The Sixteen Trees of the Somme
Photo of Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
The Sixteen Trees of the Somme by Lars Mytting

Edition
ISBN 9781419762277

Reviews

Photo of Christine Bruce
Christine Bruce@brucethegirl
2 stars
Sep 26, 2022

When his grandfather dies, Edvard learns that his long dead great-uncle is actually alive, and that everyone knew about it except Edvard. But why was this secret held from him? Why was the story of how his parents died a secret? He is determined to find out, and travels to Scotland then France to learn the truths his family had kept hidden since the end of WWII. What's unfortunate about this book is that it could have been one of my favorite of the year, except it is a prime example of "men writing women." Every female character under the age of 30 is sexualized. I'm given minute details about their butts, their boobs, their bodies, and am fully aware how much Edvard wants to sleep with them. They're more like responsive set dressing than characters. Sometimes the details are just creepy "I could smell her, her wet undergarments" Like, please control yourself, my god. That's to say nothing of the fact that I was mislead about the time period this took place in. It is insinuated that the novel will take place following WWI, due to the importance given to the Somme. However, this is set in the 90s, with the war in question being WWII, and a Nazi is given sympathetic characterization (the grandfather of the main character). When Edvard isn't being a lascivious dog, the mystery and family drama is extremely interesting. I found the historical aspects fascinating, the slow reveal of the truth both horrifying and beautiful, and the way Edvard discovers himself through his family's past- the lives of people he never knew- relatable. But my dislike of Edvard, from how he treats the girl from his town to how his only thoughts about any woman his age is about their nipples or butt, was too strong. It was unnecessary and frankly callous at times. More editors need to have a red pen and write "Hey maybe calm down on talking about women like cuts of meat?" Then maybe books would be better, and more enjoyable for everyone. Let’s not even talk about how flat and just… annoying and dumb for “love of Edvard” the two girls are. I ended the book just furious and irritated and mad as hell that I wasted SO MUCH time reading this book

Photo of Isabel
Isabel @booklover89
4.5 stars
Jan 20, 2025
+1
Photo of Ariel Johnson
Ariel Johnson@ariel790
4 stars
Oct 27, 2022
+2

Highlights

Photo of Isabel
Isabel @booklover89

I would be someone the dead could rely on.

Page 104