I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a rich historical fiction novel. It’s a story of two women and two wars and how they were brought together through one evil man.
Quinn uses beautiful prose and imagery to tell the (fictional) stories of Charlie St Clair and Evelyn Gardiner, painting a ghastly picture of German occupied France in WWI and Europe’s post war devastation after WWII. The two point of views were balanced well, and their stories nicely intertwined over the course of thirty years. The supporting characters were interesting, and there was an excellent mix of real historical moments included.
Her evocative descriptions and superb use of smell often had me imagining I was both in 1915 and 1947. As a writer of historical fiction, I often worry if I have captured the nuisances of the time accurately and commend anyone who can do it so naturally.
Quinn has a natural way with words that bring her stories to life.
Marisa Jones Author 