Name: Torn
Author: David Massey
Publisher: Chicken House
Release date: August 2nd 2012
Pages: 259
Source: For review from publisher
Rating: 3 starsAfghanistan. In the heat and dust, young British army medic Elinor Nielson watches an Afghan girl walk into a hail of bullets. But when she runs to help, Ellie finds her gone. Who is she? And what's happened to her? What Ellie discovers makes her question everything she believes in, even her feelings for the American lieutenant who takes her side.
Beverley's Review
I must admit I wasn't entirely sure I'd enjoy this. It was actually a surprise from Chicken House so I didn't request it. I usually shy away from books about war since I find them quite grim and deadly, and the topic just makes me really queasy.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by Torn. It did have quite a grim tone throughout, with some lighter parts here and there. I must applaud David Massey for recreating a very vivid picture of life in a war zone. What I liked most about this book was the description and the image of war Massey presents us with. Everything was so vivid and graphic that I could picture everything in my head.
We meet Elinor 'Ellie' Nielson on her first day as a war medic in Afghanistan and we're thrown into the action and turmoil alongside her and the rest of the patrol members. I didn't warm to Ellie instantly but I quickly came to admire her for her fearlessness. She has a great personality and is very kind-hearted, putting others before herself.
The book gets off to a fairly slow start and I was a little confused as to what the story was building up to. The synopsis doesn't tell you much and I was left wondering if anything exciting was going to happen. The plot did have potential but I don't think it was exploited as well as it could have been. The build-up to the climax was a little flimsy so when the 'truth' was finally revealed, I reacted pretty neutrally. Unfortunately, only the last third picked up the pace but the action and combat was definitely thrilling.
There was a subtle romance in the book between Ellie and the American lieutenant, Ben Jackson. However, I wasn't convinced by their chemistry. I know it would have been inappropriate for them to strike up a deeper romance but I would have liked it to appear earlier in the book.
Overall, Torn creates a very realistic picture of life in war and it was interesting to read about the lives - and the danger they are put in - of soldiers. However, the plot was a little flimsy in places and some of the characters were difficult to connect with. If you're someone who likes war stories, you may find you will probably enjoy this more than I did.
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| 3 teacups for Torn *Thanks to Chicken House for the (surprise ) review copy!* |
Posts
Thanks for the honest review, Beverley! I think I'm pretty sure now that this book wouldn't be for me. The topic isn't one that I usually choose to read about. I'm glad you somewhat enjoyed this though, despite the flaws. Brilliant review! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame you didn't enjoy this very much, but I'm glad you liked Ellie eventually :) I love war stories, so I think I should give this a try. Thank you for the great review, Beverley! :) xx
ReplyDeleteI always have trouble with slow starts, but I'm glad the story picked up after that. I don't read a lot of books about war, but I don't shy away from them (The book thief is one of my favorite books :)) I must admit that I'm not really attracted to read this book. The plot doesn't sound like something I would enjoy. Thanks for the honest review.
ReplyDeleteDisappointing that one of the few war books you've read didn't quite win you over. I don't often read these kind either, but fortunately those I have given a go have been such powerful stories. I'm glad the last third of the book was more captivating. Even though it wasn't a huge hit for you, I'm glad it was still a decent read. Fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteI knew when I saw this book ages ago it wasn't for me, and you've definitely confirmed that. The plot itself isn't something I'd read, and overall nothing really sounds developed enough. Glad that you kind of enjoyed, though I'm sorry about all the flaws! Lovely, honest review, Beverely! :)
ReplyDeleteMmm...I know what you mean. I hate it when a plot is sloppily developed. Which is exactly the same way I felt about Cinder. Although most YA fans went stir crazy about it, I saw the end coming all along...since the 4th chapter, if I remember correctly. ugg...
ReplyDeleteAnywho...thanks for the blunt post! Good one!! :)
War stories are not the genre I would pick, so I don't think this is a book for me. Thanks for your honest and informative review, Bev. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've heard of this book before so thank you for putting this book on my radar! I'm sorry that you didn't quite enjoy the book and like Rachel, I'm not into stories about war too. Although, thank you for the awesome and honest review, Beverley! ♥
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