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ssbennett05's review
3.0
**Won this as a giveway.**
As I was hesitant to read this book (I am more of a thriller and fantasy reader), this novel was extremely interesting as to learn about the relationship model executed during World War 2. The only comment I have is the portrayal of the two main characters as they were opening the bureau....they seemed unrealistically optimistic. Otherwise, a surprisingly interesting book from a non-romance reader.
As I was hesitant to read this book (I am more of a thriller and fantasy reader), this novel was extremely interesting as to learn about the relationship model executed during World War 2. The only comment I have is the portrayal of the two main characters as they were opening the bureau....they seemed unrealistically optimistic. Otherwise, a surprisingly interesting book from a non-romance reader.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
3.0
When I first heard about The Marriage Bureau by Penrose Halson, I was immediately drawn to the concept and to the cover. As a fan of mail order bride/marriage of convenience stories, a true account of a couple of friends who decide to start a matchmaking service during WW2 London sounded right up my alley!
It’s written in a light style which really feels like a novel most of the time, a trait that both adds to the enjoyment and takes away at the same time. On the one hand, it’s easy reading. Nothing too heavy. Perfect for a beach read on your upcoming summer vacation, even if it is a nonfiction book. On the other hand, there’s not a lot of historical depth. Maybe I just had a different idea in mind of what the book was going to be about, but I lost interest in the biographical-novel feel fairly quickly.
Bottom Line: The premise of The Marriage Bureau is so fascinating – a look at what amounted to the roots, really, of modern dating sites and matchmaking services. The stories of the matches are charming with dashes of humor, but I felt too much time was spent telling us what Heather and Mary and Picot’s personalities were like instead of showing us (which the style of the book opened me up to expect). However, overall, this is definitely worth a read especially if you love mail-order-bride stories, WW2 history, and happily ever afters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
It’s written in a light style which really feels like a novel most of the time, a trait that both adds to the enjoyment and takes away at the same time. On the one hand, it’s easy reading. Nothing too heavy. Perfect for a beach read on your upcoming summer vacation, even if it is a nonfiction book. On the other hand, there’s not a lot of historical depth. Maybe I just had a different idea in mind of what the book was going to be about, but I lost interest in the biographical-novel feel fairly quickly.
Bottom Line: The premise of The Marriage Bureau is so fascinating – a look at what amounted to the roots, really, of modern dating sites and matchmaking services. The stories of the matches are charming with dashes of humor, but I felt too much time was spent telling us what Heather and Mary and Picot’s personalities were like instead of showing us (which the style of the book opened me up to expect). However, overall, this is definitely worth a read especially if you love mail-order-bride stories, WW2 history, and happily ever afters.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
kudragrace's review
More short stories about matches than whole story about the ladies
creeker868's review against another edition
2.0
Almost didn't finish. Premise is good but found it quite boring to read. Note ISBN for the edition reviewed.
was 9781443451420.
was 9781443451420.
suey's review against another edition
3.0
Fun book filled with fun wartime stories. I wanted a little more... something something, but enjoyed what there was.
diannel_04's review against another edition
2.0
This is a great story, if someone else was telling. It is the true story of the Marriage Bureau, a company started in the 1930s but two women to help people find each other. By all accounts they had great success but the telling of their story was just a yawn. When talking about the founders it was a story of struggle but when talking about the clients is was all butterflies and moonbeams. Boring, boring, boring.
sarahs_readingparty's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting premise/service... Kind of like a predecessor to online dating services! The book overall could be slow at times, but I enjoyed the letters and learning more about this little slice of history.
lovelyoutliers's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book! The story of the first matchmaking agency in London. Started by two clever, intelligent, and entrepreneurial women, Heather Jenner and Mary Oliver, the Marriage Bureau set about arranging introductions for people looking to marry during the late 1930s and 1940s. The book weaves through the early years of the agency, while providing little glimpses into some of the heartwarming or interesting characters they encountered along the way. The Bureau is set against the backdrop of WWII, which provides a rich and interesting context to view this business of finding matches. As I currently live in London (and work around the street from 142 New Bond Street, where the Bureau was located) I also enjoy gleaning historical tidbits about my neighbouhood.