picks up steam until it barrels toward the ultimate conclusion; stick with it if it doesn’t grab you by the throat immediately, and let her lush prose wash over you.

Bonus Factor: WWI

There is certainly a saturation of WWII YA books on the market—somehow the Greatest Generation captured our imaginations where others haven’t—so the setting is slightly more novel. If you’re familiar with Vera Brittain’s Testament of Youth (which is especially good if you’re in the mood to be shellshocked and wracked with sobs), you’ll see that Berry nailed the horrors and uncertainties of a war that was, at the time, unlike any other.

Bonus Factor: Paris

It’s not all doom and gloom, of course, and how could it be, when part of the story takes place in Paris? (If you’ve never been, the hype is real: it is the sort of city that puts you under a spell which will linger long after you get home.) Anytime Paris plays a role, you’re swept into an oasis of charm and beauty and culture, just like Aphrodite herself.

Bonus Factor: Gateway Book

Got a reluctant adult YA reader in your life? Lovely War could be the gateway book to get them on our level. You can hardly complain about the maturity level of the characters when they’re teenagers being sent to the front lines—and dealing with all the horrific after effects. Plus, Aphrodite is an ageless narrator, and when she takes center stage, the voice skews far older than the mortals.

Relationship Status: Marry Me Before You Go

I knew this book would be something special, considering Julie Berry is responsible, but I wasn’t expecting to go through a box of tissues. While The Passion of Dolssa will forever remain my favorite of hers (prove me wrong, Ms. Berry! No, seriously—please?), Lovely War was a gorgeously-layered, unusual take on the best and worst of what humanity has to offer.

I love, love, LOVE this book!

We begin with the goddess of Love, Aphrodite, her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares, in an upscale New York hotel. A lovers' quarrel, a "mock trial," and an attempt to answer an age-old question: why is it that Love and War are so often and so inextricably intertwined?

Enter the stories of two pairs of lovers from thirty years prior, during the height of World War I: that of Hazel and James, a talented young pianist and a fresh new soldier who is shipped off to battle soon after their romance begins to blossom, and that of Colette, a Belgian singer, and Aubrey, a musician who played at Carnegie, now part of an African American regiment out of New York.

I find many romance stories at least slightly cheesy, although I still love them, but this story. This story has absolutely swept me off my feet. Readers will feel the love, the pain, and everything that goes with them as they follow the stories of these lovers as told by the goddess of Love herself.

I have to admit, I did not get to finish this story completely before NetGalley's archival date, but based solely on what I have read so far, I am purchasing this book myself, recommending it for purchase by my library, and HIGHLY encouraging anyone who loves romances and/or historical fictions to buy this book as well - it is an EXCELLENT and well-written read that will sweep you off your feet.

This was quite a touching read. Since taking Literature of the Great War in college, I’ve been interested in World War I, and I think Berry did a good job. She explored love, loss, shell shock, racism, women’s work during the war, and lasting injuries–mental, physical, and emotional. She also didn’t let everyone get out scot-free. This is still a war novel, and since it has two love stories but isn’t technically in the romance genre, I expected to be worried for our little lovebirds the entire time before even starting the novel.

Berry included some Greek gods in the novel, namely Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares, Hades, and Hephaestus. I liked the way they narrated it, and I could clearly see the nuances in their styles. I did not, however, like the interjecting courtroom scenes with the gods in 1942. I know it was to connect the two wars, but I just think it could have been done differently. It pulled me out of the story, and I found myself nearly skimming their parts. The beginning, especially, was jarring. Despite that and knowing a bit about these gods from studying mythology and Greek culture in college, I could see the connections between the gods themselves and the parts that they narrated. I could even tell who was narrating what if I didn’t pay attention to the headings at the beginning of the chapters.

I think this is a good book for the young adult audience. It doesn’t water down the war, racism, or their implications, but it still captures that coming-of-age feeling through the ways in which these characters grow up with and through the war.

When I first read the description of Julie Berry's new novel Lovely War, I immediately picked it up to read.

Berry weaves a wonderful World War I story which is told inside of a story set in World War II. The World War I story of an English soldier and his girl and a Belgian girl and an African American soldier keeps the reader interested. Berry pulls in the story of young first love and the horror of war both from the viewpoint of soldiers and their loved ones. Berry also explores the racism experienced by African American soldiers-particularly at the hands of southern soldiers and the work women were forced to take on during the war. Her research is impeccable as demonstrated by a thorough afterword in which Berry tells what parts of her story are based on truth and provides a length bibliography for further reading. Readers will be tempted to pull up early ragtime and jazz tunes as they are mentioned frequently.

The World War II portion occurs in December of 1942. The characters are Greek gods such as Aphrodite, Ares, Apollo, and others who are engaged in a trial. The World War I story is narrated primarily by Aphrodite during the course of the trial. This story within a story provides the opportunity for the various Greek gods to provide insight into the story of how they caused this event to happen and welcome characters to Hades.

While the story within a story construct provides the opportunity to bring in some interesting information about the Greek gods and goddesses, I felt this extra information weighed the story down. The explanation at the beginning of the story about the gods made the beginning chapters difficult to get through. When I came to the sections where the gods interacted during the trial scenes or added commentary to the story, I just wanted to get back to what was happening with our main characters.

Lovely War is a young adult novel geared towards readers 12 and up. While this book has no inappropriate physical interaction, it is a war story and war is horrific. As such I would recommend this book to older YA readers, 14 and up. Many adults who enjoy a good war romance will also enjoy this story so do not let the YA label keep you from enjoying it as well.

Don't miss this unique book! The description does not do justice to this roller coaster ride. Hephaestus catches Aphrodite and Ares in his golden net. Aphrodite has been cheating on Hephaestus. He gives her a chance to defend herself in a trial. In her defense she tells the stories of James and Hazel (from Great Britain), Colette (from Belgium) and Aubrey (from Harlem): how they meet, fall in love during WWI. Each character is on his/her own emotional ride as they meet, are separated, deal with racial prejudice, and are kept apart. If you love historical fiction, you will be highly entertained by this book.
Eternally grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review an ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers for providing this eARC.

<i>The Lovely War</i> is the story of two couples caught up in WWI, with all the angst and horror and love that entails. The twist on this story is its framing device, the "trial" of Aphrodite and Ares, during which Aphrodite (with help from Apollo, Hades, and Ares) recounts their stories during WWII.

I requested this one on a whim from Netgalley because I never feel I know enough about WWI, which was such a catalyst for change and still has effects in the modern world. I chose well, because this book is a well-researched and affecting look at the war and at these characters' lives within it. As will all good historical fiction, especially about the world wars, it tells the stories of a few characters against a literally world-changing landscape.

I liked the WWI portions of the book a lot - there is melodrama for sure, but I think that's inherent in a story in which the characters are falling in love under the duress of being separated at least for a while and possibly forever. One of our characters is an African-American soldier, and I was glad to see this representation in the book (Aubrey was just also a really great character, the Emperor of Jazz). I always think of the military as one of the first desegregated spaces in American life, but that attitude glosses over a lot. This book depicts what black soldiers suffered at the hands of their own supposed comrades. At times this vivid depiction made me sick, but it is so important for American readers in particular to be confronted by structural and institutional racism and white supremacy.

I struggled a bit with the framing scenes at first - I was expecting WWII to actually be a larger part of the book based on what I remembered from the description, but it is mostly just an idea, a specter hanging over our characters. They sacrifice so much and we are left to wonder what their sacrifice will be in the next war to end all wars. The gods tell parts of the story within their purview - Aphrodite tells most of the story, the parts about love; Ares tells about war; Apollo about music (and sometimes medicine); Hades death; Haphaestus mostly listens. The gods are characters, but mostly, they are personifications of their area, of course, and I'm not sure that this part of the book would be beloved by teens.

In fact, I think this book would be better marketed to adults who loved something like <i>The Nightingale</i>, which I thought of a lot over the course of this book. I can think of some teens who would like this because drama, but I'm not sure it would've been for me as a teen. I am glad I read it though, and I am going to seek out some of Berry's source material (referenced in her excellent Author's note) so that I can get my mind a little more firmly around WWI.