Official Review: Before We Died by Joan Schweighardt

Sara Redd · Post by **Sara Redd** » 21 May 2019, 09:53

Historical fiction is something that I have always enjoyed. This is a topic that I can say I have very little knowledge of. From the description of the book in your review, it sounds like an exciting book filled with adventure and history. I appreciated that you mentioned that it had some curse words and violence. It is helpful to know the content of a book before choosing to read it.

bauer_ve · Post by **bauer_ve** » 21 May 2019, 09:53

More and more I am finding historical fiction novels that sound absolutely intriguing & this is definitely another one. I know nothing about South Africa so it will be interesting to read about it. I like that the author still added some humor to it. I am adding it to my list of books to read now! Thanks for the great review

Jlprince26 · Post by **Jlprince26** » 21 May 2019, 10:00

From the sample book to your review, I absolutely plan to read this. At first glance, I wasn't interested, I thought "Ugh, this isn't going to be interesting at all, why bother reading the rest," but I couldn't stop reading for the simple fact, that once I start something, I HAVE to finish it. So onto the actual story, I got interested and didn't want to stop reading it. You'r review only makes it more intriguing and I Can't wait to have the time to sit down and read it. Thank you for the great review!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 21 May 2019, 10:10

The dynamics between the two brothers must make for an interesting read. Thank you for a great review!

DanTrez · Post by **DanTrez** » 21 May 2019, 10:12

I'm not that used to read historical/fiction books at all, i usually think that these kind of books are a little bit boring, but this is another level.
This story gives us an outsider look of the reality that many people lived during the rubber boom in south america.

One thing that captured my attention was the words and mannerisms that the Irish narrator uses, giving the story a more inmersive experience.
Also the details of the life quality of south american people, hard work, sockness, low payments.

This story is one of those little known gems that not everybody knows but really needs to be readen

Kelsey Fulton · Post by **Kelsey Fulton** » 21 May 2019, 10:14

I do not normally pick up historical novels, but this sounds really interesting. I love the raw language and wording of the first few pages I have read. The rubber boom is a piece of history that I know nothing about, but I would like to learn more. The character- and fraternal relationship-driven plot gives this book a unique appeal. Thanks for a great review!

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 21 May 2019, 10:14

I know very little about South America during the rubber boom (nor about the rubber boom itself!) but I love historical fiction that takes the reader to remote locations where adventure and hardship come hand-in-hand.

Tars · Post by **Tars** » 21 May 2019, 10:21

Intriguing and a t the same time a bit disturbing. As such I am somewhat undecided about this book, but have to say that I had never read anything set "during the rubber boom" so it might be interesting.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 21 May 2019, 10:26

I love historical fiction and I think the exploitation and other topics approached are still relevant nowadays. I find fascinating that their whole journey began because of a fortune-teller's suggestion! I'm glad the author offers the Portuguese translation when needed, I often find myself looking words up in historical fiction books.
A very compelling review, thank you.

NIRUPAMA JHA · Post by **NIRUPAMA JHA** » 21 May 2019, 10:34

I love historical novels because its like living for some moments in the past. The past you were never part of. This book sounds both engaging and informative, so i feel i am going to grab a copy of it. Thanks for the amazing review

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The-happy-reader-7 · Post by **The-happy-reader-7** » 21 May 2019, 10:34

I like that the environmental turbulence coincides with the psychological issues plaguing the protagonists. The book has an exceptional and original plot.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 21 May 2019, 10:35

The story line and the time period are alluring. Your description of the author's writing style and in-depth research are also positives for this book. This sounds interesting. Thanks for the recommendation.

Gabriela_Aronovici · Post by **Gabriela_Aronovici** » 21 May 2019, 10:35

The review convinced me to read this well written novel and enter into an exciting historical adventure in South America. Thank you very much for the review!

Kiemac · Post by **Kiemac** » 21 May 2019, 10:36

This book seems like it would be a great read. I love history and learning but I am not particularly fond of hardship and despair stories, so I will have to pass on reading this one.

Sonya Nicolaidis · Post by **Sonya Nicolaidis** » 21 May 2019, 10:36

I've heard of the gold rush, and the diamond rush, but this rubber boom is something I have never come across in a novel before. I love historical stories, and so really like the look of this book. Thanks for the recommendation.