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Read advance reader review of The Things We Cherished by Pam Jenoff, page 3 of 4

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The Things We Cherished by Pam Jenoff

The Things We Cherished

A Novel

by Pam Jenoff

  • Critics' Consensus (0):
  • Published:
  • Jul 2011, 304 pages
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for The Things We Cherished
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  • Leslie, Richmond Memorial Library, Batavia, NY
    The Things We Cherished
    Perhaps expectation set my standards too high, as I've been wanting to read Jenoff's books for ages. I found this book to be ok for a quick summer read. The plot was interesting, but the characters were kind of flat, and I wanted to be "convinced" more of their feelings rather than told. Lots of cliches in the writing also bothered me, but I will certainly try another of her books.
  • Beverly M. (Hawthorn Woods, IL)
    The Things We Cherished
    This book interweaves a historical story of an anniversary clock and a contemporary romance. The historical story of who possesses the clock along with when and why is a very compelling and complex tale. It is told very well and all loose ends are tied up by the story's end. The contemporary romance does not add much to the book. The characters are explored only superficially and did not keep me interested or make me care about that part of the story.
  • Diane H. (San Diego, CA)
    Things We Cherished
    A quick, easy read with an interesting story. I like the way the chapters alternated between the current story and the story unfolding in the past and the way the author made connections between past and present. The characters in the present could have been given a little more depth. Overall it was an enjoyable book.
  • Jennifer F. (Saratoga, CA)
    More a romantic novel than historical fiction
    As a fan of historical fiction, I was disappointed in the level of detail given to the historic events within the novel. The author had more of a focus on the romantic plot, which I found predictable and therefore, not as interesting as a traditional historical fiction work.
  • Marcia W. (Toledo, Ohio)
    Another Historical Romance from Jenoff
    Surprisingly The Things We Cherished is a nice week-end curl up and read. Surprising because of the potentially depressing topic. However this story skims lightly over any real details of the Holocaust giving the reader just enough detail to carry the story. Indeed this is a romantic tale strung together by a rather surface mystery surrounding a clock and the Holocaust. A nice read but not a lot of depth.
  • Harriette K. (Northbrook, IL)
    The Things We Cherished
    The story takes off from a pre-trial meeting of the protagonist and an elderly man who is accused of betraying his brother during the Holocaust. The brother had led a secret life rescuing Jews and sending them out of harm's way. Is he guilty or just the victim of his own innocence.

    This is a good enough read, but doesn't offer us too much that's new in the way of a "Holocaust" story.

    The most interesting part of this read is the conflict between brothers, different pairs at different times during from the early 20th century to the present. All in all, a good read, but not exceptional.
  • Rachel D. (Leominster, MA)
    The things We Cherished
    This is the age old story of two brothers in love with the same woman. I had hoped for more insight into the Holocaust but the mystery surrounding the story was interesting. The ending was not a surprise and easily guessed at early on. I probably would not recommend it to friends.

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