This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I have to warn that it is not an easy read both in style and in content. ( )

This nearly 400-page book mesmerized me from the breathtaking opening paragraph. The story of Fos and Opal grows from their innate curiosity in the world around them. Fos, an amateur scientist, thrives on luminescence in all its forms. Opal loves learning and longs to build a future with Fos. Their love intensifies through tragedy and hardship in the years between the first World War and the second as the world of science becomes weaponized.
The story feels leisurely at first, luring the reader deep inside with lyrical prose and depth of character, then it delivers a gut punch. Then another. And another.
Nevermind the punctuation-free dialogue that feels like the author or publisher is trying to look artsy, like an overpriced canvas with a single splotch of color on it. The worse distraction is the eyelash-thin footnote size font that strains the eye. The story was worth the extra effort it took to read it.
Note to self: Buy the next Wiggins book in ebook to increase the font size or as an audio book. It would sound like poetry. ( )

A total masterpiece. You definitely have to give yourself over to Wiggins's style, which takes a bit of getting used to, but once you're in, you're in. Heartbreaking and brilliantly told. ( )

SET IN RURAL TENNESSEE, an American returns from WWII believing in science & technology. Everything he believes in--turns out to be killers. Are we making our future better with technology and how far should we go with it--x-rays, atom bombs, jWell written, poetic, sad ( )

This was really quite a different read for me. I found it an amazing book. The writing was sort of a beautiful flow of poetic writing.

I did find that at times I sort of struggled with reading it.

The book covered historical events which I love reading and the great wars. There was so much going on in the story.

Would say this book covers history death and love. I would say this would make a good discussion book. ( )