Courtney Angela Brkic

The odd thing about this novel is that I hadn't even heard about it until my son found an online wish list that he thought was mine (because all it had on it was books!). So he bought it for me for Christmas, and me, always willing to read something different, dove in.

The novel follows a family, from their Croatian roots on a small, out of the way island, to some of them emigrating during the Balkan Wars, to the ones left behind who had to find a way to survive. And that's what this story is ultimately about. Survival. The impact of the war on this family, how it changed each one of them and shaped the younger generations who didn't understand. To tell you any more would be to deprive you of the wonderful intricacies with which this story has been interwoven.

The first rule of swimming is to stay afloat, and that's exactly what each of these characters has been taught to do.

An excellent novel that I would highly recommend.… (mer)

Through a story of family, secrets, and sacrifices that spans decades and continents, Courtney Angela Brkic weaves a rich and emotional story with just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. Though more different than they are alike, Magdalena and Jadranka are close as sisters, sharing things with each other they would never share with anyone else. The characters and family dynamics are presented so vividly that the reader can't help but truly feel the bond these sisters share.

At times, I found it slightly confusing to follow the timeline, as the story bounces between characters, places, and decades, sometimes within the same chapter. Nonetheless, I found it difficult to put the book down and all of the flashbacks came together and made sense in the end. Recommended for anyone who enjoys a light mystery or a story of a family's struggle to come to terms with their past, present, and future.

(eGalley provided by Little, Brown and Company via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)… (mer)

Meh...
Jadranka and Magdalena are sisters tied together in unbreakable bonds. But when Jadranka turns up missing, Magdalena must go find her and in the process uncovers some very interesting family secrets along the way.
I'm not really sure what exactly to categorize this book as. It's supposed to be literary fiction but it has elements of a thriller in it as well which is very confusing.
The story has a very simple premise but I feel that it was very weak execution. The poetic writing style is nice but it also makes for more confusion if you are already confused by this book which indeed I was. This was just all together a very confusing read for me. These elements made it not only confusing but boring as well. I really need to stop allowing myself to be taken in by a pretty cover. 🤦🏼‍♀️
Speaking of which this cover is absolutely stunning! Whoever did the cover art for this book did a tremendously good job! It is very simple and eye-catching. Love it.
And I have to say also that the love between the two sisters is very touching and it ultimately got me through the book. Without it I would have been bored to tears.
I can't really say that I would recommend this one.… (mer)