Read if you like: WW2 stories, Hungarian history.
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With the war coming to Hungary soon, Eva meets Aleandro, a Roman fiddler, and they fall in love. Even though Eva is engaged to someone else. I love the forbidden romance trope, so I enjoyed reading this book to see if Eva and Aleandro would eventually end up together.
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We also get to see ow the war impacted Hungary, as well as the Soviet occupation and then the 1956 uprising!
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CW: war, violence, death, concentration camps.

I just could not make my way through this book. I love historical fiction. It is one of my absolute favorite genres. As a former student of History (specifically European history), I am just drawn to the opportunity to travel to different times and places. I don't, however, love sappy romances and star-crossed lovers plots. I was pulled in to reading this one because of the different perspectives it purported to offer about World War II and, perhaps, a different story than the usual novel based during this time period. Sadly, this was more of a historical romance parading as historical fiction. Romance + historical facts, rather than History with a little bit of romance. I had a feeling within the first 2 chapters of how the story would develop, and was physically holding back from rolling my eyes at the sappiness I was dreading would come. I am sorry to say that I wasn't proven wrong.

I'm sure other readers will adore this book, but it just was not for me, personally.

I appreciate the opportunity provided by Netgalley and the publisher to read and review "When The Summer was Ours" in advance of its release.

🎻 When The Summer Was Ours 🎻
By Roxanne Veletzos
Publisher: Washington Square Press (Aug 24.2021)

I’m always searching for my next historical fiction novel that shows how far of a reach WWII had. I’ve ventured into most countries by now but never Hungary and never a story that bounced off from real people in the past. Until now.

The start of the novel felt like The Crown. I could visualize the high society parties where Eva felt like she was going through the motions. Then quick flash it switches to a chance encounter meeting with Aleandro, whose magnetic pull allows her to feel peace and a family within the gypsy camp that he was living in.

Aleandro or Eduard. One decision sets Eva’s path into a growing snowball with tragedy, loss, pain, love and a journey that finishes full circle.

The writing was beautiful. The story (while I wished Aleandro had a happier story) was beautiful. Well done.

As I always note, although I enjoy historical fiction, I have yet to find one story evolving In WWII era that totally captured me. Once again, the beautiful cover and a review that said this novel contained « everything an historical fiction should have » attracted me to request it.

This story spans over the lifetime of Alejandro and Eva from Budapest, Hungary, Vienna (Austria) and all the way to New York City.

I felt the love story was under developed and it failed to engage me emotionally from the start. However, I never thought about quitting as I was curious enough to learn how it would end and if these lovers would find their way to each other in the end. Many times I felt the author skipped important lifetime events and just wrote it had happened instead of having us witness it through the eyes of the characters. There was even a 12 years gap at some time that disappointed me, right in the heart of the action.

I would say it does have everything an historical fiction should have however with the multitude of WWII novels, there was just nothing extraordinary about it.

It finally dawned on me I should totally skip WWII fictions from now on as my reviews probably don’t give them justice,

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me a complimentary e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

WW II is my favourite era of historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. I was glad it focused more on Hungary and less on Germany as it depicted a whole other side of the war I did not know much about.

I loved this story but felt it was somewhat rushed and maybe tried to cover too many years in one book. and jumped around a bit. Overall the storyline was good and I especially enjoyed the ending.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

From Hungary in the 1940's to New York in the 1990's "The Summer Was Ours" documents the story of Eva and Aleandro through the decades. From the horrors of the holocaust through the Hungarian Revolution the love story prevails. Separated by circumstances and well meaning people Eva and Aleandro's lives intertwine until the 90's when once again they meet where they began. A unique look at war time Hungary and a perfect read for those who enjoy the historical fiction of WW2.
#WhenTheSummerWasOurs#NetGalley

This story begins in 1943 in Hungary, when Eva César, a young woman from a wealthy family, meets and falls in love with Aleandro, a Romani fiddler and artist. The events of the war and the communist occupation that followed have life-changing consequences for Eva and Aleandro and their relationship.

This book does an excellent job of shining a spotlight on the treatment of Romani people during the war, as well as the failed uprising in Hungary in 1956.

However, I felt that the story might have tackled too much in too few pages - the relationship between Eva and Aleandro developed so quickly that I wasn't invested in it, and the same goes for Aleandro's friendship later on in the book. I would have enjoyed this book even more if it focused only on WWII or communist-era Hungary (or both but each in greater detail - nothing wrong with long books!) but I felt that I only got a novella of a story for each.

If you are a fan of historical fiction and enjoy reading about lesser-known events through the lens of fiction, I would recommend this one!

This five-star read is definitely a book to be savoured, observed and appreciated! Set in WW2 Hungary and the turbulent days of the Hungarian Revolution, “When The Summer Was Ours” is a tale of survival, reinvention and the indestructible resilience of first love.

In the summer of 1943, Eva César arrives at her aristocratic family’s estate in the village of Sopron to enjoy her last days as a single woman. Looking forward to escaping her domineering father, Eva spends her time planning her wedding to a Red Cross Doctor, Eduard Kovaks.

Her life takes a change of direction one summer afternoon when she meets Aleandro Szabo, a charming Romani fiddler and artist. Separated by class, circumstance and tragedy, the destiny of these two star-crossed lovers is reshaped and the impact is echoed in three generations of women.

Veletzsos writes so beautifully. Her words seep into your soul affecting every cell and bone in your body; you forget about everything else in life while you are hanging out with Eva and Aleandro. I didn’t want the engrossing tale to end despite feeling the loss and heart ache. The author draws on early experience living in Eastern Europe and bases her characters on real life people; Dr. Andras Seibrigir as Eduard Kovaks, and Kalman Aron as Aleandro Szabo.

I love historical fiction and was excited to read this book set during the Hungarian uprising – a setting rarely used in wartime fiction. I learned about the Romani; not only of their bohemian existence, but also of their cruel fate during WW2. One quarter of Europe’s Roma reportedly perished at the hands of the Nazis.

From rural Hungary in the early 1940s, to Budapest in the late 1980s, to modern-day New York city, this is an epic tale of the impact of war on civilian life, the toll of secrets, the endurance of the human spirit and a reminder that renewal can spring from the ashes. It needs to be on your radar come August 23, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Roxanne Veletzos, Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Set in Hungary late in WWII and moving forward in history, this bittersweet story touches on all of the heart strings - joy, sadness, romance, and tragedy. With wonderfully developed characters, the author shows us the difficult interplay between the rich and poor, the Romani and Magyar, and the gut-wrenching choices that were needed to be made to survive during the war.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Shuster Canada who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of the ebook.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and many of the scenes. The novel, set up with multiple parts, almost felt like each next section was like a very long epilogue. The characters were very believable in many ways with flaws and choices that were frustrating to experience with them. I think, rather than so many parts, it could have been nice to focus on some areas a little more in depth.

It was nice to read about the Romani and Hungary, though, and see a different, while altogether similar, side of World War Two. The atrocities know no bounds.

3. 5 Stars

I received this book free for an honest review from Netgalley.

I really love WW2 stories and this one did not disappoint. It wasn’t the typical story of a Jewish person needing to escape the Germans. Which was. A nice change if yo I have read a lot of WW2 books. It was interesting to get a completely new take on it as these characters were from different countries. It had similar ones to Romeo and Juliet as the characters were from different classes and it was made very apparent that was not okay with their families and friends. It also reminded me slightly of The Book of Lost Names.
I would recommend this story to others.

I received an ARC from Netgalley of this book. This is an historical fiction set in Hungary starting during WWII and continuing after including the uprising in Hungary in the 1950s. It included the treatment of Romany Gypsies in concentration camps. I didn't know much about Hungary during/after the war. The book was good, but not great. A typical WWII historical fiction that I felt just didn't give me the depth and emotion that I have read in many other such books. A young well-off woman falls in love with a Romany man, they get separated, and it follows them thru the war and afterwards. I just felt it was predictable and I knew what was going to happen. Again, good but not the best of the genre.

I've just finished 'When the Summer Was Ours'. What an excellent read.
The story centres around two young people Eva and Aleandro. The story takes place in 1943 Hungary. Eva is from an aristocratic family and is engaged to be married. Eva happens by chance to meet Aleandro and her world is turned upside down. Eva is caught between two men her fiance and Aleandro. Eva and Aleandro live through WWII and the Hungarian uprising and beyond.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Washington Square Press and Roxane Veletzos.
I laughed in parts and cried in parts, it was such a moving story. Thank you again.

When the Summer Was Ours is a delightful story of two individuals who meet and fall in love. Unfortunately they are not able to be together for a variety of reasons. This story also explains the experience of many who lived through the Second World War in Hungary. I would highly recommend this book especially if one enjoys historical fiction.

I might be shedding a few tears right now.

At the beginning of this book, I wasn't sure how I felt about it. I felt like it was skipping too much/missing out details. However, I thought it got better as the story progressed.

WWII novels are my favourite historical fiction time period. Since I've read so many, I like when I find a story that is different from the others.

This book took place in a different location than in used to (Hungary/Russian occupation for cold war) that took me on an adventure.

There were a few aspects that are expected (a summer to fall in love, getting pregnant after being together for a night, separated for the war) and that I initially rolled my eyes at. However, these points ended up working out for me in the end.

This book has everything that fellow historical fiction lovers are looking for. It was a stunning story of love and sacrifice.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada!

Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and the author, Roxanne Veletzos for an ARC of When The Summer Was Ours. This book is a historical fiction, based in Hungary during and after WWII.

It’s the summer of 1944 and Eva arrives at her aristocratic family’s summer home in Sopron, Hungary. It’s her last summer as a single woman as she is set to be married to Eduard, a Red Cross doctor currently doing his part at the front lines.

On one of her visits to the city square, she lays eyes on a Romani man beautifully playing the fiddle. Aleandro is just as taken by Eva and they spend the summer in Sopron falling in love.

Aleandro is an artist and a fiddler and can offer Eva nothing but his love. Their social class and the fact that Eva is engaged to be married are two huge obstacles standing in their way.

But, those obstacles seem small in comparison to the love they have for one another.

Then, one fateful night, the choice to be together is taken from them both as a brutal act of hatred tears Eva and Aleandro apart and their lives are forever changed.

I really loved this book! It’s a beautiful story of lasting and enduring love. I’m a big fan of WWII fiction and When the Summer Was Ours brought me to Hungary, a place I didn’t know much about.

Wow! The author swept me away with her sublime prose and thoughtful human insight. This book reads like an endless sky, sometimes pristinely blue and unmarred by troubles, others navy and violet with intense storms and yet others with threatening clouds. Reading it felt like I was in a completely different world with no traffic noise, no covid, no problems, just letters and words arranged like magic.

Set in 1943 through the 1990s from alternating perspectives, this story is about sense of home and belonging, love, heartache, sorrow and family. Most of the story takes place in Hungary then later in America. Eva is spending time at her home in Hungary, preparing to marry Eduard, a doctor. Her favourite pastime reading medical books in hopes of becoming a nurse. However, her life becomes tangled the day she meets artist Aleandro in a town square. He is besotted with her and cannot stop thinking of her. But she is engaged to another man. Throughout the book the reader is taken on emotional rollercoasters as choices are made amidst the desperate anguish of the war. Lovers are ripped apart. Though war changes things, true love remains and, in fact, deepens. We are taken into the lives of the interesting characters for the next several decades as they navigate love and loss.

The cultural and historical aspects are fascinating and resonate with me to an extent as someone who lives part time near Hungary. The author notes she drew many aspects from real life stories and people...I just love that. It is obvious that much thought went into creating the characters. At times I wanted to shake them, others to hug them. But I was invested. This one really hit me.

For those who seek layer upon layer of depth and emotional impact in their reading, do pick this up. It is unmissable, especially for Historical Fiction readers.

My sincere thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this poignant and lovely book! It really moved me.

Roxanne delivers again with this gem. Roxanne enlightened us in the true depth of horror of WW2 at the hands of the nazis. Not only that the Jewish people endeavoured but the Romini people who were a gentle fun loving people who cared for everyone. Not easy to read however everyone should read When the Summer Was Ours.

This is a gorgeous historical fiction book set in Hungry during WWII and a must read for historical fiction fans. I couldn't help but fall in love with Eva and Aleandro and their complicated love story. The descriptions of the cities, villages, and music transported me there. I couldn't put this one down! Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
#netgalley #atriapublishing #whenthesummerwasours

When The Summer Was Ours by Roxanne Veletzos is a book that has left me lost in thought and left with a bit of a mixed review.
The books follows the complicated love story between Eva and Aleandro set in Hungary in 1943. Eva comes from a wealthy family and has a reputation to uphold while Aleandro comes from the complete opposite. He's a gypsy who draws, plays music and has been left to support his brothers. Circumstances tear them apart as Aleandros village is burned down and he flees with his brothers, only to be caught and put in a concentration camp. Eva is left with not only a broken heart, but a baby as well. Fast forward to the future, and after the concentration camp being liberated, Aleandro had been sponsored with a friend to go to New York where he was able to turn his horrifying experience into art and a career. He lives his life as if Eva is beside him and keeps her in constant thought. He is later given an opportunity to go back to Hungary and he jumps at the chance with high hopes of finding Eva, hoping to dive back in where things left off, as if no time has passed.
This is where things get difficult for me. Eva and Alenadro's story was somewhat stereotypical to me. Rich girl, poor boy, kept apart by their differences of circumstances. I felt like you could've inserted this story into any era, and not much would have changed within it. However, I am sometimes a sucker for those types of stories. Eva's character, while definitely making some questionable decisions, definitely did things with the intent of giving her daughter the best life possible while Aleandro's character just seemed to float by after the concentration camp.
This book to me was just okay. The story flowed easily and kept my attention, but I don't think I was ever wow'd. It felt slightly predictable and just missing something in comparison to other historical fictions I have read.
⭐⭐⭐/5.