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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
This book isn't what I expected at all from just reading the blurb on the back. It wasn't a love story; it wasn't about a young girl fighting for her career; it wasn't about a quirky town coming to terms with the new strong, female lead. I could see people being disappointed in that it wasn't exactly what they were looking for. However, what you get is so much more.
It starts slow, there is no doubt about that, and Simonson sometimes used language and vocabulary that felt self-important and unnecessary. The characters are also really hard to love in the beginning. I honestly almost put the book down. By the time you get to the end, you realize how all that slog was entirely necessary. Simonson was able to show growth (or lack of) in her characters that didn't feel forced or out of nowhere, while still keeping true to the times (which I believe so many historical fiction authors do not).
So, if you're looking for a quick read, a nice romance, or a fun period drama, this really is not it. The novel details the reactions of war to the cast set in a small town and how some change, and others do not. It feels realistic, emotional, and satisfying.
It starts slow, there is no doubt about that, and Simonson sometimes used language and vocabulary that felt self-important and unnecessary. The characters are also really hard to love in the beginning. I honestly almost put the book down. By the time you get to the end, you realize how all that slog was entirely necessary. Simonson was able to show growth (or lack of) in her characters that didn't feel forced or out of nowhere, while still keeping true to the times (which I believe so many historical fiction authors do not).
So, if you're looking for a quick read, a nice romance, or a fun period drama, this really is not it. The novel details the reactions of war to the cast set in a small town and how some change, and others do not. It feels realistic, emotional, and satisfying.
This was a sweet story of a time that seems so long ago
How fitting to finish it on 11/11/21. #lestweforget #veteransday #armisticeday
I really enjoyed this one. I just felt there was something lacking in the last section. Some of the characters and situations were just dropped, but I would still recommend it. Not perfect, but quite enjoyable.
I really liked Major Pettigrew'S last stand and was a little concerned this would not compete. Just looked to be an Edwardian romance but it is so much more
A Balm for Troubled Times
Lapped up this novel, which hooked me with genuinely funny conversation & village twittery wit—& then it stole my heart with characters and family, whose hurts and relationships were both practically realistic and full of grace.
Lapped up this novel, which hooked me with genuinely funny conversation & village twittery wit—& then it stole my heart with characters and family, whose hurts and relationships were both practically realistic and full of grace.
A Washington Post reviewer said that this was a good book for people who were fans of Downton Abbey, which is true to an extent. It does reflect the culture of small town England before WW I. It is not focused on the upstairs/downstairs side of Downton Abbey, and it wasn't even clear to me how wealthy some of the families are, since you don't have the castle visuals of the TV show. One family does have footmen, so I guess they were fairly well to do. The small town intrigue and gossip is there, and of course the war preparation and the eternal optimism about war. The real focus of this book is the changing roles of women which is also a big Downton Abbey theme. Unless I misread it, there's also a reference to the society's view of gay men.
This is the second book by the author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, which I had confused with another book set in England that I absolutely hated. So, as I read, I kept waiting to really hate this one. It's only when I finished that I looked and found out I had given 5 stars to her first book as well. Five stars may be a little generous for this book, but it's definitely good, well researched, historical fiction.
This is the second book by the author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, which I had confused with another book set in England that I absolutely hated. So, as I read, I kept waiting to really hate this one. It's only when I finished that I looked and found out I had given 5 stars to her first book as well. Five stars may be a little generous for this book, but it's definitely good, well researched, historical fiction.
The majority of the book is an insightful peek into British society just before the outbreak of WWII, from the perspective of a single young woman, a writer, recently orphaned, struggling to assert herself as an independent adult in a sexist and classist society. Her friends are delightful and her wannabe suitors, generally pathetic. Warning: It becomes achingly sad once the war breaks. (Spoiler: the dog dies. I hate it when that happens!!) Yet there were many quotable lines and I still thoroughly enjoyed it as a whole. Great writing with fully fleshed out characters.
I really liked this- more of a 4.5 for me so as I brew on it maybe I'll bump it up. Not perfect because - gasp- you have to wait for it.
Ok here is the real review, via audio book. The Narrator was awesome. Some of the day to day life was more like Middlemarch than a modern book but that is ok when you trust an author, and I totally do here. I adored her first book so kept telling myself to be patient because I knew the story would really grab hold.
English village life, perfect summer, orphaned woman struggles to make it without the trust fun and its demands, two handsome cousins, their loving imperfect Aunt and we know WWI is coming.
Is this Downton Abbey? Not near so posh. Birdsong? Not near so heavy but a bit. Middlemarch? Yes but for WWI.
A bit too detailed in places but very active voice-you will be able to picture everything that unfolds and that is A++ in my book. So if you are a patient person and love a good old fashioned English love / Carry On story, this book is for you.
Ok here is the real review, via audio book. The Narrator was awesome. Some of the day to day life was more like Middlemarch than a modern book but that is ok when you trust an author, and I totally do here. I adored her first book so kept telling myself to be patient because I knew the story would really grab hold.
English village life, perfect summer, orphaned woman struggles to make it without the trust fun and its demands, two handsome cousins, their loving imperfect Aunt and we know WWI is coming.
Is this Downton Abbey? Not near so posh. Birdsong? Not near so heavy but a bit. Middlemarch? Yes but for WWI.
A bit too detailed in places but very active voice-you will be able to picture everything that unfolds and that is A++ in my book. So if you are a patient person and love a good old fashioned English love / Carry On story, this book is for you.