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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
Such a phenomenal book. I now MUST read Simonson's Major Pettigrew's Last Stand! For those who love British countryside style stories, particularly those from a time past, this ticks all the boxes including, I must say, the tissue box. One should be handed out with the book.
I thought it was rather slow to start and quite long as a consequence.. However I liked the setting and the characters very much. Worth reading.
Took some time getting into this one. But enjoyed it. Took quite a few pages to get to the real plot though. I got dizzy a few times trying to keep up with all the places people were going. Lots of scene changes.
The year is 1914 in the small town of Rye, East Sussex, England, Agatha Kent, a pillar of the community, has forced the town council to hire a woman to become the new Latin teacher. When Beatrice Nash arrives, it is apparent she is much more freethinking and more attractive than a Latin teacher should be. Agatha's two nephews, Hugh and Grant, arrive on the scene, and everyone starts to work out their relationships. But, it is the summer before the war. And when Germany invades Belgium, the town of Rye takes in their first refugees and the men start enlisting. The idyllic town life changes dramatically. The novel has a slow start, but soon you will be caught up in the fun, and the tragedy, of WWI England.
It is 1914 and quite literally the calm before the storm. Beatrice Nash is in transition to the English countryside to assume the role of Latin teacher. Upon her arrival, those who had endorsed her hire realize she is much more free-thinking and independent than they had anticipated and the question of her suitability is raised. At once, a story of everyday life disturbed by national politics, suffrage, classism, love and loss, this story starts with leisurely description of place and people, and imperceptibly draws you in with true concern for character and place. Historical fiction written beautifully.
This book was an ARC received through NetGalley.
This book was an ARC received through NetGalley.
If you miss Downton Abbey as much as I do, this book will satisfy your craving. But be forewarned the ending is very Season 2.
I fell in love with Rye and its denizens. Great character development. Ms. Simonson has created the kind of world I never wanted to leave and it's the kind of book one hopes will be developed into a mini series for Masterpiece.