Lovely War by Julie Berry

Synopsis: They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect-turned-soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the U.S. Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though War is a formidable force, it's no match for the transcendent power of Love.



My Review:  So I read this book as my first ever Buddy Read and wow. I am still blown away from this book. This was my first read of 2020 and it was the BEST one to start off the year with! This book as it all: romance, mythology, historical setting with current events of the time. And it's all wrapped up into a beautiful love story. The chapters are all POV but it never gets confusing which person is telling their side of the story (if you're like me and eventually stop reading the chapter headings). It's just an absolute gem! 

I was really happy to finally have a historical fiction novel set during WW1. I feel like we have so many WW2 books that it's becoming a bit overdone, so this was already a positive for me. I had no idea this had any mythology at all in it so the retelling of the story by Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares and Hades was a pleasant surprise. I also really liked how the author touched on some hot topic happenings to keep the book as accurate as she could. She talked about how the African American regiment was treated during this time. She talked about how the soldiers with PTSD were not, and still aren't if I am being frank, getting the treatment they need and deserve. Rarely does a book elicit tears and this one had me bawling in the break room at my work.

If this book has been on your radar, check it out. If your book hasn't been on your radar, get it on there. And then check it out. This one is one that can't be missed and won't disappoint.

Book rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐