A review by zreadz
In Memoriam by Alice Winn

dark emotional funny informative tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

“I cannot heave my heart into my mouth”

I picked up In Memoriam by Alice Winn on a whim after saving it some time ago. As a self-admitted history buff, the combination of WWI and rarely acknowledged romance stories intrigued me. The novel follows Ellwood, Gaunt, and a group of well-off English boys attending a private school, who find themselves suddenly thrust into the harsh realities of the First World War. We witness their transformation from adolescents fantasizing about battle to young men on the frontlines, growing up in the span of months—or even days. 

The love story between Ellwood and Gaunt is beautifully written, capturing not only the romance but also the complexities of the world they inhabit. Despite the societal constraints of the era in regards to the LGBTQ+ community, at their core, they are just young men figuring out love and their place in a world that doesn’t seem to fit them—both before and after the war. At times, I found myself frustrated with their decisions and dialogue, but then reminded myself that they are not seasoned soldiers but young men grappling with a gut-wrenching reality.

My only critique lies with the portrayal of female characters, who felt underdeveloped and often reduced to being "easy" and overly emotional. This may be more a reflection of Winn’s ability to capture the mindset of young men of that era rather than a flaw in the writing itself. On the other hand, the secondary characters, especially fellow soldiers, were well fleshed out, adding richness to the narrative. 

The vivid descriptions of war were both harrowing and immersive, pulling you deeper into the story. It’s evident that Winn extensively researched the historical backdrop, which brings authenticity to the fictional narrative. This novel played out in my mind like a film. Without giving away too much, I’ll just say that the use of poetry, emotion, and prose was masterfully done. Overall, In Memoriam was a fantastic read, and I would highly recommend it.
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