feogofjuly76 's review for:

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

5.0

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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.