A review by ashylibrarian
The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This is an important, impactful read. AND this is a heavy read. I would recommend this title for older YA readers. 

The Blood Years is another historical fiction novel that looks at a lesser-known piece of history from World War II in Romania as Elana K. Arnold shares the story of a family fighting to survive that is based on her grandmother's childhood. This book thoughtfully shows readers what life was like before the war and during the multiple invasions of Romania during WWII and the damaging waves that rocked the city of Czernowitz and the families within. 

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