What a brilliant book.
This isn’t something I would normally go looking for, and at first I wasn’t sure I’d find my way into it. But every time I picked it up, the storytelling carried me like a wave.
I felt sweetness, laughter, torment, anger, sadness, and joy, and always in the moments I think the author intended. Not for the sake of hitting emotion, but because whatever or whoever was happening needed to happen. There’s a moment on page 193 that stayed with me so strongly I remembered the page number after only glancing at it once. “Nostalgia” might be the closest word, but even that feels too small. I won’t spoil it, but it’s something I want to point to because of how simply and beautifully it was written. I’m sure you’ll find your own gems; Broken Country is quietly full of them.
This book holds heavy truths without being an overwhelmingly heavy read. I liked the increased pace and thrill toward the end, and the twists landed well. Even though I had inklings, there were still a couple of connecting dots that only clicked fully when they were revealed, giving me that satisfying “oh!” moment I love as a reader.
Overall, this book made me feel human—emphasis on feel. The emotions and thoughts I had while witnessing this story were messy and true. It reminded me of beauty that can break, and of brokenness that can be beautiful.
4.25 ⭐
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Rating Guide: My star ratings represent personal resonance, not universal value. I admire writers for the courage it takes to be seen and the discipline it takes to create. Thank you for writing, and for reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 — Deeply resonant, even when I can’t fully put it into words
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 — Compelling and well‑written
⭐⭐⭐ 3 — Not quite my style, but still enjoyable
⭐⭐ 2 — Had promise but didn’t quite land
⭐ 1 — Fell short of what I hoped for
