Review by Love_Good_Books -- Code Name Lily
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- Latest Review: Code Name Lily by Julien Ayotte
Review by Love_Good_Books -- Code Name Lily
[Following is a volunteer review of "Code Name Lily" by Julien Ayotte.]
Code Name Lily: Legend of the Belgian Resistance by Julien Ayotte is a work of fiction depicting the activities of the Belgian Underground during World War II. The story begins with the discovery of a hidden box containing some surprising war memorabilia and follows as a son discovers his father was a veteran who was shot down over Belgium.
This book did not seem to be professionally edited. There were some errors of mechanics, but more glaringly there were three passages that seemed not to fit in the context. For example, a character was introduced on page 53; on page 83, the same character was re-introduced as if he had only then entered the narrative. Character development was also an issue. While the Belgian Underground characters were developed well, the modern-day characters would have been more sympathetic after additional development.
My enjoyment of the book was diminished somewhat by a lack of detail in the description of the workings of the Belgian Underground. This is a part of the history of World War II about which I know little, and I would have enjoyed the book more if it had included additional information along these lines. Frankly, I was disappointed by character flaws in one of the protagonists, but this book is based on a true story, and such flaws are common.
I liked the World War I context that was briefly included as an inspiration for some of the underground workers in this story. Ayotte spotlights the heroism and perseverance of the Belgian Underground. I liked the historical accuracy of the story, as well as the references included at the end of the book. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Code Name Lily is a relatively light read compared to many World War II books, even fictionalized accounts.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction will be interested in this book. However, you don't have to be a history buff to follow the text. Ayotte provides enough context and explanation for the World War II novice to understand the motivation of the Underground characters. Readers who have little interest in history may not enjoy this book, but the central themes of bravery and self-sacrifice are not entirely dependent on world events of the time. Those who are sensitive to profanity should note there are a few instances in conversations between characters. The plot also includes illicit sex. I rate Code Name Lily three out of four stars. If I could give partial stars, I would rate the book 2.7 stars.
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Code Name Lily
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Code Name Lily: Legend of the Belgian Resistance by Julien Ayotte is a work of fiction depicting the activities of the Belgian Underground during World War II. The story begins with the discovery of a hidden box containing some surprising war memorabilia and follows as a son discovers his father was a veteran who was shot down over Belgium.
This book did not seem to be professionally edited. There were some errors of mechanics, but more glaringly there were three passages that seemed not to fit in the context. For example, a character was introduced on page 53; on page 83, the same character was re-introduced as if he had only then entered the narrative. Character development was also an issue. While the Belgian Underground characters were developed well, the modern-day characters would have been more sympathetic after additional development.
My enjoyment of the book was diminished somewhat by a lack of detail in the description of the workings of the Belgian Underground. This is a part of the history of World War II about which I know little, and I would have enjoyed the book more if it had included additional information along these lines. Frankly, I was disappointed by character flaws in one of the protagonists, but this book is based on a true story, and such flaws are common.
I liked the World War I context that was briefly included as an inspiration for some of the underground workers in this story. Ayotte spotlights the heroism and perseverance of the Belgian Underground. I liked the historical accuracy of the story, as well as the references included at the end of the book. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. Code Name Lily is a relatively light read compared to many World War II books, even fictionalized accounts.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction will be interested in this book. However, you don't have to be a history buff to follow the text. Ayotte provides enough context and explanation for the World War II novice to understand the motivation of the Underground characters. Readers who have little interest in history may not enjoy this book, but the central themes of bravery and self-sacrifice are not entirely dependent on world events of the time. Those who are sensitive to profanity should note there are a few instances in conversations between characters. The plot also includes illicit sex. I rate Code Name Lily three out of four stars. If I could give partial stars, I would rate the book 2.7 stars.
******
Code Name Lily
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Code Name Lily by Julien Ayotte
