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1914. Vivian, a young, impassioned debutante is hurried into a pedestrian marriage to cover a scandal. War breaks out on her wedding day -- domestically and across Europe. Quick to escape the disappointment of matrimony, her traditionalist husband immediately enlists and Vivian has no alternative than to take up the management and running of his estate -- after all, everyone is required to do their bit. Even pretty, inadequately-educated young wives.
Howard, a brilliant young playwright rushes to the front to see for himself the best and the worst of humanity; he cannot imagine what the horror might be. In March 1916, when conscription becomes law, it is no longer enough for him to report on the War, it's a legal requirement that he joins the ranks. Howard refuses, becoming one of the most notorious conscientious objectors of the time. Disarmingly handsome, famous, articulate and informed, he's a threat to the government. Narrowly escaping a death sentence by agreeing to take essential work on Vivian's farm, it's only then Howard understands what is worth fighting for.
My thoughts:
Vivian is loving the season, she has a great man on the hook, but things change and she marries Aubrey....who is really dull. But then she was just a pretty face anyway.
Marriage. World War 1, and her being sent to live alone in the country. This is where the book started to remind me of another book *checks old review* Ok not that similar, just the bad marriage, alone and was going on part, and the new guy *ahem*.
Vivian really grows as a person. She learns that there is more than pretty dresses and dances. You have to work hard, war takes a lot, and she forms opinions of her own.
And Aubrey was a bore.
Then there is Howard, he and Vivian has alternate chapters, I did find his chapters boring until they met. He was just boring. He goes to report on the war. He sees that it's hell. He decides not to join, and he is sent to prison to get executed cos that is what they do with cowards. But he was no coward, he just found it stupid that hundreds of thousands are sent to be cannon fodder.
Anyone who reads the blurb gets that they will meet and something will happen.....
Conclusion:
It was a good book, sure some Howard chapters were a bit meh, but read them fast and get to the good bits.
Cover
meh
Marriage. World War 1, and her being sent to live alone in the country. This is where the book started to remind me of another book *checks old review* Ok not that similar, just the bad marriage, alone and was going on part, and the new guy *ahem*.
Vivian really grows as a person. She learns that there is more than pretty dresses and dances. You have to work hard, war takes a lot, and she forms opinions of her own.
And Aubrey was a bore.
Then there is Howard, he and Vivian has alternate chapters, I did find his chapters boring until they met. He was just boring. He goes to report on the war. He sees that it's hell. He decides not to join, and he is sent to prison to get executed cos that is what they do with cowards. But he was no coward, he just found it stupid that hundreds of thousands are sent to be cannon fodder.
Anyone who reads the blurb gets that they will meet and something will happen.....
Conclusion:
It was a good book, sure some Howard chapters were a bit meh, but read them fast and get to the good bits.
Cover
meh
Hardcover, 496 pages
Published June 4th 2015 by Headline Review
Historical fiction
Library
This does sound like other WWI novels but I'd still give it a shot.
ReplyDeleteI thought the same
DeleteYou really didn't sound thrilled with this one! lol
ReplyDeleteIt was really good, just not all parts equally
DeleteI haven't read this author and while this probably isn't my type of book, I'm glad you enjoyed most of it.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteUmmm... no thanks. But great review!
ReplyDeleteprob not something I would pick up o.o lots of boring people in this
ReplyDeleteLOL, just the one
DeleteI'm surprised you still liked it. I was expecting either boring or dnf.
ReplyDeleteIt was really good, I just skimmed some of his parts untl they got good
DeleteSounds a bit like 'Atonement' (but without that marriage bit). Overall I would give it a chance ;p
ReplyDeleteAnd creepy sister
DeleteI guess it is a common story
ReplyDeletePast the halfway mark on the week!!
ReplyDeleteWOOOT
DeleteWar time books are just not my thing, even though Vivian and Howard do sound like they might be interesting together.
ReplyDeleteI tend to like them, but more war
DeleteLove this era so adding it to my TBR list. Thanks!
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteHistorical fiction! Love the era, too.
ReplyDeleteYay
DeleteLet's hope Vivian makes him more interesting...
ReplyDeleteShe does
DeleteVery interesting. The story probably isn't for me, but I like the historical setting. Haven't read too many books that take place in the WWI era.
ReplyDelete~Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I tend to like them more than the WWII ones
DeleteGlad the book picked up when they met :D
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteSounds like it had its good points and if heroine grew that's a draw card.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense she was the way she was first, but she grows
DeleteThank goodness for the good bits!
ReplyDeleteIndeed
DeleteAs long as good outweighs meh. :D
ReplyDeleteIt totally does
DeleteIt was not easy
ReplyDeleteI might try this if library has it..
ReplyDeleteI hope they have it
DeleteIt's always interestingto have such a setting
ReplyDeleteI do think so
DeleteThe cover is meh to me, too. But this is interesting. I wonder if the bookshop has it? Or might buy it on Kindle?
ReplyDeleteOr library ;)
DeleteI like the cover and the storyline sounds appealing.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good one
DeleteI recently watched the movie Testament of Youth, which is also about the war and features a conscientious objector. Absolutely loved it, so I may need to check out this book based on the similarities!
ReplyDeleteI tried watching that but meh
DeleteBoring men.
ReplyDelete