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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
The slow pace of the time period is conveyed as the story drifts along towards what the reader knows as an inevitable outbreak of war. The concern over grass stained tennis whites, and dinner guest lists seem like such silly things to be fussing over, not many saw the sunset on their way of life coming.
I was definitely expecting something more like Guernsey society or Major Pettigrew and I think that this book-though it definitely had those really lovely charming moments-definitely tended to be a little darker especially towards the end than either of the other two. So you know, be warned. That said, these characters really grew on me and I think simonson does a good job once again of peopling her world with interesting and somewhat flawed characters. They aren't perfect, but many of them are charming and some are really frustrating and just wrong. The audio for this by the way is FANTASTIC. If you're ever like man I want to listen to a soothing English voice read to me about a small town the summer before the war with some small dramatics etc then MAN you have to get this audio. I had a really shitty week and every time I listened to this book I felt a little better even when the story got sadder. So! There's that.
When I purchased this book, I was looking for a "delightful" historical novel. While the first 75% of the book fulfilled that description, it was unable to maintain the light air of delightfulness into the war era. Understandably.
This novel was very involving, and pulled me to read it, even at the expense of other activities. And that's what I want from a book.
This novel was very involving, and pulled me to read it, even at the expense of other activities. And that's what I want from a book.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I love this time period. But I just couldn't listen anymore. The narrator was doing a fine job but the story just dragggged on. I kept waiting for the characters to develop into someone I cared about but I got tired of waiting. I have too many other books on my "to read" list, to spend anymore time on this one.
I did not care for this book as much as I did Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, but I enjoyed it just the same. Once again Simonson addresses contemporary social issues in an engaging--sometimes even compelling--manner.
Recommended.
Other novels that deal with WWI that I recommend highly include Goodbye to All That and Parade's End.
Recommended.
Other novels that deal with WWI that I recommend highly include Goodbye to All That and Parade's End.
Really liked this...like a grown up version of Anne of Green Gables.
2.5 stars. The second half was better than first. I don't know if I would have kept going if it wasn't for a book club.
A beautifully written and evocative novel set in the small English town of Rye in the summer of 1914. Helen Simonson deftly captures the atmosphere of a time of great change and uncertainty as the world prepares for the outbreak of World War I.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
This was a well-written, large-scope book -- think Downton Abbey meets Winds of War -- but the pacing was strange. The first 200 pages encompass about two weeks and the last 100 pages recount years! I really enjoyed the characters, and I LOVED Ms. Simonson's first book, else I would have put down the book halfway through where fussy English ladies bogged it down with pageants and causes. The strangest thing was that one of the big surprises -- Miss Nash's fortune -- was never revealed. This earned a 3.5, but rounded down :(
