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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
It is disappointing to say this was a good read, because I wanted to love this book. There were so many wonderful stories that none of them received adequate attention. Likewise, too many important issues to be considered in one novel.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a beautiful read, and I enjoyed my experience on every page. It was one of those books I wanted to linger over, to not be finished with, because of how lovely it was. The writing style was lyrical and pure and simple, and the characters felt real. I loved the setting and the characters' behaviors and interactions with each other. I think the author did a fantastic job placing her readers into the era just before WWI, the relish of summer breezes, Romani culture, and the stir of change--from war to female empowerment--within an old-fashioned small town in the country. I liked seeing how normal folk reacted to these changes, with their sometimes petty relationships and their sometimes shy happinesses. Besides enjoying this story, I got a feel for what life in England right at the breakout of the war may have been like, and this historical experience was gratifying. Though not a page-turner, this was memorable, loving, and worth owning in my book collection--in addition to all the rest of the books this author may have written.
Was slow for awhile but I kept reading because mama didn't raise a quitter. Wasn't half bad
It was a sweet, good read. Some parts were predictable. I think I likd Major Pettigrew's Last Stand better. It was a nice audiobook for the car.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
The Summer Before the War starts in the summer of 1914 in Rye in Sussex, England. After the death of her father, self-declared spinster Beatrice Nash has secured a job there as the new Latin teacher in order to support herself. Hiring a woman as the new Latin teacher was not a popular decision in Rye, but Beatrice is supported by Agatha Kent and comes to befriend Agatha and her nephews, Hugh and Daniel. The book tells the story of several townspeople, including Beatrice; the Kents; Hugh; Daniel; Tillingham, an American author who now lives in Rye; Snout, a smart boy with limited options because of his Gypsy heritage; and Celeste, a teenage refugee. Most of the book takes place, as you would expect, in the summer of 1914, though the last quarter of the book takes you through the summer of 1915.
The book and plots weren't bad, but they weren't exactly compelling either. There was nothing that hooked me and made me feel that I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Overall, I liked it, but I won't be telling others that it is a must-read.
The Summer Before the War starts in the summer of 1914 in Rye in Sussex, England. After the death of her father, self-declared spinster Beatrice Nash has secured a job there as the new Latin teacher in order to support herself. Hiring a woman as the new Latin teacher was not a popular decision in Rye, but Beatrice is supported by Agatha Kent and comes to befriend Agatha and her nephews, Hugh and Daniel. The book tells the story of several townspeople, including Beatrice; the Kents; Hugh; Daniel; Tillingham, an American author who now lives in Rye; Snout, a smart boy with limited options because of his Gypsy heritage; and Celeste, a teenage refugee. Most of the book takes place, as you would expect, in the summer of 1914, though the last quarter of the book takes you through the summer of 1915.
The book and plots weren't bad, but they weren't exactly compelling either. There was nothing that hooked me and made me feel that I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Overall, I liked it, but I won't be telling others that it is a must-read.
Character development was well done, evolving as you read the book, you changed your thinking about different characters. The time period was reflected well - and I'm so glad I'm alive today and not then!