Julie Berry's Lovely War is acclaimed for its inventive narrative style, blending romance, mythology, and historical fiction set during WWI and WWII. Readers praise its emotional depth, distinct character voices, and rich historical detail. Some critiques mention a slow pace and occasional predictability. Nonetheless, Berry's unique storytelling captivates most readers.

Readers who enjoy historical romance with a touch of mythology will love Lovely War by Julie Berry. Fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will appreciate the blend of magical realism, lyrical prose, and poignant storytelling set against the backdrop of World War I.

In Lovely War by Julie Berry, Greek goddess Aphrodite, accused of infidelity, recounts the romantic stories of two couples during World War I to explain her actions. James and Hazel fall in love before James is shipped off to war, while Hazel meets Colette, a Belgian volunteer, and Aubrey, an African American jazz musician. Through trials of love and war, their lives intertwine, culminating in deeply moving experiences of redemption and human connection. This novel references racial prejudice, violence, and trauma.

Romantic / Emotional / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Heartwarming

- Lovely War author Julie Berry drew inspiration from the music and culture of World War I and the Jazz Age, incorporating these elements into the novel's atmosphere.
- The novel uniquely blends historical fiction with Greek mythology, as it is narrated by Greek gods like Aphrodite and Ares.
- Lovely War received critical acclaim for its imaginative storytelling and was awarded the 2019 Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction.

**Hazel Windicott**  
An 18-year-old piano player who lives in Poplar, London, and volunteers to comfort soldiers in France during World War I. She forms a deep connection with James during his stay in London.

**James Aldridge**  
A 19-year-old from Chelmsford who serves as a sniper in the British armed forces during World War I. He has a profound relationship with Hazel, whom he meets at a parish dance in London.

**Colette Fournier**  
A Belgian woman with a soulful singing voice who volunteers at the YMCA camp in France during World War I. She forms a connection with Hazel and later falls in love with Aubrey.

**Aubrey Edwards**  
A talented ragtime pianist who plays with the New York 15th National Guard band, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters. He befriends Hazel and develops a romantic relationship with Colette during his service in France.

**Aphrodite**  
The goddess of love who can take human form and observes the relationships of mortals. She reflects on love through the stories of Hazel and James, and Aubrey and Colette.

Julie Berry

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Overture: “December 1942”

Overture, Chapters 1-3

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Act I, Chapters 4-26

Lovely War Act I, Chapters 4-26 Summary & Analysis

Act II, Chapters 27-59

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Act III, Chapters 60-91

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Act IV, Chapters 92-112

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Act V, Chapters 113-124

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Exit Music, Chapters 125-126

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