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calmlyeatingmuffins's review against another edition
4.0
Jacqueline Winspear has proven her literary talent in this novel. I've now read all of her books (so far), and I can say that here, she really comes into her own, with her vivid description and use of language. If you read this novel expecting an action-driven plot, you might be disappointed, as you will find that the drama of this novel is--as it is for many women writers, especially in the 19th century--mainly on the inside. One of the things I love most about Winspear is how she gives us an intimate glimpse into women's lives and shows them not to be static figures, but dynamic ones who develop over the course of the novel (or in the case of Maisie Dobbs, over a series of novels). That's no less true here. Here she also shows the power of women and women's stories, and how they have an influence on the world--including the male world--connected to them. She does a great job here, and I'm only giving it 4 stars because I didn't LOVE it (I LIKED it very much!!). Without giving anything away, Winspear plays too much with my heart as a reader, and while that contributes to her realism, I--well, I won't say any more, but that's the main reason it's not 5 stars.
woomom's review against another edition
2.0
Definitely not along the same lines as Masie dobbs, although I'm sure it wasn't expected to be. I just thought I would like it as much as Winspear's Dobbs series. Honestly I really had to plow my way through this book. It moved very slowly for me. Not enough dialog and too many descriptions. Also, it was quite depressing. Obviously it was about war, so it's not all roses. I really wanted to like this book, but really didn't end up liking too much.
pjvana's review against another edition
3.0
This was nice on audio book. It didn't have the depth of characters or some of the bite of her Maisie Dobbs novels. It was hard to believe that the two women were ever very close friends and it's kind of like that with all of the relationships - they just don't seem very connected. Still, it's a quick read and has really good structure as it vacillates between the farm, the war, and before the war.
roscoehuxley's review against another edition
3.0
Kezia and Thea have been friends for years. Kezia is about to marry Tom, Thea's brother. Thea is not happy, and it causes problems in Kezia and Thea's relationship. Then, WWI starts, and everything changes.
Kezia and Tom have an idyllic start to their marriage, with Kezia learning to cook and live on the farm. When Tom goes to war, Kezia has to learn to manage all on her own. She communicates with Tom through long letters about her cooking (imaginary).
I won't comment about the end, but it's what brought the rating down.
All in all, a good commentary about the absurdity of war.
Kezia and Tom have an idyllic start to their marriage, with Kezia learning to cook and live on the farm. When Tom goes to war, Kezia has to learn to manage all on her own. She communicates with Tom through long letters about her cooking (imaginary).
I won't comment about the end, but it's what brought the rating down.
All in all, a good commentary about the absurdity of war.
misajane79's review against another edition
3.0
A great little snapshot of WWI. I've read a lot of books set in this era over the years and always appreciate it when an author tells the homefront story.
However, it was all a little too perfect--at times, the character arcs didn't feel natural, but an effort to make sure key historical points covered. And we all know how I feel about forcing the story to fit historic goals.
However, it was all a little too perfect--at times, the character arcs didn't feel natural, but an effort to make sure key historical points covered. And we all know how I feel about forcing the story to fit historic goals.
mimika9's review
5.0
What a fine book. This is a moving portrait of love and life during WWI and the devastating effect it had on everyday life and people.
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
I am very partial to books set during WWI. I find them fascinating. Thus, obviously, I needed to read this one even though I was pretty sure that it would be a little off my preferred type of story style.
I didn't think it deep though it depicted some of the tragedies of war and I thought it was a beautiful story, elegant and sweet. It's not a brutal war story but one of sadness and sorrow.
I didn't think it deep though it depicted some of the tragedies of war and I thought it was a beautiful story, elegant and sweet. It's not a brutal war story but one of sadness and sorrow.
skpatton's review against another edition
4.0
If you love historical fiction about WWI, as I do, you'll enjoy this book.
mb101's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
lindasdarby's review against another edition
3.0
I did not love this book. I really wanted to love it but it never really came together for me. I kept waiting for something, anything really to happen. The letters about food I realize were supposed to be love letters and endearing but the food sounded so gross. I started skipping the letters altogether. To top it all off I hated the ending. I don't care how good a book is if you mess up the ending then forget it.