I had no idea how close the German army came to England during WWII until I read this delightful novel. Looking at the map of Guernsey, it is a small island that is much too close to England for comfort. This novel concerns itself with love, loyalty, tragedy and loss. Vivienne de la Mare would sacrifice almost anything to protect her two daughters now that their father has gone to war, but she embarks on a dangerous relationship with a German soldier to satisfy her own needs. Keeping her mother-in-law calm and peaceful as she disappears into her own dementia is a daunting task. Not everyone on the island agrees with what Vivienne is doing and their censure poses its own risks. The islanders become more dependent upon each other as the occupation continues and food and fuel become even more scarce. Vivienne has an opportunity to be the heroine her daughters look for but can she accept the cost of her deeds? There are several other books that would go nicely with this one: All the Light We Cannot See, Sara's Key, the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society are just three that come to mind. There are many others! If I'd gone on the first part of the book, I'd have rated this a negative star. The only reason I kept reading it was because it is set on the Channel Island of Guernsey, a stop on our British Isles Cruise this summer. Perhaps it didn't measure up because I had already read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society which is a GREAT book.What I didn't like about the Soldier's Wife at the beginning was the wishy-washy main character. It was hard for me to connect with a mother of 14 yrs. who couldn't make a decision without second guessing herself constantly. (Every parent second guesses themselves but hopefully, not constantly).I am glad I kept reading it as she did gain maturity and decision making skills, and it did give me another perspective on life on Guernsey and the other Channel Islands during the harsh German Occupation of World War II.
What do You think about The Soldier's Wife (2011)?
This book for me was total escapism, it had me hooked from beginning to end.
—Nessa
would be a good beach read. it is very predictable
—sameen
