Damn, this was a good book. And I've enjoyed many other books by this author. As I read extensively in World War II history, I also enjoy novels placed in that period. Unless they are so full of historical errors they annoy me. One popular author, who has a female protagonist in a WW II series she writes, leads readers to believe she researches her stories, and even provides a list of the books she supposedly used for reference. But she makes makes so many stupid mistakes it's obvious she never read any of those books. Bowen's novel is set in England and many of the characters are members of MI5, MI6 and other spy-related organizations. I have an entire shelf or more on the secret spy and coding wars of WW II. Based on my readings, it was obvious Ms Bowen actually did her homework before writing this novel.
While not a heavy read, I liked the book so much I actually put it down several times because I didn't want to finish it, that's how much I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, while Ms. Bowen has written three books in her World War series, this is the only one set in WW II, and the other two have different characters.
While not a heavy read, I liked the book so much I actually put it down several times because I didn't want to finish it, that's how much I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, while Ms. Bowen has written three books in her World War series, this is the only one set in WW II, and the other two have different characters.
This is a beautifully written book about WWII. It centers around a family and their friends from Kent. A man is found dead in the field of Farleigh Place, the ancestral home of Roderick Sutton, Earl of Westerham and his wife and 5 daughters. Apparently his parachute didn't work. He is wearing the uniform of the Royal West Kent Regiment, but it is the old uniform and an old insignia, so perhaps he is a German spy? There are several of the younger generation who work in Bletchley Park and MI5. Since they have all signed the Official Secrets Act, they don't know about what the others do. I never considered how it would be for a young man not in uniform, they get interrogated by perfect strangers because they aren't doing their bit. Their parents all think they work at some Ministry post as clerical workers. Throw in a visit from Churchill, a couple of traitors, and an attempt on Churchill's life and Ms. Bowen has concocted a thoroughly interesting novel! I highly recommend it.
