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Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Lost Wife: Bookish Thoughts #2



What this story is about: During the last moments of calm in prewar Prague, Lenka, a young art student, and Josef, who is studying medicine, fall in love. With the promise of a better future, they marry- only to have their dreams shattered by the imminent Nazi invasion. Like so many others, they are torn apart by the currents of war.

Why I wanted to read it: I was moved by some of my favorite blogger's (Kaye and Jill) reviews of this book last year and absolutely knew that I had to make sure that this book was read in 2012.

Source: Public Library

  • I am only on page 41 and I'm absolutely captivated by this author's writing
  • "He laughs. And in his laugh I hear bliss. I hear feet dancing, the rush of skirts twirling. The sound of children. Is that the first sign of love? You hear in the person you're destined to love the sound of those yet to be born."  (p.33) After reading this I had tears in my eyes.
  • I love how the author uses colors in her writing to convey thoughts and emotions. I could picture them in my mind as I was reading. This style of writing evoked very powerful emotions from me.
  • I find the Jewish wedding ceremony to be very beautiful and full of meaning. "I am my beloved and my beloved is mine."
  • I learned about the artists Shiele, Fritta and Kokoschka.  By spending a little time on the internet looking up these artists and viewing their work I was able to understand Lenka's passion for art and how she painted.
  • my heart is aching at the knowledge that so many Jewish people had to wonder what did they do wrong to cause this hatred from their neighbors. So many little children scared and parents not being able to quell their fears. The idea of not knowing what was going to happen to you and your family in the next week, day, hour, and minutes.
  • Even in the darkest days of the death camps there were still babies being born. It was reaffirming that family and love are some of the most vital components of our lives.
  • Never underestimate the power of music. It broke my heart how the prisoners reacted to music..they could forget their hunger, their suffering, the cruelty that they may have experienced earlier that day. All that mattered was the music and how it brought them together.
  • I am amazed that every time I read a story about WWII, the Holocaust, internment camps, displaced people that I can always learn about unknown events that one will never hear about in high school. 
  • I am sickened at what we do to each other. How can one human treat another in such a horrific fashion. My mind can not accept these atrocities, yet I know they happened. 
  • I have so many sticky notes throughout this book that it would be overwhelming to read them all listed here. But I think I can sum up my reading experience with this sentence.......
Is it possible to die from a broken heart because of a story that touched me to the very center of my soul?


Bookish Thoughts #2
© 2012, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission. 

64 comments:

  1. Lovely, Staci! Such a nice format for communicating your thoughts. This is a book that I need to read.

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    1. Thanks so much, Kay! I was just getting burned out on doing reviews and wanted to make my blog and writing for it fun again. This is a powerful book!

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  2. Wow!! This sounds amazing!! Adding it to my list! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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    1. If you only read a few books this year you must add this one to it!!

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  3. It sounds like quite an emotional book, Staci. The line from p.33 is beautiful yet has a sadness to it.

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    1. It was so very emotional, Mary! I thought the same thing about that line too...it really struck me.

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  4. I also love page 33! My library has a few copies (with a wait list) so I will be able to read this one in 2012 too.

    Great review

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    1. I hope you get the chance to read it, Mari!

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  5. I sincerely hope Alyson Richman has more stories to tell. I left a comment on your review at GR.

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    1. Oh, me too Kaye!! Your review sold me on this one so THANK YOU THANK YOU!

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  6. Sounds like you loved this book as much as I did! The writing was just gorgeous, and it really makes you sad and angry, doesn't it? Will link to your post on War Through the Generations.

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    1. At times I had to stop and walk around the house to shake out their images from my mind!

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  7. So glad you're enjoying this, Staci! It was definitely the most emotionally charged book I read last year. I really like the format of this post, too

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    1. Thanks for the positive comments on my format! I'm aiming for simple this year!!! Emotionally wrecked is what I was after finishing this one.

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  8. This does sound like a moving book. I've been reading a lot of WWII material lately, and I agree with your sentiments about people's capacity for cruelty and survival. I also liked the thought about the power of music. I'm adding this book to the list.

    Great review.

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    1. Music touches all of us...deep deep down inside!

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  9. I often wonder about humanity after I read the news. I've read great things about this book too.

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    1. Even though it just killed me I would read this one again and recommend it to all of my friends!

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  10. Loved reading your insightful comments -- must be an amazing novel to touch you so powerfully.

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  11. The babies being born was just one of the parts that knocked me out the most!

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  12. Sounds wonderful! I'll keep an eye out for it. Great review Staci!

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  13. Wow, I had not heard of this book before but it's at the top of my list now. I'm always amazed how we humans can thrive in the worst of circumstances. Great review.

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  14. Wonderful quote! I know that I would like the writing from that. Good writing warms my soul

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  15. I am hoping to get to this book before the year is out. :)

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  16. Everytime I finish a book with this subject matter,my emotional, drained self says, "no more". But I am drawn to these stories and after reading your thoughts, I've got to read this one now.

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    1. I understand..that's what I tell myself too. But I'm so glad that I read it!

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  17. yes it is possible to have a broken heart from a book, I have a few books that have affected me that way.

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  18. Every time I read a book like this, my heart breaks! It is hard to believe there are people who have no regard for human life. I will be sure to put this on my wish list.

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  19. That quote is absolutely beautiful! This post more than any other has given me a feel for what this book will be like to read.

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    1. Thank you so much, Alyce! This book is powerful!

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  20. These are the kinds of books that I have to force myself to read, but am never disappointed that I did. Babies being born at those camps is something I've never thought about before. What a contrast.
    Love the new format, Staci!

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    1. Thanks Stacy!
      I'm enjoying it too...less pressure on myself!!

      Reaffirmation of life!!

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  21. This is one of the books on my to-read list for this year. I was moved by several reviews of this one and cannot wait to read this one. Glad you are enjoying it.

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    1. I so look forward to your thoughts when you read it, Serena!

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  22. Now I'm scared to read this book because of all the emotions it brought out for you. But I learned a lot about the book from your excellent comments!

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  23. I can't wait to crack the spine of this one!

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    1. Hi Beth,
      Hope you do get the chance to crack the spine of this one...wonderfully written!

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  24. I don't think I've ever even heard of this book. To be swept-up in it so early on, is the sign of a great read for sure.

    I am still floating around in a Haruki Murakami dreamworld. If he could just continue to write books... like forever...I would be very happy.

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    1. I'm downloading AFter Dark right now to my iPod all because of you!!!

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  25. I too put this one on my list after reading Kaye's review. My library has it so I'll be putting it on hold soon. You know how much I love a book that can move me to tears.

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  26. Just as I started reading this, I was thinking I needed to ask if you thought it would make a good book club choice. But it really does sound like it would!

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  27. I loved reading your thoughts on this one and instantly added it to my wishlist!

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  28. I am currently reading this book now in Kindle form and am so captivated and touched by the story! Hard to put it down!

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    1. I understand..this one grabbed me and didn't let go!

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  29. I find WW 2 books so sad, especially the ones involving the holocaust. My emotions are usually very high too. Lots of tissues.

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    1. Very emotional and yes, you will need tissues...lots of them!

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  30. I want to read this but at a time when I am prepared to be sad. Great review

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  31. Your written thoughts are filled with such emotion. It is what inspires me so often to pick up the books that have touched you! Thanks Staci :)

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  32. I'm so glad that my reviews touch you!! This book made me very very emotional!!!!

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  33. Alyson Richman said,

    Staci,
    I hardly ever have time to read the reviews on Goodreads, but today I had a few minutes and yours caught my eye. I have to say, I was nearly crying that my novel touched you so profoundly. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the book and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

    Keep reading and thanks from the bottom of my heart.

    Warmly,
    Alyson

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