A good story, it compares and contrasts the lives of ...
341448
A good story, it compares and contrasts the lives of two sisters from childhood to death in late 19th century England.
1397689
A good story, well researched, well organized. Although at times the dialogs seemed a little forced in order to bring in non fictional characters and historical references into the book, the story moves at a pleasant pace and keeps the reader interested all the way through the end. I was personally impressed by the author's ability to describe the emotions and struggles of people living under totalitarian systems and the similarities of such systems, comunists or nazists. I liked how the author brought together elements from different historical, social, human and cultural backgrounds into one single and coherent story.
3173190
Just when you think you know someone or think you have a rough life, it is proven that things are not as they seem or you've got it easy in comparison. Reading this reminded me if that. I was unable to put it down until I was finished. An easy read and an inspiration to those who have struggled or those who are struggling.
3629129
This book reads like an autobiography, in the same vein as Cider With Rosie, buy from the perspective of a 10 year old Romanian child. It was quaint and interesting rather than the most gripping read I've ever had, but sometimes its the little things that matter.

Life is hard by modern standards but Silvia and her friends make the best of it, because that it all they know. Even having grown up in a modern western country, the things Silvia is concerned about, school work, family, friends and childhood enemies, school trips and a healthy fantasy life resonated with me.
The language is a little stilted, but rather than being annoying, it adds to the atmosphere of the story.
3594058
The story is pretty good.  The depiction of the interactions with the... urban elements/antagonists... in the story is kind of edgy at times.  However it reflects many elements of today's reality of socital divides.

The only cringeworthy thing is the the use of the term "brother"  between the main characters.  Its similar in occurrence to a valley girl using the word "like" between every third word.  The reader gets the point of the brotherhood aspect, but if thats how they really talk at the range, holy cow with the bro-fest.

Overall, the story is good.  It reflects what a major breakdown could look like in a world where peace and civility, as we know it, only exist in a short 175 year time frame.
1262625
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. The story is well written and presented. The story narrates two personalities whose upbringing are vastly different- one from a socialist/communist environment and other from a regimented/aristocratic society.  It is a good book by any standard.  I can
recommend it with out any reservations.  It will be well worth for anyone's reading.  PKA
3894041
I enjoyed this story of youngsters, a blind girl and an orphan, and the lives that revolved around theirs up to, during, and (in glimpses) after the war. The book started a bit roughly, told as separate stories and hard to track; however, through to the conclusion I was living with the characters and was sad to arrive at the end. Very engaging. The four stars are because of the initially rushed and disjointed stories at the beginning. Worth reading to the end.
476840
I really enjoyed this story.  The background was intermixed throughout the story. It was not only good vs evil but of mans struggle survive.
3476882
I read this book for bookclub.  It wasn't a book I would have naturally navigated toward, but I did enjoy it.  The narrator does a good job telling his story.  The book is not a fast read, but steady and interesting.  It certainly gives different perspectives on both immigrants coming to America and starting farms looking for a better life, as well as how other people respond and react to different cultures.  The story was compelling and at times depressing and uplifting all at once.
3152793
It was an enjoyable read, similar in many ways to 1984. What made it so compelling were the similarities between the world of the novel and the society in which we live. It's a cautionary tale in many regards.
2540829
In so many ways this story reaches different places by having characters remain real average people facing impossible odds. A good interesting read,please continue the saga.
4920970
A good story. I've read both versions of this book and found it hard to compare one to the other.  The varied perspectives ranging from religious to philosophical to historical and contemporary blend to give the reader an entertaining yet thought provoking experience.
3045131
This has a good story line, and seems pretty true to the period.  I am considering purchasing Book #2.  The only reason I was not comfortable with giving it four stars, as I felt the depiction of some of the players spiritual journey did not flow well and it felt interjected at times, like the writer almost forgot she was writing a Christian story.  Otherwise, it was a good read, kept me captivated and interested.  I recommend it.
3601981
Good Read...quite interesting contrast between Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jews. Story of family relationships going through the trials and triumphs of a new culture.
896547
an interesting tale of a character  straddling two continents , two lives and seeing india from the perspective of a native and a stranger.
1816016
It's a good story but it doesn't move very fast.  It does give the reader a good history background of what happened in that time frame.  The reader wants the main character to have a better life than what she does.
4528269
I found Enrico Downers "There once was a little England" a broad based and fascinating story about an incident in Barbados where a young boy is murdered (tragic accident?). As the story unfolds you are dipped into the racial attitudes of the English "upper" class and the native Barbadian people. What I also enjoyed was the comparisons to American attitudes towards people of color. So what starts outs as a story about a terrible accident/murder becomes a platform to observe, understand and reflect the discriminatory racist attitudes.
This comes to light very clearly during the trial scenes where justice is not served and the natives have to deal with what left. What keeps people apart and what ultimately brings them together.

To his credit the book did not become "preachy" the characters developed are real and interesting as the narration takes you through the twists and turns in the story.

The story is exciting as there are many surprises and changes over the course of the book. I think anyone who finds the people and culture of Barbados interesting, will find the book enjoyable, there are many ties to "Mother England" and the individuality of the people of the island.