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eveak's review against another edition
2.0
This book never came together for me which is too bad since I like Maisie Dobbs and was looking forward to reading it.
whatiswhatwas's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely not the most exciting book in the world, but it had its moments.
kdurham2's review against another edition
3.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Kezia, our main character didn't pull me in and I had a hard time connecting to her. Thea her friend and sister-in-law was easier to relate to and get to know, I enjoyed each time she was given a voice to tell her side of things.
A slow going historical fiction that moved at such a slow pace that it was hard to keep my interest. I am not saying there wasn't action because there was as the author greatly captured the anticipation of war before it begins, but for some reason it felt as though things were repeated that weren't worth repeating and feelings were told over and over when once was enough.
Kezia, our main character didn't pull me in and I had a hard time connecting to her. Thea her friend and sister-in-law was easier to relate to and get to know, I enjoyed each time she was given a voice to tell her side of things.
A slow going historical fiction that moved at such a slow pace that it was hard to keep my interest. I am not saying there wasn't action because there was as the author greatly captured the anticipation of war before it begins, but for some reason it felt as though things were repeated that weren't worth repeating and feelings were told over and over when once was enough.
nicoleankenmann's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook: 09hr 44m
A deviation from most of the Maisy Dobbs stories, I found this book to vibe like a "b-plot" story. Maybe it was the isolated and unfamiliar setting? Something didn't quite taste like the rest of the series to me and I missed whatever the je ne sais quoi from the other novels is that keeps me coming back. Not unhappy about the time I spent in this book, but not one that I expect to revisit.
A deviation from most of the Maisy Dobbs stories, I found this book to vibe like a "b-plot" story. Maybe it was the isolated and unfamiliar setting? Something didn't quite taste like the rest of the series to me and I missed whatever the je ne sais quoi from the other novels is that keeps me coming back. Not unhappy about the time I spent in this book, but not one that I expect to revisit.
calmlyeatingmuffins's review against another edition
4.0
Jacqueline Winspear has proven her literary talent in this novel. I've now read all of her books (so far), and I can say that here, she really comes into her own, with her vivid description and use of language. If you read this novel expecting an action-driven plot, you might be disappointed, as you will find that the drama of this novel is--as it is for many women writers, especially in the 19th century--mainly on the inside. One of the things I love most about Winspear is how she gives us an intimate glimpse into women's lives and shows them not to be static figures, but dynamic ones who develop over the course of the novel (or in the case of Maisie Dobbs, over a series of novels). That's no less true here. Here she also shows the power of women and women's stories, and how they have an influence on the world--including the male world--connected to them. She does a great job here, and I'm only giving it 4 stars because I didn't LOVE it (I LIKED it very much!!). Without giving anything away, Winspear plays too much with my heart as a reader, and while that contributes to her realism, I--well, I won't say any more, but that's the main reason it's not 5 stars.
woomom's review against another edition
2.0
Definitely not along the same lines as Masie dobbs, although I'm sure it wasn't expected to be. I just thought I would like it as much as Winspear's Dobbs series. Honestly I really had to plow my way through this book. It moved very slowly for me. Not enough dialog and too many descriptions. Also, it was quite depressing. Obviously it was about war, so it's not all roses. I really wanted to like this book, but really didn't end up liking too much.
pjvana's review against another edition
3.0
This was nice on audio book. It didn't have the depth of characters or some of the bite of her Maisie Dobbs novels. It was hard to believe that the two women were ever very close friends and it's kind of like that with all of the relationships - they just don't seem very connected. Still, it's a quick read and has really good structure as it vacillates between the farm, the war, and before the war.
roscoehuxley's review against another edition
3.0
Kezia and Thea have been friends for years. Kezia is about to marry Tom, Thea's brother. Thea is not happy, and it causes problems in Kezia and Thea's relationship. Then, WWI starts, and everything changes.
Kezia and Tom have an idyllic start to their marriage, with Kezia learning to cook and live on the farm. When Tom goes to war, Kezia has to learn to manage all on her own. She communicates with Tom through long letters about her cooking (imaginary).
I won't comment about the end, but it's what brought the rating down.
All in all, a good commentary about the absurdity of war.
Kezia and Tom have an idyllic start to their marriage, with Kezia learning to cook and live on the farm. When Tom goes to war, Kezia has to learn to manage all on her own. She communicates with Tom through long letters about her cooking (imaginary).
I won't comment about the end, but it's what brought the rating down.
All in all, a good commentary about the absurdity of war.
misajane79's review against another edition
3.0
A great little snapshot of WWI. I've read a lot of books set in this era over the years and always appreciate it when an author tells the homefront story.
However, it was all a little too perfect--at times, the character arcs didn't feel natural, but an effort to make sure key historical points covered. And we all know how I feel about forcing the story to fit historic goals.
However, it was all a little too perfect--at times, the character arcs didn't feel natural, but an effort to make sure key historical points covered. And we all know how I feel about forcing the story to fit historic goals.