Book review stop! Today I’m delighted to be the host for The Helsingør Sewing Club, a historical novel written by E. Gyland.
First thing first, let me thank Rachel and the publisher, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter, for providing me with an e-copy of this book. Much obliged *hat tip*
MEET THE BOOK
Inspired by the incredible true story of how the people of Denmark saved their Jewish neighbours during WW2
Helsingør, Denmark, 1943
In the midst of the German occupation during World War Two, Inger Bredahl joins the underground resistance and risks her life to save members of Denmark’s Jewish community and help them escape to Sweden.
Copenhagen, 2018
Inger’s granddaughter, Cecilie Lund, is mourning her death when a mysterious discovery while cleaning out Inger’s flat leads past and present to intersect. As long-held secrets finally see the light of day, Cecilie learns the story of her grandmother’s courage and bravery, and of the power of friendship, love, and standing for what’s right…even when you have everything to lose.
An inspiring tale of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community.
322 pages
Historical fiction
Harper Collins UK One More Chapter
Publication date: 03/02/22
Purchase links
READ MY REVIEW
Cover: I like it. Great color palette and the drawing is evocative.
I really wanted to like this book in its entirety. Big expectations, the blurb was promising, and the other reviews were glowing.
What happened then? I’m not sure. Let’s try to unravel it, because there are significant elements I want to highlight together with some puzzling features.
Technically, The Helsingør Sewing Club is almost perfect. No grammar mistakes, no imperfections, good syntax—Gyland’s writing skills are superior to the average. The characters are interesting too, with a captivating mix of sympathetic vs. unsympathetic in both timelines; plus, Inger and Cecile have powerful personalities, and they read as flawless as they can be. My favorite part is the historical one, but that’s just a matter of personal tastes.
I think The Helsingør Sewing Club suffers from two main issues: one, it’s slow. Slow stories are hard to write—and to stick to while reading—because of exposition. Here, there’s a bit too much of it sprinkled here and there, and it often hinders the flow.
Then, the switching POVs. Third limited POV is my favorite, and that’s okay. First limited POV is not my favorite, and that’s okay as well. Going from third to first in the same story is too much, though. That’s a trend that I keep encountering and—no. It’s too confusing. If I were to edit a book like this one, my top suggestion would be, pick a POV and stick to it. Aw 😦
3 stars on GR.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Originally from Denmark, I have lived in London for many years, surrounded by my family, cats, books and the Scandinavian hygge I try to create everywhere I go. As a linguist I love playing with words and language, and I am addicted to story-telling. I also believe strongly in social responsibility and sustainable living.
Social Media Links –
Twitter: Ella/Henriette Gyland, @henrigyland
Website: https://henriettegyland.wordpress.com/
Are you interested in getting your book reviewed in a week?
Bookshelves & Teacups 