Susan D. (mom2nine) reviewed The Light in the Ruins (Vintage Contemporaries) on + 343 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book begins in the mind of a serial killer targeting one family. It goes back and forth to Italy WWII, including a relationship between a family member and a German officer. As usual, Bohjalian's writing flows, with good insight on living in a worn-torn country. Something about this book is not as good as his previous books, whether too many coincidences, or if the ending is a bit flat; perhaps he reached just a bit too far out of his comfort zone. Still a sound story, esp. when compared to other authors. I received book in goodreads contest with expectation of fair/honest review.
Susan L. (sazbelle) reviewed The Light in the Ruins (Vintage Contemporaries) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I usually love Bohjalian but this one seems emotionally lackluster. I never established an emotional connection with any of the characters and, while the history and setting were interesting, the ending felt flat and uninspired...it just didn't live up to the teasers along the way.
Karen S. (MKSbooklady) reviewed The Light in the Ruins (Vintage Contemporaries) on + 989 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Suspenseful,historical,mysterious, you can use all of these words to describe this book. Italy during WWII-who do you side with? You do what you need to do to keep yourself and your family alive, which is what the Rosati's did.Well written, as always.
I did not like this book. It was very depressing. I kept holding on thinking that the ending would redeem the story. But the ending fell completely flat which made me truly dislike this book. Not Chris Bohjalian's typical writing. Very disappointed.
