Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
The "before" part of the title was so interesting. But there was such heaviness and heartache in this story. I felt like I was being pulled down into more sadness and darkness as the book went on. And yet, how true was that of those who lived in the time of the war? It was extraordinarily well written. Just be forewarned it's not a lighthearted read.
Somewhere between 2 and 3 stars because it was just ok. Maybe I just go in seasons and this is one where I’m enjoying modern fiction more than historical? The beginning moved so (so!) slowly and the end seemed rushed. Also, when the protagonist starts off by declaring multiple times that she will never marry, it’s pretty easy to guess what’s going to happen at the end. 😑
I read this book in one straight go, and I'm mad about it, since it was good, but not necessarily good enough to demand such attention. Sweet and at times heart-wrenching, but also a bit crowded and predictable. 3.5
This title is misleading. I suggest a subtitle:
Also, the actual war
And a recommendation:
Tissues
Also, the actual war
And a recommendation:
Tissues
I have to admit it took me three times to start this book, I just couldn't get into it. But once I did I was glad I stuck with it.
Loved the book. The writing is so lovely that you don't realize that very little action happened in the first half. I wish that Agatha had been developed more at the end, but it is a truly lovely book.
For me, this novel captures something of the truth of who people are (frail, petty, strong, brave, weak, stalwart, protective, loving, prejudiced, nurturing) in quiet moments of everyday life, and who they are in the moments that test them. In this novel, they are the same... the quiet choices have lasting impact.
Recommended to anyone who liked Dictionary of Lost Words or Bookbinders of Jericho. We love a tale of strong women voicing their opinions and pushing for more autonomy!
Beautifully written story of upper & well connected middle-class people with good intentions, struggling with 1910’s social stigmas. Expect regular chuckles and occasional teary eyes.
4.5/5 ⭐️
So many quotable lines. If I were an annotator, the book would have been covered in highlights. But the favourites are:
“She put down the telephone and went to make sure Cook gave Lady Emily’s footman two jars large enough to appear gracious, but not so large as to suggest an abundant larder able to supply jars everytime someone paid a compliment.”
“Why does the good Lord not take us instead? … When I see Him at last, I shall give Him a piece of my mind. Be it into the pit with me, I shall have my say”.
“They sat a moment in embrace of silent mutual comfort, which was, she often thought, the reward of those long married”.
Beautifully written story of upper & well connected middle-class people with good intentions, struggling with 1910’s social stigmas. Expect regular chuckles and occasional teary eyes.
4.5/5 ⭐️
So many quotable lines. If I were an annotator, the book would have been covered in highlights. But the favourites are:
“She put down the telephone and went to make sure Cook gave Lady Emily’s footman two jars large enough to appear gracious, but not so large as to suggest an abundant larder able to supply jars everytime someone paid a compliment.”
“Why does the good Lord not take us instead? … When I see Him at last, I shall give Him a piece of my mind. Be it into the pit with me, I shall have my say”.
“They sat a moment in embrace of silent mutual comfort, which was, she often thought, the reward of those long married”.
The book seemed very slow paced at first but I think the time was a slower pace as well. It took me a bit to decide if I wanted to continue but once I did, I enjoyed the book. Anyone else catch themselves reading Agatha's voice in that of the Dowager Countess Violet Grantham from Downton Abbey?
Excellent book! Very funny and heartwarming at the same time. It was the first well-written historical novel I’ve read in a long time, too. I want to read other books by this author now. Highly recommend!