Review * "[An] affecting novel...that skillfully combines reality with fiction. Her characters come alive, and...Hesse's pacing infuses her story with thriller suspense, enriching the narrative with dramatic surprises both small and large."--Booklist, * "Riveting... a gripping historical mystery." --Publishers Weekly* "This fast-paced story is alternately touching, heart-pounding and wrenching-but always gripping. ...a heartrending, moving story."--VOYA"The themes of love, betrayal, heroism, social responsibility, and atonement are beautifully intertwined with well-developed characters and a compelling story line. Thoroughly researched, this work brings history alive in a clear and concise way that rings true. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially stories set during World War II."--School Library Journal"Rich in content and emotion, this is a first-rate companion to the historical tales of the onderduikers, the hidden Jews of Holland, and a compelling read"--Kirkus Reviews"This heartbreaking story of terror and loss sweeps you into a time-is-running-out mystery that delivers plot twists and a shocking final punch that'll haunt you for days."--Justine Magazine"A moving immersion into life in WWII."--The St. Louis Post-Dispatch"Girl in the Blue Coat is a powerful, compelling coming-of-age story set against the dark and dangerous backdrop of World War II. It's an important and page-turning look at the choices all of us--including young adults--have to make in wartime. A beautiful combination of heartbreak, loss, young love, and hope."--Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale"A tapestry of guilt and acceptance, growing responsibility, and reluctant heroism, Hanneke's coming-of-age under heartbreaking circumstances is a jarring reminder of how war consumes and transforms the passions of ordinary life. Every devastating moment of this beautiful novel is both poignant and powerful, and every word feels true." --Elizabeth Wein, New York Times bestselling author of Black Dove, White Raven; Rose Under Fire; and the Printz Honor-winning Code Name Verity"In an occupied city, a young woman's daring transforms into true courage when she confronts a mystifying disappearance. From page one, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Enthralling."--Judy Blundell, New York Times bestselling author of Strings Attached and the National Book Award-winning What I Saw and How I Lied About the Author Monica Hesse is an author and journalist with The Washington Post. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and their dog.
C**E
Just ok
Started well but fell short of being a good read. It became tedious and repetitive. Tried to become exciting but failed to deliver
E**G
Brilliant
Gripping harrowing historical read for all ages.
S**S
good intentions to cover a difficult subject
I'm really sorry to be mean about this, because the author has tried really hard, with good intentions to cover a difficult subject. However it's just rather dull. It's also written in trendy present tense that adds nothing to the worthy voice of Hanneke. I didn't care much about her character and her love interest is dead before the book even begins. There are some Ho hum reveals that I won't spoil for you but I found the ending un satisfying and that I'd been preached at. The Tin Ring by Zdenka Fantlova is amazing, gripping and a true story about what Jewish people had to endure under the Nazis. I recommend that.
S**H
Just missed being a good book
Really wanted to like this book but there is such a lack of character development that the whole book looses the intention of a meaningful. Almost feels like I read an abridged version of a classic - had a bunch of interesting events that because it was abridged don't connect together.Appreciate that is may be better for a younger audience but lacks the grip I was expecting.
F**R
Young adult fiction
This was bought for my teenage daughter - she ,over it.
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