Tag Archive | Net Galley

The War Girls Of Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller

Jan13

Wartime Life Perfectly Captured

The War Girls Of Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller is a marvellous historical novel set at the beginning of World War II.

War brings changes. Large traditional family homes need to be used to accommodate those in the services. Cold, empty mansions spring back to life in the midst of death. Draughty old houses are transformed.

Living near an airfield opens up life for the villagers with tea dances and parties to which all are invited.

Years of oppression for some characters ends with the advent of war. A domineering head of a household is away at war which allows the subservient women to begin to bloom. For years women were seen as status symbols for the upper classes. Now they can show that they are more than just a pretty face as the old order begins to crumble.

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The Age Of Misadventure by Judy Leigh

Jan12

Never Too Old

The Age Of Misadventure by Judy Leigh is a really fun contemporary novel, delightfully composed that had me laughing out loud throughout – not one to read in public!

The novel is about family and female companionship. Normal but isolated lives are suddenly interrupted as an eighty eight year old accompanies her two fifty something nieces as they go on a trip to escape what is awaiting them at home, through no fault of their own.

Where there were three ladies whom life had individually squashed, together they find love and life and care. As they begin to try new things and enjoy life together, their love for each other shines through.

Letting go of our children and giving them wings to fly is hard, no matter how old they are. It is hard not to hold on and stifle them.

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Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

Jan11

Wow – So Powerful

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult is a powerful contemporary novel opening in March 2020 and moving forwards as the world dealt with the COVID pandemic.

Jodi Picoult focuses in on a couple, who are a microcosm for the experiences of many. Living in New York City, a doctor finds all of his leave cancelled as he faces the COVID outbreak in the hospital. We witness his life of PPE, hard work, impossible situations and sadness.

In contrast we see his partner, an art expert, trapped in the beauty and tranquility of the Galapagos Islands. But paradise can soon become a prison when you are trapped there with no flights in or out. “When you’re stuck in heaven, it can feel like hell.” We see the kindness and compassion of a local community.

The hospital is in contrast to the islands. Here it is hell on earth as bodies pile up and COVID takes hold. The experiences traumatise both staff and the patients who do recover. Survivors search for answers, trying to make sense of experiences that cannot be explained.

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Winging It by Emma Murray

Jan11

Deliciously Fun

Winging It by Emma Murray is a light-hearted contemporary novel about life and motherhood. It has a wonderful fun tone juxta posed with some serious topics.

The majority of the novel is set in America as the reader witnesses the loneliness of high rise living in New York City. The city seems noisy, dangerous and unfriendly in complete contrast to the friendly suburban life a few miles away.

In the suburbs, friendships are formed. The friendly, welcome from the PTA in America is the complete opposite of the PTA in London which was more of an exclusive club.

Family is important as well as friends. Many are hiding secrets that need to come to light so that hearts can heal and burdens be lifted.

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