Lovely War by Julie Berry Published by Penguin on February 4, 2020
Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Greek & Roman, Romance, Historical, War & Military
Pages: 480
Format: Audiobook, ARC
Narrator: Steve West
Length: 12 hours and 57 minutes
Source: Publisher, Library
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Goodreads
A sweeping, multi-layered romance set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II, where gods hold the fates--and the hearts--of four mortals in their hands.
They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect turned soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the U.S. Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by the goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though War is a formidable force, it's no match for the transcendent power of Love.
Author Julie Berry's critically acclaimed writing has been called "haunting and unforgettable" by New York Times bestselling author of Salt to the Sea Ruta Sepetys and "utterly original and instantly engrossing" by Publishers Weekly.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Why Did I Read?
I love both historical fiction and Greek mythology and I was so intrigued by this premise! A story set during World War I but told by Greek gods, Aphrodite in particular. Have you ever heard such a unique premise??
My Thoughts:
This is probably one of the most unique book premises I’ve ever read. We hear the story as it’s being told by the goddess Aphrodite to her husband Hephaestus and to her lover Ares. She is “on trial” for adultery by Hephaestus and she is telling the story of four lovers during World War I in her defense. As she begins, we are whisked off to the early 1900s, meeting Hazel, a pianist who ends up volunteering in the war effort after she meets James, a soldier sent to the front lines. There, she meets Colette, a fellow volunteer who has lived through traumatic times after Germans invaded her home in Belgium. Aubrey, a talented pianist, is an African American soldier who finds racism has followed him to France. Aphrodite weaves the story of these four different characters and how love and war play a part in these four characters’ love stories.
I was immediately caught up in the riveting premise and swept away to 1917. Julie Berry has an incredible writing style that is so atmospheric. The setting came alive and I became so immersed in the lives of Hazel and James, Aubrey and Colette. I loved seeing how their lives entwined and how they fell in love despite the horrifying backdrop of war hanging over their every day lives.
Each of these characters stories was so beautifully told. As the reader hears about those stories, there is also the larger arc of Aphrodite conversing with Hephaestus and Ares. Apollo makes appearances as well. It was such a creative twist to hear the commentary of these Greek gods as they discussed the human war and human tendencies.
The manner of story telling was one of the things I really loved in Lovely War and yet, it’s also that same method of story telling that made me feel a little distanced from the emotional aspect of Hazel and James falling in love at the beginning. I felt like I was on the outside looking in (which I suppose I technically was, via Aphrodites’ narration) but I was wrapped up soon enough. It just took me a little bit of time to realize and root for Hazel and James’ love. When I did, my heart just swelled with love for these two! They are so precious.
Aubrey and Colette on the other hand, I fell in love with them in a wild rush. I could visualize them together as this beautiful musical masterpiece and there was nothing I wanted more than for these two to find their happiness amongst all the other sadness in their lives.
This story was so wonderfully told. It was this achy sort of love story that I think will leave an imprint on you for some time. It’s hopeful despite the war that rages on during the story. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is one you can’t miss! I am definitely interested in reading more of Julie Berry’s backlist!
A note to add that the audiobook of this book is REALLY brilliant. Not only are the narrators incredible but the music they added for the recording adds a whole other dimension to the story. It’s so, so good. I would highly recommend the audio version!
In Short…
A beautifully written story told by the Greek goddess Aphrodite about a love story taking place during the tragedies of World War I – a must read for historical fiction fans! I highly recommend this super unique story!
What’s the most unique premise you’ve ever read? Have you read Julie Berry’s previous books?
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That’s so interesting that it’s a blend of Greek mythology and historical fiction. It sounds terrific. I haven’t tried Julie Berry before but I’ve heard good things!