Read the novel New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network Kate Quinn called “easily one of the best novels I have read all year!” A critically acclaimed, multi-layered romance set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II, where gods hold the fates–and the hearts–of four mortals in their hands.They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British … pianist from London, a British would-be architect-turned-soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the U.S. Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though War is a formidable force, it’s no match for the transcendent power of Love.
Hailed by critics, Lovely War has received seven starred reviews and is an indie bestseller. Author Julie Berry has been called “a modern master of historical fiction” by Bookpage and “a celestially inspired storyteller” by the New York Times, and Lovely War is truly her masterwork.
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Julie Berry pens an utter delight in Lovely War, an effervescent confection of a novel filled with humor, tragedy, romance, and myth. Easily one of the best novels I have read all year!
Lovely War is one of the most surprising and amazing books I’ve read this year. I would never have connected a story set in World War I (and partly World War II) with Greek mythology but Julie Berry totally made it work. I completely fell in love with this brilliant and touching book.
The story is mainly told through the point of view of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Love, who is being put on trial by her husband Hephaestus for being unfaithful with Ares. So Aphrodite decided to tell them all a story about love. We also get in alternating chapters the story told by Ares, Apollo and Hades, who are also present at the trial. They tell the story of Hazel and James, who fall in love right before James had to head off to war as a new soldier. They also tell the story of Colette and Aubrey, a Belgian girl who lost her entire family because of the Germans and Aubrey an African-American musician from Harlem.
This is a book that focuses on the romance between these two couples but it goes into so much more than that. It goes into the horrors of the war and how it affected the soldiers not only physically but also mentally, there was also the prejudice and racism that the black soldiers were experiencing. At times it was a very harrowing read but outstanding at the same time.
Hazel, James, Colette and Aubrey were all fantastic characters to read about. Every single one. I did have a soft spot for Colette because she’s Belgian just like me. Her backstory of losing her family and the boy she was in love with broke my heart. But I absolutely loved that even though she went through so much back in Belgium that she gave Aubrey a chance eventually. I loved them so much.
Lovely War by Julie Berry was one beautifully written book. It surprised me, made my heart pound, broke my heart several times, made me both laugh and cry. The rollercoaster of emotions was very real and I loved every single part of it.
Julie Berry writes the past as if she lived it.
A sweet love story told from the unique perspective of squabbling Greek gods, this is a fresh look at World War I that my twelve-year-old daughter can’t wait to gobble up!
I almost missed out on this gorgeous story. The first time I saw it, I thought, “what a terrible title. There’s nothing lovely about war.” The next time I saw it, I thought, “Ugh. Too pink.” (I’m not judgey at all). But the third time I came across it was when one of the librarian/book bloggers I trust recommended it. *That* time I thought, “Eh, I’m really not interested in Greek gods. Like, I’m the opposite of interested.” But I’ve never NOT liked one of her recs. So I looked the book up on Goodreads. And I saw that another book blogger I trust ALSO really loved it. And that was it for me. That was when I had a little talk with myself about judging a book by its cover and decided to just try it. And gosh I’m so glad I did. This story has everything I love in historical fiction. Winning characters you can’t help but root for and adore. A wonderful love story (x3). An epistolary component. Weighty subjects addressed with subtlety, complexity, and depth (racism, PTSD, war). Fantastic research that teaches me more about history. A literary style, and in this case, structure. If you’ve ever wanted to explore the YA section at your bookstore, let this be your gateway to a section full of fantastic novels. I was actually surprised to find it in the YA section, just because it felt adult to me. But, yes, Lovely War *is* about the YA themes of identity, first love, and leaving home, all wrapped up in sophistication and humor. I listened to the audiobook, which is a full-cast recording *with music.* It was fantastic. So… get on this one, y’all.
I saw this book recommended by a friend and so decided to check it out and I am SO glad that I did! This story was so original and wow! I don’t even know how to put into words my thoughts. The creativity behind this and the way in which the other brought to life the realities of war and relationships during WWI with this unique perspective of a trial of the gods, it was just pure masterpiece and I highly recommend it.
I definitely was super invested in the story and even text my friend multiple times to make her promise me it would end happily. It doesn’t sugar coat the hardships and devasting realities of war, but it also does deliver a message of hope and love.
I did listen to the audiobook which reads like a play and was one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to. I will reread the book in book form, it was too good to not revisit.
Aphrodite and Ares are trapped…and Aphrodite’s husband Hephaestus is to blame. Stuck in a golden net they cannot escape, Aphrodite asks Hephaestus to allow her to plead her case as to why she is having an affair with Ares. Against his better judgment, Hephaestus agrees. And so begins a tale…of love, war, devastation, friendships and HOPE.
As the story is told, Aphrodite calls witnesses to her tale and so Apollo and Hades make an appearance on her behalf. Why exactly is the love story between James and Hazel so important? How does the love between Aubrey and Collette prove Aphrodite’s work is meaningful? Can she prove, through their stories, that she isn’t some flighty floozy? Is there some deeper meaning behind why Aphrodite is even having an affair?
OH MAN! What a treat this was to get absolutely lost in. This isn’t a small book and I devoured it! It’s Historical Fiction with a smattering of Mythology and it couldn’t have been more perfect for me. This one had me all over the place with emotions but then the best books do that. I did not want this one to end.
If you are looking for a book that will have you lost in love, crying out in despair, falling to your knees (so-to-speak) in agony, and eventually becoming lifted high on hope … Go Grab This — “…though War is a formidable force, it’s no match for the transcendent power of Love”
I LOVED this book! I don’t know if it was the mood I was in, or what, but this book was just wonderful! It had happiness and heartache, survival and tragedy, humor and sadness all wrapped into one.
I really enjoyed the history that was told in a love story narrated by Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares and more. Julie Berry is a talented author to hook me from the start and keep me on the edge of my seat until the last words on the page. Thanks, Ms. Berry, for teaching me more about the Great War and a new way of looking at love and romance. Truly exceptional.
Anyone in love with historical fiction and in need of some romance sprinkled in, should pick up this book!
What a beautifully written story!
This book tore my heart out and stuffed it in a paper shredder. It was nothing short of amazing. I almost chucked this book at the wall in some sections, but it was a delightful frustration that drove me to the brink of madness whilst reading this wonderful novel.
Such a unique and beautiful book! My one complaint is that I didn’t want it to end! I thought the characters were lovely. I absolutely loved the idea of having the gods narrate a World War I story. You can tell that the author did her research. There were themes of love, perseverance, grief, overcoming hardships, and growth. It was valuable to get a better view of what racism looked like during the war and the role of women in helping the country keep going. Okay, and honestly? My favorite character was Hades. This portrayal of him was perfect and so tender.
Though the cover and the premise are very appealing, this book was very difficult to become immersed in. I am sure others will enjoy it, it is well written. The audio narrator did not work for me this time, and may have interfered with my enjoyment of same.
This was a harder read than I expected–don’t let the “romance” description fool you–this is also harrowing and heart wrenching. But OH SO WORTH IT in the end! Sometimes I read book that bring me to tears repeatedly and just feel angry at the author–not so with this book. I was and am floored by it.
This was a very beautiful book. I loved the way the two love stories unfolded. I haven’t read a lot of fiction set during World War 1, and I found the backdrop very intriguing. The narration by the Greek gods was interesting and made some fascinating points that I’ll be thinking about for a while. I would have enjoyed the romance stories without that, though. I did listen to the audiobook, which was narrated by several people. I loved the actor doing Apollo’s voice. I could listen to him all day. The actor doing Hades had a very clipped style, and it was hard to listen to. Anyway, it’s a nice, clean book for young adults who like romance, history, and a little Greek mythology.
What an incredibly creative way to tell a story!
A frame story pitches the Greek gods, particularly Aphrodite and Ares, against Aphrodite’s jealous husband Haephestus, who has caught the two in a tryst. He tells Aphrodite that he intends to put her on trial for her adultery, but is stymied when she admits plainly and with no shame that yes, she was having an affair. But then the conversation devolves into a discussion of the value of her of “work”. Aphrodite herself takes the stand, and to defend herself, tells a story of two couples.
The couples meet and fall in love during WWI. At first, James and Hazel’s story was so stilted and predictable that I almost gave up, but I’m so glad I didn’t! That was just the setup. Later, Hazel meets Collette, a Belgian girl who lost everything when the Germans invaded her town and killed her sweetheart. She later meets Aubrey, an African American soldier with a tremendous talent for jazz, and finds a second chance at love. But the couples are each plagued by various trials. As a black man in the war, racism plagues Aubrey, especially for his relationship with a white woman. When another soldier in his regiment is killed in his place by a white American soldier, Aubrey is forced to vanish into the night–leaving an already traumatized Collette to presume him dead. Meanwhile, war injuries nearly tear James and Hazel apart, several times: first his, then hers.
Throughout the story, Aphrodite calls other “witnesses” to tell their portions of the story: Apollo, the god of art and music, as Hazel is a pianist, Aubrey is a jazz musician, and Collette turns out to be a singer. (We get to hear strains of music in the audio version, which is a great touch!) Ares, of course, when war tears them all apart. Hades when various characters die and reach the Underworld. Several times I feared I might not get my happily-ever-after, but I did: not only for the two couples, but even for the frame story too! Very clever and well done.
My rating: ****1/2
Sexual content: none
Language: none
Violence: present but as mild as can be expected in a story that partially takes place in the WWI trenches
Political content: historical only
1/2 star review for The Lovely War by Julie Berry
This wartime novel follows two different romances through the course of WWI.
Hazel and James are propelled together but become divided when the war progresses. They meet up again in Paris, renewing their romance, but trauma from the war plays the devil’s advocate and threatens to split them a part.
Hazel joins the YMCA and meets Colette, a Belgian survivor of German atrocities. The young ladies befriend Audrey, a man of color, but they are eventually dismissed from the YMCA for their association with him.
Before the women leave, Colette and Audrey form an instant attraction. Music ties them together. Audrey is a gifted musician and Colette a talented vocalist. Colette is left with wondering if Audrey survived a supposed brutal attack from men fighting on the same side.
I really wanted to love this book, but I did not. I dislike leaving less than a four-star review for books, but I am being honest for other readers out there. Several things knocked this book down a couple of stars for me. How I based my rating:
POV: The old-school omniscient, god-like view point with direct interjections of thought from mythical Greek Gods pushed this historical fiction novel into the fantastical realm and took me out of the story.
The very short chapters made the book choppy. Longer continuation of scenes would have made for a more cohesive feel rather than a sense that chapters were pasted together.
1/2 The story of the couples pulled me in and kept me reading. I just wish the book had been told from their perspective rather than the “gods”.
five stars for a beautiful cover and formatting
I loved this book. It is my favourite book to date.
If this novel were music, it’d be a symphony. The author’s transition between story lines is seamless. It’s a beautiful tale of two stories: After being caught in a tryst with another god and put on trial, Aphrodite uses a story of humans as her defense claiming that love has to be everywhere and humankind would not survive if it were contained. The narrative alternates between the trial and Aphrodite’s ‘Human Tale’. Her account spans two generations and two wars. The story she tells is based on real events and people during the time period. It’s about war, music, survival, coping with racism and sexism, and one thing that endures it all, love.
4.5 Stars!
First and foremost, Lovely War was an historical romance about two couples whose lives intersected during the Great War. Creatively shared, but not in an overshadowing way, through the testimonies of the Greek gods Ares, Aphrodite, Apollo, and Hades, who all had hands in the circumstances of the couples lives. Predominantly, this was James, Hazel, Aubrey, and Colette’s experiences with small moments with the gods between “acts.” Those moments gave credence to the circumstances that the characters found themselves in and propelled their stories forward.
Besides the focus on two touching romances, the novel was an intense depiction of some of the invasions, war front battles, as well as racial prejudices brought overseas and into the conflict. The author expertly depicted the British, Belgian, and American importance during WWI. I had felt like James and Hazel’s story was more developed than Aubrey and Colette’s, but both were full of meaningful and poignant moments of love, death, grief, and in the end, hope.
Note: This book is classified as YA, but as a reader of both adult and YA, it reads more like adult fiction to me. I think that the mild fantasy element brings a lighter touch to balance the bleak and grittier parts and quite possibly, the reason for the YA classification. Regardless, I highly recommend this story to historical romance readers and those who simply enjoy well-written historical fiction with a light touch of fantasy.
Exceptionally well-written story.