Hello!

Already onto the third book review! *gasp* Ah how time flies...

Girl At War recommended by my book club, was an interesting read. I can't say that I particularly enjoyed it BUT I can't say that I didn't. Which in itself is weird, I know.

So we start off with 10 year old Ana who introduces us to home life in Croatia, it's endearing and we instantly begin to form some sort of connection with her character. We are then brought into the beginnings of the Croatian war. Her sick younger sister is sent off to America, she watches her parents get killed, it's pretty heart-breaking stuff.
Then she jets off to America herself and suddenly 20 year old Ana takes over the narrative. Which is the part I didn't quite like as the story is just left hanging in the air and you're left trying to adjust to her life in America. For me, the connection to her character is broken.

As much as I appreciate Sara Novic's style of writing, I couldn't help but feel the entire plot of the book was lacking something. The ending was so abrupt I didn't get the closure I would usually get from reading a great book. A lot of the little issues she encounters get left unresolved, are her feelings for Luka beyond that of a really good friendship? What about her boyfriend back in America?
Even her little sister, Rachel/Rahela had become so disconnected from her Croatian past she just morphed into your typical, annoying, American pre-teen.

As far as first novels go, not the best I've read. I wanted to come away from the book thinking 'wow' but instead felt like 'meh'.
However, you've got to appreciate an author who takes the time to do extensive research for their book. The harsh realities of war are definitely not romanticized in this novel!