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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
'The Summer Before the War' came highly recommended to me as a lover of Downtown Abbey, and I definitely understand why that connection has been made. Upon finishing the novel I found myself wanting to re-watch the entire show! The book itself made for a lovely weekend read, and I especially appreciated how each character's story served to further that of the others -none of them felt as thought they had been 'tacked on' for the mere sake of diversity. The inclusion of characters from across class boundaries made for a much fuller feeling novel, as being able to compare circumstances and associated 'acceptable behaviors' allowed for further emphasizing with each character. Beatrice Nash was an absolute inspiration, and I appreciated how we were able to partake in her struggles; this wasn't just a woman trying to be revolutionary and strike out on her own, but one who had lost someone important to her, and was accustomed to a certain way of living, which she was now trying to continue. Watching her come to terms with no longer being able to do things as she used to, and adjusting her behaviors and attitudes to reflect that which was deemed 'acceptable' while maintaining the strength and integrity of her character was refreshing.
I was surprised, at first, that the novel actually dealt with the war: I was expecting more of a 'last summer of freedom' sort of novel as suggested by its title. It was thus surprising to see the war dealt with, though I did appreciate the focus on the psychological aspect of it, as well as how it impacted each character and their circumstances.
I was surprised, at first, that the novel actually dealt with the war: I was expecting more of a 'last summer of freedom' sort of novel as suggested by its title. It was thus surprising to see the war dealt with, though I did appreciate the focus on the psychological aspect of it, as well as how it impacted each character and their circumstances.
Helen Simonson is my new favorite author. I discovered her debut novel, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, last year, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Summer Before the War did not disappoint in any way. Set at the advent of World War I, it depicts life in a small Sussex village as it copes with (or doesn't) the changes to society during this tumultuous period in history.
What strikes me about this book is that Simonson's style reflects the social mores of the age, without being stilted. She never once sinks to sensationalism in dealing with the atrocities committed in war, but neither is she coy in her delivery. The surprise at the end really was a surprise (to me, at least), and brought tears to my eyes.
This one gets added to my "read again" pile.
What strikes me about this book is that Simonson's style reflects the social mores of the age, without being stilted. She never once sinks to sensationalism in dealing with the atrocities committed in war, but neither is she coy in her delivery. The surprise at the end really was a surprise (to me, at least), and brought tears to my eyes.
This one gets added to my "read again" pile.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book read a lot like a BBC period drama limited series, in which it was beautiful, a bit dry at times (a lot of times), difficult to understand at times, but so worth the time it took to get to the end. It being a book about war, there are some difficult and heartbreaking moments littered within it, but there are a lot of hopeful and humorous moments as well. I think my favorite subplot was Beatrice's struggle with the loss of her father and the pedestal she put him on in comparison to Celeste's own experience with her father. I wanted to scream at the Edwardian old ladies who sat on the councils and upheld the ridiculous self-absorbed rules just as much as they made me laugh. My favorite character award goes to: Snout but Beatrice is a very close second. Overall an enjoyable read, if not a little long!
A really interesting novel that starts like a pleasant romantic confection and finishes with the horrors of WWI trench warfare. I often found the writing too saccharine, but then there would be a stunning phrase or a flash of insight that totally captivated.
I had adored Simonson's first novel [b:Major Pettigrew's Last Stand|6643090|Major Pettigrew's Last Stand|Helen Simonson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320539020l/6643090._SX50_.jpg|6837577]. This one was a little harder for me to get into. I am usually not a fan of WWI or WWII fiction, so I struggled a bit to get into this. It's a beautifully written book, so if you enjoy descriptions of idyllic English country life and a slow, meandering plot with a bit of romance sprinkled in, this is totally your cup of tea. I don't think I was in the headspace to read about women being treated like infants (apropos of the time period) or small-town gossips and religious folk walking around shaming people. I might have enjoyed it more had I not read it during the dumpster fire that is 2020. 2.5 stars.
Easy read and likable characters set on the backdrop of the beginnings of WW1.
Sappy for the sake of it and some of the townswomen blurred together but I stayed up too late finishing this one because I wanted to see how it ended.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely love this sweet, funny, and engaging novel about a small town on the coast of England just as World War I begins and summer draws to a close. Each character had such tremendous life and three-dimensional warmth and I couldn't wait to get in the car to drive somewhere and pick up the story where I'd left off. As much as I enjoyed this sweet perfect late summer novel on its own worthy merits, I loved Fiona Hardingham's delightful narration and have begun specifically seeking out her other narrated titles and have found myself recommending this audiobook to anyone I come across.