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By: DUNED 117
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2026-05-05 15:44:23 |
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A novel everyone loved. Took some a while to get into, but all finished it. |
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By: NAP 023
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2026-04-23 11:34:57 |
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Some members thought the love story a bit contrived, but ALL were glad to find out about the story of Italian prisoners and the 'causeways' built in Orkney by them. |
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By: WHANGA 002
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2026-03-29 14:35:40 |
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All in the group were pleased they had read 'The Metal Heart'. It was well-written and believable and the discussion was good. The blend of fact and fiction did not detract from the story. Historical aspects of World War II were a learning experience. |
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By: NAP 011
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2026-03-26 22:06:04 |
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Most members enjoyed this book, and we enjoyed learning more about Orkney Islands. Fascinating to google more about the Chapel as it was incredible what the Italian prisoners achieved. |
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By: CHCH 282
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2026-02-07 16:57:36 |
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Mostly enjoyed by all as historical fiction. A good picture of the Orkneys during WWII. Good twist at the end. Several found it less appealing but overall it was enjoyed. |
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By: NGARB 001
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2026-01-01 14:32:40 |
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Easy reading. It dragged a bit in the middle and we all found Con's character annoying. Interesting historically, and we enjoyed the setting of the Orkney islands. |
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By: DUNED 012
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2025-11-20 09:50:47 |
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We enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel. |
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By: GERAL 002
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2025-11-10 11:25:43 |
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There was a wide range of opinions about this book. Most thought it fanciful. It was an easy read, interesting history included but predictable plot. |
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By: AUCK 271
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2025-10-02 11:46:14 |
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An easy read. We were in complete agreement that there were a number of inconsistencies throughout that several of us found frustrating. A couple of us have been to the Orkneys, and were disappointed with the portrayal of the island, and the events that took place. |
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By: DIAM 003
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2025-05-14 10:10:58 |
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Our group enjoyed this book and, as two members had been to the Orkney Isles to see the church, it made the book even more interesting. The storyline was a bit contrived, but overall an enjoyable read. |
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By: MATAM 001
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2025-04-30 09:55:36 |
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We all enjoyed this book and thought the author's blending of fact and fiction very clever. The characters were believable and we have all researched 'The Italian Chapel', and marvelled at its beauty and the effort and creativity in making it. |
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By: WHAKA 020
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2025-01-16 14:52:58 |
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Was enjoyed by everyone. It is a touching and emotional story about two women enduring the hardships of war. |
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By: AMBER 001
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2025-01-13 11:28:11 |
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Voted top book of 2024! |
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By: AUCK 183
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2024-12-04 09:53:28 |
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A very popular book with a twist. Brought up discussions on a number of topics. |
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By: MANGWH 004
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2024-11-18 10:28:23 |
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We found the historical context very interesting, but the romance seemed contrived. |
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By: COROM 002
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2024-10-10 11:53:42 |
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Some enjoyed it, others were not so keen. We were interested in the historical parts, especially the Italian chapel, but some found the characters and fictional side a bit unconvincing. Good discussion ensued. The notes were very good, and most helpful. |
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By: ASHB 024
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2024-08-28 14:32:44 |
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Everyone enjoyed this book. The weaving of fact and fiction appealed. Also the twist in the tale. |
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By: TAUR 028
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2024-08-21 11:44:16 |
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Enjoyed by all the members. We found the history very interesting and googled the chapel which is beautiful. |
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By: NELS 020
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2024-05-08 12:45:13 |
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Easy read, we enjoyed reading about the Orkney islands. Overall most people liked the book but didn't love it. |
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By: ASHB 016
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2024-04-18 12:27:39 |
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The majority of us enjoyed this book. It was very easy to read but was basically a love story with not a lot of body to it. We all enjoyed the twist at the end, some having to read it twice to figure it out. We all agreed the writing was very descriptive and we all got cold reading it! The chapel & history were very interesting and the chapel so pretty when we googled it after we had finished the story. It is always interesting to read a book with some actual history, as it's based on events that really did happen. |
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By: FEILD 002
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2024-03-07 12:32:21 |
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General approval of this book, although some questions raised about the historical accuracy re brutality towards POWs. |
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By: WELL 079
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2023-11-15 14:39:30 |
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Although the setting (the church built by the Italian prisoners) and the history were of interest, the story descended to 'Mills & Boon' romance. We are all too cynical for this! |
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By: TAUR 004
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2023-09-13 14:29:06 |
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Everyone enjoyed the book and the history of Orkney. Most thought the ending a bit 'Mills & Boon', but some enjoyed the happy ending. A good twist at the end. We enjoyed the descriptive prose - felt like you were there. |
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By: TAUR 043
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2023-07-13 13:25:21 |
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Enjoyed by many in the group. Liked the mix of fiction with facts from history eg. the Italian chapel, causeways etc. Great ending. |
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By: WAITAT 004
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2023-04-26 14:06:13 |
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All group members read this, and found characters rather difficult to connect with. We loved the descriptions of the island, and enjoyed the chapel building - leading us to look up the actual history. Discussion mostly centred around history in this part of the world. |
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By: CHCH 125
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2023-02-27 13:58:03 |
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Very interesting - weaving history into the relatable story of the lives of the people who lived through those times. |
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