An interesting novel unveiling the side of the confines of being a woman in the early 20th century, during the First World War. Where women’s rights were whispered about, a women’s place was in the home. I was intrigued to see where this would take the characters.
Two women, one wanting independence belonging to the women’s suffrage (Beryl), while the other, Victoria, the main character, is in love with a man and can think of nothing else; seems very influenced and naïve.
Marriage changes Victoria’s life. The horrors of war can be seen all around them, and then the worst happens, what everyone fears, her husband is lost at war. She must fight for answers while at the same time fighting on other fronts.
An intelligent and determined woman brings the attention of many, including the British army. Friends she has could be viewed as enemies of the state. Their choices can impact many.
The author portrays those times as very grave. No one can be trusted, women constantly watched in case they are spies, put to work but never trusted. Not many could fully comprehend this time for women. The author I feel as done them justice.
Love appears in the most unexpected of places, but once again snatched away from Victoria. Alone, close friend in prison, she must do the unthinkable – find a job. This dramatically changes her view on life and people, and helps her to really become a strong woman.
It makes quite an addictive read learning about these women that Victoria meets at the farm she works on. All with unique personalities, displaying a variety of women in that time and how they contributed while the men were at war.
An inspiring read as many novels have not covered this side with the women. It is a love story that stands the strength of time. One woman’s journey of hope that one day she will be reunited with her husband, in the meantime changing her life and many others.
3 ½ stars
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