The Girl From The War Room by Catherine Law

Aug22

From Innocence To Experience

The Girl From The War Room by Catherine Law is an epic historical tale that I read in just two sittings.

It is a powerful tale of family; of war; and of love. The novel opens during the 1930’s and finishes in 1948. We ‘experience’ the war through the eyes of the lead character, Cassie. The action is told in the third person.

As the novel opens, Cassie is just fifteen-years-old and in the Devon countryside surrounded by family. As the novel progresses, she moves from innocence to experience.

Families are complicated affairs, often with more going on behind closed doors than we would first imagine. Families love us. Families can be messy but the love shines through.

We see that love comes in many forms – family; friendship; attraction. What is true about real love is that it is sacrificial. This is illustrated in several cases within the novel. People love others enough to let go.

World War II followed quickly on the heels of World War I. Families who had already experienced loss, would soon do so again.

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The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn

Aug16

Extraordinary Acts Of Bravery

The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start.

The story is set in 1943 in occupied France and in 2018 in America. The storylines are linked by a granddaughter in present day, wanting to find out about her grandfather’s war. And also, about the author of a children’s novel that her grandfather read every night to her as a child.

We see that all is not as she first imagines as her beloved grandfather seems to be hiding a wartime secret. However, even an old photograph is not portraying the truth too. As her grandfather suffers from dementia, will the truth ever be known? Or will it be buried with him?

During the occupation, we witness the bravery of siblings who run a secret Jewish orphanage, right under the noses of the Nazis.

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Witch Hunt by B D Spargo

Aug14

An Intricate Plotline

Witch Hunt by B D Spargo is a fast-paced contemporary murder suspense which I enjoyed. It is the second book in the DCI Liam Doyle thriller series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first for character development, background and progression.

I enjoyed meeting with familiar faces, and witnessing their interactions, and seeing their support for each other. The inclusion of nick names shows that the characters feel secure with each other.

After an attack in book one, it was good to see the return of an officer. It was easy to empathise with the feelings of fear and uncertainty. B D Spargo certainly puts the reader in the minds of his characters.

The characters are an eclectic mix. The villains are menacing. The law enforcement officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.

All the characters are fully rounded and believable. The homelife of some is included. We see the pressure of police work on home lives. Doyle’s young son who has autism was extremely well drawn. He brought out the mothering instinct in me.

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Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan

Aug12

Be Yourself

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult  & Jennifer Finney Boylan is a powerful contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.

I have always loved Jodi Picoult’s novels and Mad Honey is no exception.

The plotline surrounds a young man, Asher, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Lily. The reader follows the trial through the eyes of Asher’s mother after the event; and we hear Lily’s voice leading up to the event. Two women who love Asher. The reader wants to believe that Asher is innocent – but even his mum has doubts.

A major theme is that of being true to yourself. “You’re the only one who gets to decide who you’re going to be. You don’t have to be just like your father.” We must not let anyone mould us into being someone we are not.

It is heartbreaking to see a character suffering at the hands of the bullies. Even their own father bullies his offspring. There is a heartbreaking scene that leaves a youngster powerless.

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