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A review by smilesgiggle
The Skylark's Secret by Fiona Valpy
4.0
Thank you, Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for a free, nonbiased review of this book.
Lexie left home as soon as she could - thanks to a performing arts school scholarship. She enjoyed several years of success as an actress and signer - until she became pregnant and lost her voice. The father simply didn't want to be burdened with a child - or a long term relationship. After surgery and failed lessons to rebuild her voice, Lexie returns to her small Highland hometown, months after the death of her mother. With struggling strength, Lexie begins to rebuild her community connections - her mother's closest friend, her long time friend who stayed in the small village, married and also with a young child.
The story of her parents is told from her mother's perspective. World War II has started - and comes to Flora's small village. Her father is the gamekeeper for the estate, a long time family position. Flora and her friends volunteer for the WRNS, doing their part to contribute as their loch becomes a secret stash for merchants and the English navy. As the war continues, Flora shares the impact on the close knit community - taking in young children from the larger Scottish cities, the impact of young men's deaths on families and a community doing their part to support the war effort.
Flora and Alec have been childhood friends - the laird's son and the keeper's children have grown up together. Alec and Flora realize their connection is more than friends, exploring their love. As the war continues, the impact on Alec's mental health becomes quite obvious to Flora, causing a serious rift in their relationship.
I greatly enjoyed this family story. Lexie discovers who she really is - without her voice. She builds an amazing life for herself and daughter, learning to enjoy the close connections of her small community.
Flora sheds light on a small community's war experience - as well as the mental health impacts of war; even in the 1940's, not just today.
Lexie left home as soon as she could - thanks to a performing arts school scholarship. She enjoyed several years of success as an actress and signer - until she became pregnant and lost her voice. The father simply didn't want to be burdened with a child - or a long term relationship. After surgery and failed lessons to rebuild her voice, Lexie returns to her small Highland hometown, months after the death of her mother. With struggling strength, Lexie begins to rebuild her community connections - her mother's closest friend, her long time friend who stayed in the small village, married and also with a young child.
The story of her parents is told from her mother's perspective. World War II has started - and comes to Flora's small village. Her father is the gamekeeper for the estate, a long time family position. Flora and her friends volunteer for the WRNS, doing their part to contribute as their loch becomes a secret stash for merchants and the English navy. As the war continues, Flora shares the impact on the close knit community - taking in young children from the larger Scottish cities, the impact of young men's deaths on families and a community doing their part to support the war effort.
Flora and Alec have been childhood friends - the laird's son and the keeper's children have grown up together. Alec and Flora realize their connection is more than friends, exploring their love. As the war continues, the impact on Alec's mental health becomes quite obvious to Flora, causing a serious rift in their relationship.
I greatly enjoyed this family story. Lexie discovers who she really is - without her voice. She builds an amazing life for herself and daughter, learning to enjoy the close connections of her small community.
Flora sheds light on a small community's war experience - as well as the mental health impacts of war; even in the 1940's, not just today.