By: Kiana Madrigal
Interested in Greek gods? Interested in war? If so, this book is perfect for you. It’s a beautiful combination of romance and tragedy, a story told by the gods’ perspectives. Lovely War is narrated by the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, who tells the tales of two young couples during World War I to explain the power of love while on trial with other Greek gods. The first couple is Hazel, a British pianist, and James, a newly enlisted English soldier. They meet at a dance in which Hazel is preforming at. They quickly fall in love, which is abruptly halted when James is sent off to the killing fields. Their connection grows through letters, but the brutality of the war tests their love’s survival.
The second couple tells the story of prejudice and violence outside of the battlefields. Aubrey, an African American jazz musician, and Colette, a Belgian singer, meet at a YMCA relief camp in France. Aubrey is in the 15th New York Infantry visiting the camp where Colette is volunteering. They instantly form a deep bond through their shared love of music, with Aubrey drawn to Colette’s voice. Through both love stories, Lovely War explores themes of hope, heartbreak, and the strength of human connection during one of history’s deadliest wars. Ultimately, love proves stronger than the forces that try to tear it apart.
Lovely War is a historical fiction romance that takes place in 1917. This book has some mature themes and is targeted to young adults. I highly recommend this book to anyone. It’s easy to follow along, interesting, and an emotional rollercoaster.
I absolutely loved Lovely War. It honestly got me back into reading because I became so invested in the characters and their journeys. The character, Aubrey, stood out to me the most. Despite facing racism and life-threatening situations, he continued to pursue his dreams of music and fight for love. His courage made the story even more emotional and inspiring. I also appreciated how the book blends romance with real historical events, making it both entertaining and informative about World War I. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with meaningful characters and powerful themes.
