Member Review

Cover Image: A Fire Sparkling

A Fire Sparkling

Pub Date:

Review by

Erin K, Reviewer

I love a good historical fiction novel set during WWII - there's such a rich history that's perfect to mine for high-quality stories. Part of the narrative is set in present time: Gillian Gibbons finds her life crumbling after a betrayal and heads to her grandmother for comfort. However, her life is turned upside down when she discovers a picture of her grandmother with a Nazi officer during the war. Her search for the true story behind her grandmother's history unfolds in a captivating, twist-filled tale.

Although I wasn't crazy about the sections of the novel that followed Gillian's story, the chapters set during WWII were so interesting and I fell in love with all of the characters. MacLean is really gifted at turning the reader's expectations upside down - I loved the fact that there were so many surprises (even when I felt sure I knew where the story was heading). The writing felt a tad clunky at times, but overall, I was completely absorbed by the story, which included so much heartbreak, bravery, and resilience. The historical details all felt really authentic to me as well - a necessary component in a historical fiction book.

I'll definitely be recommending this book!
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