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

3.0

I went absolutely bananas for [a:Helen Simonson|2995577|Helen Simonson|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1253622119p2/2995577.jpg]'s first book, [b:Major Pettigrew's Last Stand|8389221|Major Pettigrew's Last Stand|Helen Simonson|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|6837577] and I still stand by that but I cannot believe this is the same author! I realize the subject matter, setting, time period, etc were obviously different but I mean the writing. It just wasn't the same playful, endearing tone. I found the book quite boring most of the time. Around the middle, I got a bit intrigued about Beatrice and Hugh but really, I was mostly puzzled. What was the point of the character of Mr. TIllingham - he was so inconsistent. And Daniel's homosexual relationship with Craigmore that was hinted at but never actually addressed? Again, what was the point?