I cannot recommend this novel more highly. It is the debut novel of Charles Ellingworth and the writing is lyrical and quite outstanding and, whilst the story is set during WWII, a popular time set for novels, the story is about two womens’ experiences, one German and one French. I am impressed that a man can write a love story so sensitively, he seems to get inside of the heads of the women with great success whilst his historical knowledge is clearly well researched and accurate. The story covers sections of the war not so often written about in a novel, for example the bombing of Dresden which captivated me so much I felt as if I was there and the invasion of Eastern Germany by the Russians.
I was so sad that I was nearing the end of this book that I kept putting off reading the last 30 pages and so I look forward for Charles Ellingworth’s next book, if there is to be one.
It is now hard for me to get into another book as this one was so good. So if anyone can recommend a real good story please do.
Spooky. Have just finished book about Dresden bombing, three generations of German women and Russian invasion of Eastern Germany – will review later as due to meet the author (also debut novel) early June. Gracie x
What was it called? A x
Shadows over Time?? A x
Tu a raison deux fois! But am meeting the author (who has colourful background) so will review after that! x
As a good friend of Grace, (and aspiring author), I can't recommend enough my very good friend's debut novel, 'Before I go to Sleep'. It's by SJ Watson, has already seen the inside of the Sunday Times Bestseller Top Ten, and is a fantastic story about love, identity, middle age and amnesia.