Helpful Score: 5
In June 1940, the German army decided the island of Guernsey would be strategically important land to occupy for the war effort against England. This left Vivienne de la Mare with a significant decision to make. Should she stay on the island or flee to Londons supposed safety? Vivienne decides to stay on the island and protect her 2 daughters and mother-in-law from the war the best she can. Her husband was away fighting the war and Vivienne struggles to maintain a normal life and to shield her daughters from the war that has come to her shores.
Life is nothing close to normal because German officers have moved in next door to a house that has been abandoned. As the war drags on, the strict rules placed on the islanders along with the shortage of food make everyday life a struggle. At the same time, Vivienne grapples with her complicated love affair and her responsibility to thwart the cruelty of the German army.
The story kept me engaged; however I have some minor complaints with the writing. I didnt feel the chemistry between the 2 lovers and it just didnt seem like the affair was worth risking safety, reputation, etc. for a tepid love. It was also a little too easy to guess some things that were going to happen. I did enjoy the book and the story stayed with me afterwards as I was wondering how much I would put myself and family at risk to do the right thing in the face of a terrifying enemy.
Life is nothing close to normal because German officers have moved in next door to a house that has been abandoned. As the war drags on, the strict rules placed on the islanders along with the shortage of food make everyday life a struggle. At the same time, Vivienne grapples with her complicated love affair and her responsibility to thwart the cruelty of the German army.
The story kept me engaged; however I have some minor complaints with the writing. I didnt feel the chemistry between the 2 lovers and it just didnt seem like the affair was worth risking safety, reputation, etc. for a tepid love. It was also a little too easy to guess some things that were going to happen. I did enjoy the book and the story stayed with me afterwards as I was wondering how much I would put myself and family at risk to do the right thing in the face of a terrifying enemy.
Helpful Score: 1
It just doesn't rise to the level of 4 stars. There are some beautiful descriptions of the island of Guernsey and I think the author made the sacrifices of war (foot shortages, death, enemy occupation) very real. But it took a lot to get the story off the ground - it just moves so slowly, I almost stopped reading a couple of times. The writing was sort of distant and I felt disconnected from the characters. Some of them are poorly developed, like Gunther (main character's lover). I never quite understood why Vivienne was so taken with him. Their relationship, which is the center of the book, simply confused me.
