The Silent Unseen by Amanda McCrina
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to read and review. As always, these are my honest thoughts. If you purchase through the below link, I get a small % at no extra cost to you.
I read and loved her book Traitor, which focuses on Poland and Ukraine around WWII. It was an aspect of WWII that I didn’t know much about, and I felt the research was done really well. The same can be said for The Silent Unseen – which follows the same premise. I suppose these could be called companion books.
I definitely liked Traitor more than The Silent Unseen, but I wouldn’t say NOT to read it.
Here are some pros and cons (and remember – this is just my POV!)
Pros of The Silent Unseen:
1. It gives you a look into history that isn’t really focused on, despite being set during WWII.
2. I loved the way the book makes you think of allies and enemies. So many of these characters are just kids – or in their 20’s. They’re trying to survive, and that doesn’t always mean making the best decisions.
3. I really appreciated the love of family throughout. Both main characters would do almost anything for their loved ones.
Cons of The Silent Unseen:
1. I felt the book was a bit too short. I would have liked to have more plot.
2. There was a tiny addition of romance that I really felt wasn’t needed. It’s not a big deal, but it doesn’t really add anything.
All in all, I think it was a good book. I would definitely recommend Traitor if you had to choose just one!
I love the WWII genre and both of these sound like great reads! Thanks for sharing your review!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I love books that touch on the gray places where people make their decisions when survival is on the line.
I’m not familiar with McCrina but I’ll check her out (esp. Traitor) the next time I’m in the mood for historical fiction.
Interesting take on this one. Since I’m a fan of historical fiction set in this period, I might take a look. I’m also going to look up Traitor. Thanks.
Both of these are new to me, but sound like ones I will share with a friend who loves these types! Great review!
Not a total win but sounds like it was good overall. I’m unfamilar with either book.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
Sorry it wasn’t quite as good, but it sounds like you still mostly enjoyed it. And that does seem interesting to get a look at the history that isn’t focused on as much.
While this wasn’t as good as the first for you, I am glad you enjoyed aspects of it.
Pinning both of these to remember to share with my book club. Always enjoy a good WWII story. Have you read Ruta Sepetys books? So good.
Funny enough, my one qualm with Traitor was that it felt a bit long to me, so maybe this one would really work for me! I don’t mind an added romance either- maybe it would help with the dark subject matter? Either way, glad you liked this one, and thanks for the review- I don’t think I’ve read a single one until yours!