Against the wishes of her husband, Kath Allen joins up as a landgirl and moves from Birmingham to work on Mat Ramsden's farm in Yorkshire. Feeling, for the first time, that she belongs, Kath blossoms in the farm environment - becoming involved with a Polish POW also working on the farm.
I started this book when I had to wait for two hours in a noisy place. I had read a book by Elizabeth Elgin before so I knew she would be able to hold my attention. I'm not fond of romance and there definitely is romance in this book, but I love the writing style and how you as a reader feel like part of what's going on. Therefore I've taken the very sweet romantic parts in my stride.
Kath who's married to Barney joins the Land Army in World War II. She's sent to Ramsden's farm and meets Roz, who's from the 'big house' nearby and who also works on the farm. So begins their story and it's a great read. Barney makes Kath's life very uncomfortable because she defied him to join up and Roz has a secret love affair that she doesn't want her grandmother to know about. It has a bit of everything and at times is very sad. I loved this author's books back in the day but maybe because I'm older and a bit more cynical, I found it to be over sentimental at times. Roz got on my nerves until near the end of the story. She was actually a quite selfish character. I liked Kath but got fed up of her dithering concerning a certain person. There was a lot, too much. introspection and it got very repetitive. Saying all that, the book kept pulling me back any time I had to set it aside and I was totally engrossed in it. I'm hoping to re-read her other books this Summer.
This was my first Elizabeth Elgin read. Set in World War II, a time in human history that was an emotional and challenging time, a time of quiet heroes and courageous men and women. This story told of love stories that not even a war could dim, of true love, lost love, freedom and unfaithfulness of men and women. For Kath Allen and Roz Fairchild it was a time of hardship, working in the fields of Fairchild estate and how people survived against all odds. It makes one mindful of the many sacrifices so many made in an era of devastation.
WHISPER ON THE WIND by Maureen Lang takes place in Belgium circa 1916. The German's have conquered Belgium, leaving its countrymen no choice but to rely on their unbreakable spirit. After fleeing two years earlier, Isa Lassone returns to her German occupied home in hopes of rescuing Edward Kirkland, the man of her childhood dreams. She is soon caught up in Edward's cause - the illegal publication of La Libre Belgique, the underground newspaper aimed at buoying the hopes of the Belgium people. Her love for Edward grows without reciprocation.
Edward Kirkland refuses to give in to the Germans or their propaganda aimed at discouraging those remaining in Belgium. He risks his life daily for the love of his countrymen, and brings them hope with each issue of La Libre Belgique. When Isa Lassone returns to free him, he refuses to go and is frustrated that she has put herself in such danger. But, when he realizes Isa will not be put off, he allows her to help in his cause. Soon, he sees Isa in a new light. No longer a child, Isa is now a young woman of beauty and determination. Edward struggles with his feelings for her and the risks she is willing to take on his behalf.
WHISPER ON THE WIND was a fine novel, rounded out by a handful of unique minor characters. I enjoyed the storyline but felt there were areas a bit long and drawn out. I found myself skimming the parts that seem repetitive. Wartime novels are not a favorite genre of mine, so maybe it was just me that felt the story could've traveled at a quicker pace. With that said, the end of the story picked up and hooked me to read interrupted until I was done. I especially enjoyed the storyline of Genny and the Max and wish more time had been devoted to them. Dare I say . . . sequel?
A long saga. Slightly disappointing as parts of the story were predictable. So much tragedy and sadness. Get the removing of a curse changing the story for good. I did not really feel the hardship of life as a land girl or the plight of farmers get hard life was. Why did Monty not sign up or get called up was never explained. Not what happened to Marco when war was over. The story for me did not flow.
Wonderful story and I became completely wrapped up in the characters and period of time. It all became so real and a lesson for us all that life does go on.