Published: March 2019
Genre: Greek Mythology, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fantasy
Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault, Violence, Racism
Audience: Young Adult
Summary: It’s 1917, and World War I is at its zenith when Hazel and James first catch sight of each other at a London party. She’s a shy and talented pianist; he’s a newly minted soldier with dreams of becoming an architect. When they fall in love, it’s immediate and deep–and cut short when James is shipped off to the killing fields.
Aubrey Edwards is also headed toward the trenches. A gifted musician who’s played Carnegie Hall, he’s a member of the 15th New York Infantry, an all-African-American regiment being sent to Europe to help end the Great War. Love is the last thing on his mind. But that’s before he meets Colette Fournier, a Belgian chanteuse who’s already survived unspeakable tragedy at the hands of the Germans.
Thirty years after these four lovers’ fates collide, the Greek goddess Aphrodite tells their stories to her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares, in a luxe Manhattan hotel room at the height of World War II. She seeks to answer the age-old question: Why are Love and War eternally drawn to one another? But her quest for a conclusion that will satisfy her jealous husband uncovers a multi-threaded tale of prejudice, trauma, and music and reveals that War is no match for the power of Love.
Review: Admittedly this is not a book I would typically read but my husband met the author and got me a copy! This is unlike anything I have ever read. It starts off with Aphrodite in a confrontation with her husband another Greek god. Then it turns to a four young lovers meeting just as WWI is starting. It is hard to see how this is all going to come together but it does! Most of the story revolves around WWI told from the perspective of the Greek gods. Set against the backdrop of one of history’s most tumultuous times, the novel introduces us to Hazel, a talented pianist, and James, a soldier. Their love story is tender and poignant, capturing the innocence and intensity of young love amidst the chaos of war. Alongside them are Colette, a Belgian singer who has lost everything, and Aubrey, an African American soldier and gifted musician facing prejudice even as he serves his country. I appreciated the historical detail and research that went into the story. I encourage anyone that reads this book to make sure to take a look at the author’s notes at the end. I was able to find more information about the real people events that the story was based off of and additional books I would like to add to my list!
