A review by rjleamon11
The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson

5.0

Finally got around to reading this one: Andy bought it last spring, read it, and it's been in my TBR pile ever since. What a pleasure! Simonson creates an engrossing picture of life for an educated and capable woman who's limited by sexism and tradition: her depiction is subtle and nuanced, showing us Beatrice's awareness of her own expectations as well as those of the society around her with very little "telling" so we never feel talked-down-to or lectured. Agatha Kent, caught in the middle of a variety of conflicts, is a fascinating character as well, choosing to fight some battles and letting others pass her by. I was amazed by Simonson's ability to convey reality while still using the conventional language and euphemisms of the day: for fear of spoilers, I won't say more, but this ability created a strong sense of the reality of the time, of discussions, of gossip, of scandal, and how various information was conveyed.

I would not be surprised if opinion on The Summer Before the War is strongly divided, but I loved it.