Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
94 global ratings
5 star
66%
4 star
22%
3 star
7%
2 star
2%
1 star
3%
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Review this product

Customer images

Customer image
Customer image
See all customer images
Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

dragonlady
1.0 out of 5 stars Tedious, silly book about a 'big idea'
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2021
Verified Purchase
Someone in my book club thought this sounded interesting -- a story about a young man who worked on the Manhattan Project, then at Los Alamos, who had regrets and screwed up the rest of his life. There is some truth to the story, but the girlfriend/wife character is entirely made up. And the author, a man, does a genuinely terrible job portraying the growth of an 18 year old across decades. She never matures. She is shallow and dopey. Actually, the whole book is shallow. The author, a former journalist, knows nothing about the way military people feel about war, or their actions in it. I am now interested in knowing how many of the people who were central to developing the bomb, fell apart afterwards. A serious historic novel on the subject would be worth reading. This really is not.
Read more
Roger A. Newman
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Life!
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is what reading is all about! I would go to sleep for two hours, wake up and read more. It was delicious! Reminds me of "We Are Not Ourselves."
Read more
Carole A.
5.0 out of 5 stars This book will knock your socks off!
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2020
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed the book so much from start to finish. The story of the development of the atomic bomb was completely involving from moment one. I loved the alternating perspectives of the man--Charley and his girlfriend. The history came to life so immensely. I learned so much that I never knew about the secrecy of the development of the bomb in New Mexico. Charley and the others had no idea what they were really creating--They were scientists and engineers not killers! I enjoyed the book so much that I ordered and read another Kiernan book--The Curiosity. He is an outstanding writer.
Read more
Casey
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book start to finish!
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
A great historical fiction novel revolving around the Manhattan Project, the building of the atomic bomb. The two main characters, Charlie and Brenda take us on a journey providing their own alternating narratives throughout this time in history and how their love story unfolds. The story line also weaves in well researched organ music as the characters struggle with the moral implications of the atomic bomb. A must read for any fan of historical fiction!
Read more
Lydia Weathersby
5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, what a story!
Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2020
Verified Purchase
I was spellbound by this warm, totally brilliant story. It is one of my favorites in recent memory. Kiernan has created a superbly written story about one of the remarkable people involved at Los Alamos. This is a must read.
Read more
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Historically
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
It is fiction based on facts. Well written and u enjoyed the writing. I really liked this book
Read more
Boston
5.0 out of 5 stars well researched and charming
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2020
Verified Purchase
This was a wonderful story, but its hidden asset is the depth of research and history that finds its way into the narratives. The last chapter reveals the hidden story--a true one--bravo to the writer, who captures the ambivalence and moral dilemmas of science, youth, and war.
Read more
George
5.0 out of 5 stars Connections between Bach organ music, love, mathematics and development of the atomic bomb.
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2020
Verified Purchase
An incredibly good read. A touching and deeply thoughtful story based on real and fascinating characters. Well researched and written! Read this and you will have new appreciation for the development of the atomic bomb in WWII.
Read more
See all reviews