Rate this book

Gratitude (2008)

by Joseph Kertes(Favorite Author)

3.45 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0670066699 (ISBN13: 9780670066698)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Viking Canada

review 1: If you are interested in the story of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg's efforts to save Hungarian Jews during WWII by issuing them Swedish citizenship papers and putting them in safe houses, you should read this book. By itself, that is a fascinating tale. If you are interested in Hungary, you should also read it. But, while it was definitely readable, I was not impressed with the writing. Kertes puts long philosophical treatises in the mouths of characters at the most unlikely times. And, while horrible, sad things happened to many of the characters, I was skeptical that things would have ended for many of them as well as they did.
review 2: A moving story that sets WWII in a place and perspective we don't often see with some of the most memorable lines... more I have ever read. I am lucky enough to have interviewed the author after reading it. The thing I love about hearing a writer describe their own characters is how it sounds like they're talking about real, 3-dimentional friends and family members. I think a gifted author brings their characters to life and knows them intimately. Finishing a book must be like saying goodbye to an old friend. less

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