Shannon's Library

LET’S GET EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!

“Lovely War” is a sweeping, multi-layered romance set in the perilous days of World Wars I and II, where Gods hold the fates – and the hearts – of four mortals in their hands.

They are Hazel, James, Aubrey and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British architect turned soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the US Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, 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.

Shannon’s Rating — PG-13

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LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK!

I love unique stories and unique ways of telling stories. Quite frankly, the story telling can’t get much more unique than in “Lovely War,” by Julie Berry. It’s the story of two sets of lovers living in 1917, as told by five Greek Gods: Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hades, Ares and Apollo in 1942. Is that unique enough for you??

Hephaestus (God of Forges and Fire) catches his wife, Aphrodite (Goddess of Love) having an affair with Ares (God of War) in a Manhattan hotel in 1942. In order to save herself, Aphrodite begs to plead her case to Hephaestus. A mock trial convenes in the hotel room. Aphrodite tells the stories of Hazel, James, Collette and Aubrey in an attempt to explain her actions and her role as the Goddess of Love. Over the course of the trial, Hades (God of the Underworld) and Apollo (God of Music) are also summoned to help Aphrodite plead her case. As each god is called to testify, it’s revealed how each one played an important role in the lives of these four mortals.

I’ve always loved mythology. These were my favorite classes in college, and I took as many of them as I could. I still remember the excitement I felt walking into the classroom for a mythology lecture. I’d open my textbook, lean back in my chair and just relax – knowing I was in for an hour or so of pure storytelling. (So much better than my science and math classes!) Naturally, when I heard the premise of “Lovely War,” I knew it would be a book for me! And, even better, it was written by Julie Berry, one of my very favorite authors!

Love conquering all is a powerful theme throughout this novel – found in the love stories of the mortals, but also interwoven in the stories of the gods. And there, at the center of all this love, is Aphrodite.

As she says…

Let them start their dreadful wars, let destruction rain down, and let plague sweep through, but I will still be here, doing my work, holding humankind together with love.

If you’re looking for a good book to discuss with a book club – this one is perfect for that! Additionally, the audiobook is amazing! The narrators are great, and the jazz music interspersed throughout is a delightful addition.

Read it…or listen to it…and then let me know what you think! Especially about the ending. One of the best endings ever! In fact, the ending of the novel and the moral of the whole story – is what propelled this book right up onto my “favorites” shelf in my library!