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.
I thought this book to be extremely well-written. All the storyline threads interweaved to give a beautiful, lush, dreamy, finished piece of cloth. The only problem I had was the intruding memory that this was the second book I've read recently about the German occupation of Guernsey Island.
What a great novel about love, war, and separation.
The German soldiers enter the picture, and one of the characters is led into choices.... Descriptive writing that keep you reading to the end.
The German soldiers enter the picture, and one of the characters is led into choices.... Descriptive writing that keep you reading to the end.
This was my first foray into historical fiction set in World War II, and I wasnt sure what to expect at first. Having grown up in the US, I think my opinion and views of WWII are rather different than that of the rest of the world. While all wars are devastating, things werent nearly so risky living here as it was in Europe.
As a result, this book helped give me a different perspective on the war and how it affected an ordinary family like the de la Mares. I can only imagine what it would be like to live in an occupied territory, having a state imposed curfew and worrying about what it might look like if Im seen talking to certain people. And on top of that, worrying about how to feed not only my family, but other people less fortunate than myself Im scared just thinking about it.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=3160
As a result, this book helped give me a different perspective on the war and how it affected an ordinary family like the de la Mares. I can only imagine what it would be like to live in an occupied territory, having a state imposed curfew and worrying about what it might look like if Im seen talking to certain people. And on top of that, worrying about how to feed not only my family, but other people less fortunate than myself Im scared just thinking about it.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=3160
This was the best book. I love this era anyways and WWII stories rate high on my list. This one did not disappoint. I loved the ending.
A must read for those who love World War II novels. Leroy writes with such precise emotion, expression and clarity. Each page is a picture that pulls you further and further into her story. Beauty, extreme sadness and rich characters all wrapped together.
