A CHild's Unique View of World War Two
UPDATE as of May 2023: This novel is now available on Kindle Unlimited !!
This tale of war’s effects on humans even when they are far from the front lines is well written in very short chapters that quickly propel the reader through 348 pages. At times a reader may wish for more of a segue between the chapters. Although the third-person narration is constant, there is a subtle shift in point of view and setting as each chapter focuses on one of the many different character’s current experiences, emotions, and thoughts. I hesitate to mention that it is historical fiction (World War II, starting in 1939 prior to America’s entrance) since the focus is more on the emotions and character development of two families who work together to keep 11-year-old Beatrice safe for five years rather than a focus on violent key battles and changes in the world. Likewise, I did not start out with the label of debut novel since author Laura Spence-Ash is a skilled writer who has produced a polished book.
The plot is driven forward by every character’s watchful concern for little Bea, while she struggles with the connection she feels with her new foster parents and their two boys in Boston as compared to the obligatory pull of blood lines with her birth parents, Reginald and Millie, in England. A few times the characterization of Beatrice (Bea) seemed a bit juvenile; would an 11-year-old girl really let a strange woman (foster mother Nancy Gregory) bathe her? While readers know that Bea felt terrorized by the talk and sounds of war in her home country, her fearful wearing of a gas mask in England is not the same as being undressed and bathed like a pre-school child. However, the story continues on to the early 1970's with the adults lives of Beatrice and her former foster brother William as well as old age issues with Millie. These real issues seem are more personal than the wartime child story. Bea's mother seems jealous of the happiness in the Gregory home as well as the happiness they provided Beatrice. Mother-daughter relationships and marital choices are all part of the brewing inner conflicts.
For readers who prefer historical fiction with a faster pace or threats of violence, this book may not seem like a perfect fit, yet they might be surprised at how touched they are by this unique perspective of a difficult time in world history. For me, it was a 4.5, rounded to a 5. I am so appreciative for the ARC I received from Celadon Books and BookishFirst.
This tale of war’s effects on humans even when they are far from the front lines is well written in very short chapters that quickly propel the reader through 348 pages. At times a reader may wish for more of a segue between the chapters. Although the third-person narration is constant, there is a subtle shift in point of view and setting as each chapter focuses on one of the many different character’s current experiences, emotions, and thoughts. I hesitate to mention that it is historical fiction (World War II, starting in 1939 prior to America’s entrance) since the focus is more on the emotions and character development of two families who work together to keep 11-year-old Beatrice safe for five years rather than a focus on violent key battles and changes in the world. Likewise, I did not start out with the label of debut novel since author Laura Spence-Ash is a skilled writer who has produced a polished book.
The plot is driven forward by every character’s watchful concern for little Bea, while she struggles with the connection she feels with her new foster parents and their two boys in Boston as compared to the obligatory pull of blood lines with her birth parents, Reginald and Millie, in England. A few times the characterization of Beatrice (Bea) seemed a bit juvenile; would an 11-year-old girl really let a strange woman (foster mother Nancy Gregory) bathe her? While readers know that Bea felt terrorized by the talk and sounds of war in her home country, her fearful wearing of a gas mask in England is not the same as being undressed and bathed like a pre-school child. However, the story continues on to the early 1970's with the adults lives of Beatrice and her former foster brother William as well as old age issues with Millie. These real issues seem are more personal than the wartime child story. Bea's mother seems jealous of the happiness in the Gregory home as well as the happiness they provided Beatrice. Mother-daughter relationships and marital choices are all part of the brewing inner conflicts.
For readers who prefer historical fiction with a faster pace or threats of violence, this book may not seem like a perfect fit, yet they might be surprised at how touched they are by this unique perspective of a difficult time in world history. For me, it was a 4.5, rounded to a 5. I am so appreciative for the ARC I received from Celadon Books and BookishFirst.