On the one hand this book taught me about a part of history that I was otherwise unfamiliar with. One of the things I like best about historical fiction is finding things I can research and learn more about that I didn’t previously know (which might be why I hate WWII books in Paris). On the other hand it was very suddenly graphically violent at times. And while I understand the themes of friendship and forgiveness I do not understand [spoilers] decision to forgive [spoilers] because to me there was no part of [spoilers] explanation that made right what had been done. This book covered a lot of time passing and the length of it showed as some of the chapters really dragged by. I am giving it a three because there were moments when I connected with the protagonist but honestly I wish I had skipped this one. It’s not for me and it does not leave me eager for more of Lisa See’s work.