After I posted a review for the book “The Boy on the Wooden Box” a couple weeks ago, comments were left in the comment section suggesting a few other holocaust related books I might want to read. One of them was The Soldier’s Wife
Well being the cheapskate that I am I typed all the recommendations into my on line library to see which books that were available in either audio book or Kindle book. Sadly, the only book available was this one and it was a Kindle book. I was able to borrow it and read it right away.
Did I like it?? YES..I did and I thank readers for the recommendation.
Here’s what Amazon had to say about the book, “A novel full of grand passion and intensity, The Soldier’s Wife asks “What would you do for your family?”, “What should you do for a stranger?”, and “What would you do for love?”
As World War II draws closer and closer to Guernsey, Vivienne de la Mare knows that there will be sacrifices to be made. Not just for herself, but for her two young daughters and for her mother-in-law, for whom she cares while her husband is away fighting. What she does not expect is that she will fall in love with one of the enigmatic German soldiers who take up residence in the house next door to her home. As their relationship intensifies, so do the pressures on Vivienne. Food and resources grow scant, and the restrictions placed upon the residents of the island grow with each passing week. Though Vivienne knows the perils of her love affair with Gunther, she believes that she can keep their relationship–and her family–safe. But when she becomes aware of the full brutality of the Occupation, she must decide if she is willing to risk her personal happiness for the life of a stranger.”
A few of the readers on Amazon weren’t in love with the book as it doesn’t get deeply into the characters hardships. It doesn’t get deeply into the emotions of the characters. Honestly I was fine with it. I highly recommend it for someone who is interested in historical fiction or WWII but doesn’t want the gore of it. This book will keep you thinking about the characters but won’t give you nightmares.
Amazon readers give it 4.5 stars and would agree.
If anyone has other recommendations, please share.
I really enjoyed this book! I read a couple of the author’s other books and they were both very good as well. While I can’t think of a WW II book off the top of my head, having read some of your other reviews you might enjoy The Wicked Girls by Alex Marwood, & Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes. My mother read the Haynes book in about a day and a half after I gave it to her! I’m also thinking of The Spark by Kristine Barnett. With your background in early chilhood education, I think this would be an interesting read for you. If you like any of these, I can always recommend some more! I have to say I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years now, and I enjoy everything about it: your kids, dogs, quilts, & book reviews.
I really liked Joanne Harris’ ‘Five Quarters of the Orange’.
The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff. A novel, but a good book.
Have you read Sarah’s Key? Terrific book!
If you haven’t read The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society, you really need to read it. One of my favorite books, ever. I also, read The Soldier’s Wife, recently & really liked it. Another one, for WWII is The Lost Wife, which I would highly recommend.