I have read and enjoyed other books by this author so was very excited to receive this e galley. The book fully lived up to my expectations.
As seems popular in historical novels, there is a dual timeline. In the present day, one of the relatives of a character from the past travels to England to learn more about her grandmother. Samantha’s grandmother was Marie who along with Hazel and Nora are the protagonists of this novel.
Each of these three women is well portrayed and given a clear story line, social class and backstory. Marie, who was born in Germany, has lived in England for many years. Her life changes immeasurably when Britain goes to war. Hazel, who is in an unhappy marriage, works for a marriage bureau while Nora works for the government. Each has connections to what is happening as Britain goes to war.
Marie is fearful of internment. (I found this fascinating as, though I have read many novels set in WWII, this topic had never arisen). She worked for a German professor who is deemed suspect. No spoilers but readers will enjoy learning what Hazel has been doing at the marriage bureau while Nora is aware of much war work.
What will happen to these friends? Will their close friendship survive the vagaries and tragedies of war? Read the book to find out.
I highly recommend this novel. I found that I kept wanting to have the time to go back and read more and what better recommendation is there than that?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
See my blog for a review of The Light Over London by this author.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 