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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
It started off as slow, but delightful summer read with enjoyable characters but it finished strong with such touching and tragic moments, it actually brought me to tears a couple times, I enjoyed it far more than I expected
There’s something about the imminence of wartime that makes historical fiction so much more interesting. I chose to read “The Summer Before the War” because of my love for period dramas, specifically those set in the U.K. Though there are elements of romance within this novel, I wouldn’t call it a romance by any means.
The bulk of “The Summer Before the War” is just that—it details the happenings that occurred within a town before war began. The story is particularly slow, but I thought it was filled with a lot of necessary details that helped to set the story quite impressively. Though the war was soon to come, there wasn’t a sense of urgency; the author took her time setting the stage so that we could better connect to the characters and feel invested in how their lives unfolded.
The author gave us characters that were diverse in personality and beliefs, and I found that I liked each person for a different reason. I thought Hugh and Daniel were charming, while Agatha and Beatrice were tough and opinionated. Their characters worked well together in order to make the story more dramatic at times, and I really enjoyed it.
I think that the best part of this book is its subtlety. There were some major revelations that played out toward the end of the novel that could easily be missed if you aren’t paying attention. These subtle confirmations helped me to better understand the reasoning for some of the characters’ actions. It was a shame to me that secrets came out as a consequence to character deaths—that, by the way, I didn’t think were necessary to the story—but I can respect poetic tragedy of it.
Truly, this was one of the more enjoyable period dramas I have read lately, and I think a major reason why is because it was a story with depth. Many books of this kind rely heavily on cheesy romance but fail to deliver on the storytelling side. This book, while it did include some romantic interactions, can stand on its own feet due to the authors strength in detailed descriptions and storytelling. I think this will be a winner for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
The bulk of “The Summer Before the War” is just that—it details the happenings that occurred within a town before war began. The story is particularly slow, but I thought it was filled with a lot of necessary details that helped to set the story quite impressively. Though the war was soon to come, there wasn’t a sense of urgency; the author took her time setting the stage so that we could better connect to the characters and feel invested in how their lives unfolded.
The author gave us characters that were diverse in personality and beliefs, and I found that I liked each person for a different reason. I thought Hugh and Daniel were charming, while Agatha and Beatrice were tough and opinionated. Their characters worked well together in order to make the story more dramatic at times, and I really enjoyed it.
I think that the best part of this book is its subtlety. There were some major revelations that played out toward the end of the novel that could easily be missed if you aren’t paying attention. These subtle confirmations helped me to better understand the reasoning for some of the characters’ actions. It was a shame to me that secrets came out as a consequence to character deaths—that, by the way, I didn’t think were necessary to the story—but I can respect poetic tragedy of it.
Truly, this was one of the more enjoyable period dramas I have read lately, and I think a major reason why is because it was a story with depth. Many books of this kind rely heavily on cheesy romance but fail to deliver on the storytelling side. This book, while it did include some romantic interactions, can stand on its own feet due to the authors strength in detailed descriptions and storytelling. I think this will be a winner for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a sweet and easy reading book with some very sad moments, but overall I felt it was too long and the plot a bit slow. Nonetheless, the characters were lovable and it was a good book to pick up when you had time for just a 10 minute spurt of reading.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Rape, Xenophobia, Pregnancy, Classism
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My sentiments about this book match those of pretty much everyone else who read the charming and witty "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" prior to reading this stilted, stale and uninspired sophomore effort.
SNORE.
It's like the author had a book of historical fiction clichés that she routinely consulted while writing. The story is boring, predictable and so much of it is unnecessary.
I probably wouldn't be so harsh if I hadn't read Simonson's debut and just cast TSBTW off as a boring and forgettable read, but Pettigrew's Last Stand was such a pleasant and enjoyable outing that I was stunned. Where was that wry wit in this offering?
Big disappointment but I will live in hope that her next book will be good.
SNORE.
It's like the author had a book of historical fiction clichés that she routinely consulted while writing. The story is boring, predictable and so much of it is unnecessary.
I probably wouldn't be so harsh if I hadn't read Simonson's debut and just cast TSBTW off as a boring and forgettable read, but Pettigrew's Last Stand was such a pleasant and enjoyable outing that I was stunned. Where was that wry wit in this offering?
Big disappointment but I will live in hope that her next book will be good.
The second book of late that I've read that dealt with homosexuality during the WWII era (though it was more tangential here than in the Absolutionist). This book was charming, somewhat slow-paced, but with a lot of indirect social commentary.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Absolutely superb- I teared up twice at the end. I really, really hope Simonson is working on another novel, because I'll be really sad if this is her last one.
(I listened to the audio version on my walks this summer.) I was expecting a light British-y romance and I got a lot more. I loved it. I loved that Simonson didn't keep her world sterile and pleasant, but allowed it to be inhabited by pain and problems. True, it all got wrapped up rather nicely, but that was just the right tone for this book. (Am I the only one who really wants a movie out of this?) Great read.
I liked it, but I was torn. I've read so many books that take place in England during the World Wars. This one was good, with strong characterization, but it didn't really stand out. It didn't hold a candle to Jacqueline Winspear's, "The Care and Management of Lies," but it was heads above something like, "Mr. Churchill's Secretary." I think the characters may stick with me. The fiercely independent Latin teacher, abandoned to hostile family after her father's death. The two cousins, a surgeon and a poet, closer to each other and their aunt than to anyone else in the world. The aunt who does things her own way and sees that the world complies but who can't always escape the setbacks within herself. The pretty refugee. The Latin scholar iron monger's son. But, all in all, I liked, "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand," better.
I enjoyed this pre WWI England novel. I learned a lot about women's rights (or lack thereof). Tale of love and friendship.