ashleyjean6 's review for:

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

4.0

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I'd give this a 4.5, not quite 5 stars because I don't think I can re-read this. It's beautifully written, descriptive, nostalgic. You become very investment in the characters, and I loved the story lines that went between young and old, rich and poor, and both men and women. It's interesting and maddening to read about social issues from the lense of the times. Very reminiscent of Downtown Abbey. There are some heavy, graphic parts which is to be expected of WWI historical fiction. But parts were both heart and guy wrenching. It's a great book and I'd definitely recommend it. I listened to the audio book and the narrator was excellent!