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

Julie Berry

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Lovely War reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Lovely War | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Lovely War and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Lovely War Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Overture: “December 1942”

Overture, Chapters 1-3

Lovely War Overture, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Act I, Chapters 4-26

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

Act II, Chapters 27-59

Lovely War Act II, Chapters 27-59 Summary & Analysis

Act III, Chapters 60-91

Lovely War Act III, Chapters 60-91 Summary & Analysis

Act IV, Chapters 92-112

Lovely War Act IV, Chapters 92-112 Summary & Analysis

Act V, Chapters 113-124

Lovely War Act V, Chapters 113-124 Summary & Analysis

Exit Music, Chapters 125-126

Lovely War Exit Music, Chapters 125-126 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Lovely War Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Lovely War Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Lovely War Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Lovely War Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Lovely War Essay Topics

Lovely War

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Lovely War?

Reading Age

Book Details