pepper1133 's review for:

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

5.0

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I honestly don't know why it took me so long to get through this book, because it really was great. Perhaps just too many things going on in my own life. Anyway, yes, this was great. It's a great mix of history and social commentary as well as an at-times dishy, soap opera-esque read. The impact of social norms and constraints is almost overwhelming at times and gives a good sense of what it meant at that time (and even today) to deal with issues of gender, sexuality, class, and ethnicity. My one complaint is that Beatrice disappears for a good chunk towards the end, and I missed her voice. Overall highly recommend!