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feliciaguestwrites's review
4.0
Although I expected The Whispers of War to be another expected wartime novel, in the same vein as Jennifer Robson's The Gown, I was sorely mistaken.
Three women, Hazel, Nora, and Marie, grapple with changing times in London as the country bears down in preparation for war. When the nation sets their eyes of the enemy — the German citizens living in England — the women rally around Marie, their German friend.
Tensions arise and circumstances for women rapidly change, but the lifelong bond of friendship is everlasting for this trio as they journey into the new world.
This is a fresh take on the formulaic depiction of WW2 often found in historical fiction. While it does have a similar vibe to other books, The Whispers of War took a unique perspective on a subject that many authors have previously tackled. The biggest standout for me was the time frame. While most novels kick-off in the middle of war, or less often, in the post-war era, this novel was set during the onset of war. It wasn't until a few chapters into the book that I realized how little I knew about this era and I was pleasantly surprised to be exposed to a new outlook.
Until now, I also hadn't realized the effect of war on Germans living in the UK. Readers learn almost immediately that Marie is German, although she has lived in England since childhood. As the story progresses, harsh prejudices and dangers are faced by these expats and Julia Kelly did an excellent job at showing the severity of Marie's experiences.
Unlike other war novels, this focused on the experiences of women who did not directly partake in the war effort. This allowed readers to see the gender-based prejudice faced during the 1930s-1940s but also the shifting attitudes. The trio were considered "modern women" who worked before the war called upon women to join the workforce. I enjoyed this focus and appreciated how Julia Kelly depicted that women constantly faced obstacles in their employment but persevered in trying to demonstrate their value in society.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book! I read a lot of WW2 novels, especially in this past year, but The Whispers of War stood out as one of the best.
I received this ARC for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Three women, Hazel, Nora, and Marie, grapple with changing times in London as the country bears down in preparation for war. When the nation sets their eyes of the enemy — the German citizens living in England — the women rally around Marie, their German friend.
Tensions arise and circumstances for women rapidly change, but the lifelong bond of friendship is everlasting for this trio as they journey into the new world.
This is a fresh take on the formulaic depiction of WW2 often found in historical fiction. While it does have a similar vibe to other books, The Whispers of War took a unique perspective on a subject that many authors have previously tackled. The biggest standout for me was the time frame. While most novels kick-off in the middle of war, or less often, in the post-war era, this novel was set during the onset of war. It wasn't until a few chapters into the book that I realized how little I knew about this era and I was pleasantly surprised to be exposed to a new outlook.
Until now, I also hadn't realized the effect of war on Germans living in the UK. Readers learn almost immediately that Marie is German, although she has lived in England since childhood. As the story progresses, harsh prejudices and dangers are faced by these expats and Julia Kelly did an excellent job at showing the severity of Marie's experiences.
Unlike other war novels, this focused on the experiences of women who did not directly partake in the war effort. This allowed readers to see the gender-based prejudice faced during the 1930s-1940s but also the shifting attitudes. The trio were considered "modern women" who worked before the war called upon women to join the workforce. I enjoyed this focus and appreciated how Julia Kelly depicted that women constantly faced obstacles in their employment but persevered in trying to demonstrate their value in society.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book! I read a lot of WW2 novels, especially in this past year, but The Whispers of War stood out as one of the best.
I received this ARC for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
cherylbookcollins's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this story, good present-day character, outstanding character development with past characters and their relationship, and how it directly affected the present day. I did not know that the British interred German citizens living in Britain during WWI or WWII.
fawnponzar's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book and had never before considered how German transplants were treated in Great Britain. The story of friendship was so satisfying, as was the reminder that grandparents weren’t always grandparents.
bibliophelia's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a little disillusioned by the fact that only 2 of the three girl's stories were resolved. One, if I recall properly was described as "having died during the war", so I expected a big dramatic reveal of her circumstances, but not even a mention during the epilogue.
Is this perhaps to tell her story in another book as a spin off ? I hope so, otherwise I shall be very disappointed; rather, I think that it's unlikely.
However, as to the strength and commitment of the girls to the friendship and the description of the club, I enjoyed this aspect immensely. I'm not a "pro-woman" person per se, but it's nice to see how women evolved from being "seen and not heard" to having their own lives. It's a shame it had to be a side effect of a second world war for it to happen though, and afterward, not to be fully recognized by all as how women should be regarded.
I did love this story.
Is this perhaps to tell her story in another book as a spin off ? I hope so, otherwise I shall be very disappointed; rather, I think that it's unlikely.
However, as to the strength and commitment of the girls to the friendship and the description of the club, I enjoyed this aspect immensely. I'm not a "pro-woman" person per se, but it's nice to see how women evolved from being "seen and not heard" to having their own lives. It's a shame it had to be a side effect of a second world war for it to happen though, and afterward, not to be fully recognized by all as how women should be regarded.
I did love this story.
novel_tea_book_reviews's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
bibliopage's review
5.0
A testament to friendship and sisterhood during WWII. I really enjoyed this novel!
novelesque_life's review
4.0
RATING: 4 STARS
2020; Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster Canada
I really enjoyed Kelly's previous novel, [b:The Light Over London|38532224|The Light Over London|Julia Kelly|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545495005l/38532224._SY75_.jpg|60165039]. It was a novel that focused on the characters during WWII, than the war itself. I liked that there was romance but it was more about Louise's journey on being a Gunner Girl. I had said in my review that it wasn't the "epic WWII" novel like [b:Lilac Girls|25893693|Lilac Girls (Lilac Girls, #1)|Martha Hall Kelly|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1462850258l/25893693._SY75_.jpg|45775594], but still a great read. The Whispers of War is also more about the human side of war. Marie, Nora and Hazel have been friends since they met as children, and are still close as ever. Marie is originally from Germany, and still has her accent which stands her apart from her British friends. As Britain heads towards another war with Germany, their friendship will be put to the test.
The Whispers of War does have a contemporary timeline in the novel, but it is just a few chapters. The bulk of the story is set in the late thirties. Kelly is great at creating realistic endearing characters trying to survive in a time where everything seems to be put to the test. If you enjoy a good story, I recommend this one for you.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster Canada
I really enjoyed Kelly's previous novel, [b:The Light Over London|38532224|The Light Over London|Julia Kelly|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1545495005l/38532224._SY75_.jpg|60165039]. It was a novel that focused on the characters during WWII, than the war itself. I liked that there was romance but it was more about Louise's journey on being a Gunner Girl. I had said in my review that it wasn't the "epic WWII" novel like [b:Lilac Girls|25893693|Lilac Girls (Lilac Girls, #1)|Martha Hall Kelly|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1462850258l/25893693._SY75_.jpg|45775594], but still a great read. The Whispers of War is also more about the human side of war. Marie, Nora and Hazel have been friends since they met as children, and are still close as ever. Marie is originally from Germany, and still has her accent which stands her apart from her British friends. As Britain heads towards another war with Germany, their friendship will be put to the test.
The Whispers of War does have a contemporary timeline in the novel, but it is just a few chapters. The bulk of the story is set in the late thirties. Kelly is great at creating realistic endearing characters trying to survive in a time where everything seems to be put to the test. If you enjoy a good story, I recommend this one for you.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
marylaffey's review against another edition
3.0
A sweet story that captures a little known historical event through the story of three close friends. An enjoyable read, but not earth-shattering if you know what I mean. Although the spunkiness and strength of the lead female characters were definitely well-written.
paperflower's review against another edition
5.0
Not the classic historical fiction. It is a lovely story about friendship, and the hardship of war. It shines light on the aspects of the war that I don't often find spoken about. It is a light and quick read.
joanneisreading's review
4.0
I liked the progressive women for that time that were featured in this story and their fierce loyalty, love, willingness to risk everything to keep one another safe... they were truly bound to their friendship.