I wasn't sure if this would live up to the hype, and I don't usually like realistic war novels.

But it lived up to the hype & I like realistic war novels when they're this one.

I mean, Jesus, I don't know what to say. Verity and Maddie were such wonderfully realized characters, and their friendship was beautiful to read about. The adversity of war was heartwrenching, as it should be, of course.