The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book takes you through a thrilling journey in Europe during WWII in order to figure out a family secret. The main character has a detective like skillset as she searches for clues to piece together each part of the puzzle. With the history and mystery this book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After the first few chapters you will be drawn in to the intriguing plot as Anna begins to discover family secrets and search for questions unanswered. The Author has a writing style that is informative as well as entertaining, and provides us with historical facts along the way.
I am always pulled towards any kind of works written about WWII, I recommend reading this book if you are as well, as I found that I could not put it down!
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was story that was touching and heartfelt from start to finish. Not only did it hit on deep emotions, it kept me thinking and wondering what would come next. I could not put this book down for long without thinking about when I could read more. The author did an amazing job with character development and left me contemplating what I had read long after I finished. It was a wonderful read with a touching story.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I absolutely love a good historical story but when you add on the twists and turns of psychological thriller it’s just amazing!!! The author does a wonderful job of sharing just enough to keep you interested and then throws a twist into the story. This was a book I could not put down. It also kept me guessing and thinking long after I finished reading it. If you love mind games and historical stories you will love this book.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! I am completely blown away by this novel. I typically have a lot of issues with historical fiction because they make events seem somewhat unrealistic but this author did a wonderful job of connecting the characters to events of the past. Set between WWII and modern times, this novel follows the stories of multiple well-written characters as they find their ways through a myriad of events. This author writes like a seasoned novelist and I am looking forward to reading more!
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great woman and historical fiction
Anna Venu of Arizona is a shrewd, insightful, and funny woman. She’ll need every one of those qualities to make it through the adventure she’s about to go on following the unintentional discovery of a shocking family secret. Anna embarks on a perilous journey across Vienna, Paris, and Berlin in order to solve a mystery that leads her back to the bloody closing days of WWII. When Anna’s quest unexpectedly leads her into a modern-day European political intrigue, she suddenly finds herself in over her head. Anna will have to use all of her abilities and resolve to find the truth and remain alive if she is to survive. This work, told in a unique storytelling manner, spans numerous generations and historical periods, with surprising twists and turns along the way. Readers are forced to ponder the psychological urge for hostility, racism, power abuse, and the inexorable human need for war with Anna. This book encourages readers to learn about their own ancestors’ tales while also emphasizing that we are all connected through the Web of Humanity, which is our last hope for survival.
I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of her books
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, did this one keep the twists and turns coming! I won’t go into the number of late nights I had where I just couldn’t put this book down! I love historical fiction and especially ones where there is a present day component and a mystery and found all three aspects in this delightful story! I would definitely recommend it and whilst I read the eBook version, I am thinking I need to buy the hard copy to give as gifts!
Review by @sparkinside
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You know that saying “history tends to repeat itself.” In this book she goes as far back to world War 2. I really enjoyed this book. As before reading I was already doing my basic genealogy. Now after I really want to learn and do more research of my own. This book really encouraged me to get the answers for my own family.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m just completely gobsmacked about what I have just read! I found myself unable to put this book down even when I was exhausted from teaching crazy 8th graders!! If I could read for at least 5 minutes on Anna’s discoveries and findings I would be okay with knowing some answers! This book contains 2 of my most favorite things: history and interconnections through genealogy. Anna Venu’s story beings with family secrets and mystery! As an amateur family historian, I connected with Anna in her frustrations of meeting dead ends and having to start over THEN be presented with something totally bazaar! I was seeing myself in her character and I just had to know about her journey! Everyone is connected to some degree and world events impact not just those who lived it, but also those who come after! This complexity is shown through the present life of Anna and her journey through the past! This hit me hard when I read the book, and I feel the story created does a magnificent job displaying this fact through the Venu’s family mysteries and secrets! I’m extremely recommended this novel for your next read!!! You won’t be able to put it down!
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am fascinated with WWII stories. I’ve always been one to watch series or books that give different perspective and this book delivers! Great read!
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first I’ve read from this author and really my first historical fiction. I’ve never been a history buff, but I feel like I learned more reading this novel than I remember from history class, and it kept me hooked from the first chapter. I’m quite shocked that this is a new author, as her writing is well-researched, detailed, gripping, and incredibly thought-provoking. The character development of Anna was very well done and you could easily feel like you were going on her adventure with her. If you enjoy long and descriptive novels that will keep you yearning for more, grab this book!
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The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing book! I felt like I learned so much. The attention to detail was excellent. I felt like I was there seeing things through the eyes of regular everyday people. This book is so much more than just about war. I could not put it down! I wanted more and more. I learned so much about World War II and how it affects everyone, including other generations. Everyone should read this!
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am a sucker for historical fiction, and this book is the best one I’ve come across in a LONG time. First of all, the author’s style of writing is so easy to follow that I just slipped right down into the story. It’s wild to believe this is the author’s first novel. Anna is such a compelling character that it was not hard to believe her and the journey she takes into the past. I love reading books that make me ask questions and continue reading in order to get to the bottom of those questions. I am also into genealogy and am intrigued by the thought of getting to know my ancestors and the reasons why they did certain things and lived a certain way, and this novel brings it all back to the human condition. What does it mean to be human and do the things that humans do? I feel like this is a good read for teenagers, as well as adults, who are curious about delving into the intricacies of human interaction and survival. I highly recommend this book.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has been an absolute treasure to read! I love historical fiction and this is right up my alley. The author takes you on a wonderful and page turning experience during WWII. Anna, the main character, drew me in as soon as the book started. I could NOT put this book down. If you enjoy a clue-finding type of book, this is the one to read. If you like genealogy, this is also a great read. It’s definitely made me want to get back into learning my ancestral history.
Reviewed by @danihoneycutt
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I fell in love with the characters more than the actual story surrounding it. That’s really odd for me to say but if you follow the flow of the way it unravels. So much of this book warms my heart in so many ways. It was almost like I was drawn to this book and it was well worth the read as it flowed easily, well written, and a whole experience!
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has so much going for it. It has historical elements right along with suspense. It has love and family and friends, all of which make life better—both in reality and on the page. The characters were strong, well-written, and realistic. The story itself had some amazing twists that I didn’t expect but loved. With fantastic descriptions, this book kept me thick in the middle of things—I felt like I was there during all of it. There was a bit more exposition than I’m used to, but it didn’t drag the story down as it was easy to take in. All in all, the book was a great read that was easy to lose myself in.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Multi-layered and intriguing
This book had many elements that were presented in a way that kept my interest. The book is well written and keeps the multiple story lines in order. The elements of truth woven throughout the mystery adventure were well done and it stands out that the author has researched. A mix of history, drama, suspense, emotional turmoil and mystery makes this a very worthy read.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What am introducing is a book filled with a difference. This is a different than normal read for me. Ann is a women with a loving family. I enjoyed the time hopping in the book. This book has a lot going for it history romance, secrets, danger. There alot of attention to detail. It’s can be graphic at times and very emotional.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book truly felt like an adventure, filled with thrilling danger, heartache, warmth, and love. It’s a story that shows all the ways in which people connect, the ways that we are all the same and go through the same hardships. It is a wonderful story written beautifully, pulling the reader in and not letting them go till the very end. Turchin writes her characters beautifully and I fell in love with every one of them.
I also have to applaud the way Turchin handles different timelines effortlessly, using a true story to weave her narrative around. Such a special story and such a special writer, hope to be reading more of Turchin’s stuff in the future, she really does command her audience. When you pick this book up you will not be able to put it down.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is long and entertaining.
World War Two is one of my favorite topics to read about.
The plot is focused not just on the war but it seems very disconnected.
It is a lot of characters and development but it was so entertaining to me that I just kept going.
I enjoyed this story however I will not reread.
Great plot.
I am new to this author, because I enjoyed it I will give it four stars but this is not for everyone.
This highlights morals, friendship, love and everything that may make you an individual.
There are many time jumps and that is the greatest aspect for me so many view points.
Enjoyable yet chaotic.
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
No names to be given is a story that centers around 3 young ladies in the late 1960’s. While their story travels different roads they all land at a maternity home. As we travel with them on their journeys we get to meet Faith, a young lady whose entire dream is to be the youngest Christian recorded artist, Sandy/Candy a local stripper who ran away from home to get away from her stepfather, and Becca a young lady who fell in love with a man not acceptable by her family.
You will cry, laugh, and feel like you are living their story with them. If you enjoy historical fiction or stories based on true events you will love this one!
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
No Names to be Given is probably the best book I have read all year. It really stuck with me, and I didn’t want to put it down. While it is not advertised as being a true story, it totally could be. This book follows 3 women throughout teen and adulthood, and focuses around the tragic event that ties them together. Three unwed girls in the 1960s, shamed into a maternity home by their parents, and forced to give their children up for adoption. They did not even get to see their child, not knowing if they had a daughter or a son. All 3 had different back stories, again very realistic. This book was especially captivating after the recent events surrounding abortion and women’s rights. I loved that all three women turned out to have wonderful lives, although very different. I did not expect all the events surrounding their adulthood and children, but it was perfect. I love how it all tied together in the end. Highly highly recommend this to all!
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is so much in this book that it was impossible to put down. But a word to wise, if you are easily upset this book may not be for you. This book talks about several sensitive topics including child abuse, racial discrimination, a fear of hopelessness, and more but it really gives you a feel for how things worked in the 1960’s. While this is the authors debut novel, I really loved her writing style, and the way she laid out the plotline for this story. While this book is not for everyone I really enjoyed this thought provoking read. So if you are looking for a unique thought provoking read this weekend, then I recommend this book.
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a story this is. This book is so rich in detail and emotionally engaging. All three characters came across so strong. I expected to connect with one more than the other but that really wasn’t the case. The story is so well written. The author really opens your eyes to things you wouldn’t necessarily experience but does do in a way that you don’t feel excluded. I think a lot of this comes from the fact the author can speak from experience. This is a brilliant story that I would highly recommend.
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really amazing story to read. It is set in the 1960s and for women today what the characters are put through is something we can’t even imagine. The story itself is heartbreaking. As a mother myself I couldn’t imagine having to give up my child because i was unmarried. The author deals with some very serious subjects in this story such as racial discrimination, abuse and rape but it is done in a way that is respectful and gives you a real insight into how some people’s lives were during that time and that’s what makes this book so touching is the fact that even our characters are fictional their circumstances and their lives probably would have existed.
At the start of the book we meet our 3 woman, Sandy, Becca and Faith. 3 women from 3 different backgrounds but the one thing that connects them is that they are in a home for unmarried women to give birth and then give up their children.
Sandy had left her home and ran away from an abusive parent. She found a job as a dancer in a bar.
Becca fell in love with someone of the wrong skin colour. At that time interacial relationships were frowned upon and seen as wrong
Faith came from a strict religious family. When an incident with someone close to the family happened, Faith felt she couldn’t confide in her parents for fear of not being believed.
After we meet our women we are then take forward in their lives to see how their lives have progressed and we also see the story from the eyes of the children that they had given up at birth.
This is a really heartwrenching story made all the more so but how realistic these situations would have been during that time.
The Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin
4 out of 5 Stars
Anna Venu was given a mystery to solve. It was one that she didn’t want but decided to accept at the urgence of her grandfather. Find out who her grandmother really was.
Anna knew the family stories. Now using the stories and clues she finds in pictures, documents and from people she meets along the way, Anna discovers not only who her grandmother was but the story behind the secrets. Anna finds family, friends and love along the way. The journey to discover who her grandmother was led to her own self-discoveries.
The author weaves a brilliant tale of mystery with history, intermingling the past, the present, and intrigue. The parallels between the different factions of yesterday and today can’t be denied. Spectacular story!
View all my reviews
The Web of Humanity, Maria Turchin, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, HISTORICAL, WOMEN’S FICTION
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a gut wrenching story of real life experiences of young women in the 1960s.
I have never cried so hard.
Choices
Life and death.
Feeling free while being held hostage mentally, emotionally and physically.
This story proves how history comes around full circle.
Every single woman in the world needs to read this.
I have never connected with a story so much.
As a teen mother I finished this story and kissed my daughter.
This author had me transported back in time.
Culture, politics, real life situations.
So beautifully written I don’t think any review will show it true justice.
I am still crying.
AMAZING!!!!!
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I like the format of this book it is different to a tradional book. The meeting of these three women and how they meet at a critical stage in all their lives compels me.
This book deals with alot of hard hitting issue that happen in society today and back then sometimes things don’t change. This book has a few hit and misses within the writing style and a few inconsistencies in the story as well as a few plot holes that leave you wondering. The first half of this book is very quickly paced with giving you a glimpse into each character from their POV you get to understand 1960s American ladies. This is a very interesting read.
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wanted to read this book cover-to-cover without putting it down! The author takes readers on a journey with three young women from the 1960’s and follows their lives as they grow through adulthood. This book tackles several emotional events in the lives of the women. A plot twist threatens to derail the women’s accomplishments, adding mystery to the novel. I enjoyed the characters and felt as though I was a part of their journey as I read. I recommend this book for adults and older teens.