BOOK BRIEF

The Last Year of the War

Susan Meissner
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The Last Year of the War

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

Book Brief

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Susan Meissner

The Last Year of the War

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

389

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1940s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner follows the life of a young girl, Elise Sontag, who is impacted by World War II. After her family is interned in a Texas camp due to their German heritage, Elise forms a transformative friendship with a Japanese-American girl, Mariko. Their bond faces challenges amid the turbulence of war and displacement.

Nostalgic

Emotional

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.4

24,070 ratings

85%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Susan Meissner's The Last Year of the War is praised for its compelling narrative and historical insights, capturing the emotional depth of friendship and identity amidst World War II's impact. Critics highlight strong character development and immersive storytelling. However, some note the pacing could be uneven. Overall, it's a heartfelt exploration of personal and historical conflict.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Last Year of the War?

A reader who enjoys The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff would appreciate The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner. This novel appeals to those interested in historical fiction with emotional depth, complex characters, and themes of friendship and resilience during World War II.

4.4

24,070 ratings

85%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

389

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 1940s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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