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The Collaborator
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Historical Fiction (2011)A forbidden love...a private war. There's a sudden scatter of birds in the sky. I flinch. Little things seem violent to me. And in that moment my decision is made. It's 1940, Guernsey. Vivienne de la Mare waits nervously for the bombs to drop. Instead comes quiet surrender and insidious occupation. Nothing is safe anymore. Her husband is fighting on the frontline and the facade of being the perfect wife is cracking. Her new life is one where the enemy lives next door. Small acts of kindness from one Nazi soldier feel like a betrayal. But how can you hate your enemy when you know his name, when he makes you feel alive, when everything else is dying around you? Vivienne is fighting her own private war. On one side, the safe, secret, loving world she could build with her captain; on the other, virtuous loneliness and danger. It's time for Vivienne to collaboration or resistance...Margaret Leroy explores a forbidden friendship in a frightening world. In the darkest hours in history, no choices are simple.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
245 people are currently reading
23475 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Leroy
19 books191 followersI grew up in the New Forest. As a child I wrote elaborate fantasy stories that I never showed to anyone. But around age 12 I stopped writing, and didn't start again till my mid-twenties.
(from the Biography page of her website)
I went to Oxford to study music, at St. Hilda's College. In my twenties I tried all sorts of things - music therapy, play-leading with children with disabilities, work in a toy shop, teaching. I also got married - and divorced. Finally I found work I really enjoyed, as a social worker: I qualified at Leicester University, and worked in psychiatry and then in child protection. It's a reviled profession but I found it fascinating: though, intriguingly, in my writing social workers are more likely to be villains than heroes. Around this time I met Mick, who is now my husband - and I started writing again. I became a full-time(ish) writer after our younger daughter was born.
(from the Biography page of her website)
I went to Oxford to study music, at St. Hilda's College. In my twenties I tried all sorts of things - music therapy, play-leading with children with disabilities, work in a toy shop, teaching. I also got married - and divorced. Finally I found work I really enjoyed, as a social worker: I qualified at Leicester University, and worked in psychiatry and then in child protection. It's a reviled profession but I found it fascinating: though, intriguingly, in my writing social workers are more likely to be villains than heroes. Around this time I met Mick, who is now my husband - and I started writing again. I became a full-time(ish) writer after our younger daughter was born.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,592 reviews
January 29, 2016
This book is simply beautiful. Beautifully written and such admirable characters that left such an imprint on my soul. Gorgeous story of love during WW2. Love this! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!
July 13, 2011
Loved it! Something about books with an island setting always draw me in. I've become greatly intrigued with The Channel Islands in particular ever since reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. This book only served to reinforce that fascination.
The Soldier's Wife had so much to say - about human dignity and perseverance and the make-do spirit and compassion (and yes, passion too). Sure, the inhabitants of Guernsey Island who survived the Nazi occupation between 1939 to 1945 provide a rich backdrop for a novel, but it takes a talented writer to transport the reader to that time and place. Margaret Leroy did just that for me.
It seems to me that war disallows us to look at our enemy on an individual, personal basis, instead labeling an entire group as wrong and/or evil. And yet, we know that each side is made up of human beings with homes and families and pets and talents much like each of us. The Soldier's Wife gives us a glimpse into people forced through circumstances beyond their control to live side by side while technically remaining enemies. I believe this story will linger with me a long time.
The Soldier's Wife had so much to say - about human dignity and perseverance and the make-do spirit and compassion (and yes, passion too). Sure, the inhabitants of Guernsey Island who survived the Nazi occupation between 1939 to 1945 provide a rich backdrop for a novel, but it takes a talented writer to transport the reader to that time and place. Margaret Leroy did just that for me.
It seems to me that war disallows us to look at our enemy on an individual, personal basis, instead labeling an entire group as wrong and/or evil. And yet, we know that each side is made up of human beings with homes and families and pets and talents much like each of us. The Soldier's Wife gives us a glimpse into people forced through circumstances beyond their control to live side by side while technically remaining enemies. I believe this story will linger with me a long time.
July 21, 2016
This has to be one of my favourite books of the year so far; I enjoyed how the author shunned typical historical fiction patterns and chose to set her story on the isle of Guernsey during world war two. Historically, we are perhaps guilty of forgetting about the inhabitants of the small islands caught in the crossfire - they were in 'no mans land' and felt the brunt of much of the Occupation.
Vivienne is a mother of two young daughters - and a carer to her ailing mother-in-law - maintaining her home while her husband is away fighting with the allied forces during the war. Her island is gradually inhabited by German soldiers, who commander the homes and possessions of the islanders. Suddenly, the life of her family is dominated by the rules and regulations of the Nazi's; curfews are put into place, you cannot drive your own car and food is scarce. Meanwhile, a POW camp is set up on the island and Nazi's are committing such acts of cruelty to reinforce Hitler's agenda.
With such a sensitive subject, I felt the author was respectful of the historical plot of her novel. She shows humanity on both sides of the war; how kindness can be found even in the midst of wartime. Vivienne is an amazing woman; I enjoyed the fact the novel was told from her point of view. The reasons for her actions are not always immediately obvious, but she is a kind and smart woman. Her forbidden love for a German officer is perhaps not too far-fetched; I'm sure there are untold stories of many similar events throughout the war.
For fans of historical fiction, this is a pure delight. I particularly enjoy novels set in world war two with a romantic theme, so this was just my cup of tea. I look forward to reading more of the authors work; she is my new favourite historical fictional author!
Vivienne is a mother of two young daughters - and a carer to her ailing mother-in-law - maintaining her home while her husband is away fighting with the allied forces during the war. Her island is gradually inhabited by German soldiers, who commander the homes and possessions of the islanders. Suddenly, the life of her family is dominated by the rules and regulations of the Nazi's; curfews are put into place, you cannot drive your own car and food is scarce. Meanwhile, a POW camp is set up on the island and Nazi's are committing such acts of cruelty to reinforce Hitler's agenda.
With such a sensitive subject, I felt the author was respectful of the historical plot of her novel. She shows humanity on both sides of the war; how kindness can be found even in the midst of wartime. Vivienne is an amazing woman; I enjoyed the fact the novel was told from her point of view. The reasons for her actions are not always immediately obvious, but she is a kind and smart woman. Her forbidden love for a German officer is perhaps not too far-fetched; I'm sure there are untold stories of many similar events throughout the war.
For fans of historical fiction, this is a pure delight. I particularly enjoy novels set in world war two with a romantic theme, so this was just my cup of tea. I look forward to reading more of the authors work; she is my new favourite historical fictional author!
March 2, 2021
This book is quite powerful. I've literally just read the last page and I think it will stay with me for a long time. The author really shows the effects of war time from various perspectives and makes you think to how it may have been living during WW2 and the occupation.
April 28, 2020
This story of a woman's (Vivienne De La Mare) bravery and fortitude during the German occupation of
Guernsey during WWII; a channel Island off the coast of England.
Her husband Eugene was fighting for England in Germany.
Her home was shared by her two daughters and her mother in- law.
She could have fled to England, but thought the boat already had too many people on board.
The German officers take up residence next door. Then she falls in love with Gunther one of the officers.
Her life is never the way she expected it to be.
I love the grace and poetic style of the author's writing. I want to read more of her books.
Guernsey during WWII; a channel Island off the coast of England.
Her husband Eugene was fighting for England in Germany.
Her home was shared by her two daughters and her mother in- law.
She could have fled to England, but thought the boat already had too many people on board.
The German officers take up residence next door. Then she falls in love with Gunther one of the officers.
Her life is never the way she expected it to be.
I love the grace and poetic style of the author's writing. I want to read more of her books.
August 3, 2011
I loved "Potato Peel Society" when I read it a few years ago, so when I saw that this novel was set on Guernsey during WWII I had to read it--and I'm glad that I did. It is a richly written novel with a bit more serious narrative than "Potato." I did not want the book to end and it was worth every page. Well drawn characters, a believable plot and appealing setting description make this a memorable novel.
March 27, 2015
We all have such richness in us-the lives we have lived, the people we have loved, all the things we have longed for. Wherever we go, whatever happens, we carry this ruchness within us. Whatever is done to us. Whatever is taken from us. We should always be grateful for every gift life gives us, and cherish what we have.
When the island of Guernsey is taken over by German soldiers during WWII, Vivienne worries that she will not be able to protect her mother in law and two daughters from the savage horrors of war. But when a small group of soldiers move into the house next store, and Vivienne and one of the officers begin to fall in love, she learns that life is more than just simple black and white.
I absolutely adored this book, and for so many reasons. First of all the writing was just to die for. Such luscious and vivid depictions of the beauty of Guernsey, which made me completely fall in love with the place and feel as if I was really there. Here is one of my favorite passages;
Blanche and I would cycle down the lane that leads to the shore, a lane that is shadowed and secret with branches that meet overhead and musical with the singing the streams that run down to the water there; and then suddenly wewould come out into light at the end of the lane, to the beach that is held between tall cliffs like a jewel cradled between cupped palms, to thr sleek wet sand and the glistening jade-green clarity of the sea.
I also loved how very honest this book was. Despite the forbidden romance that took place, it was not a book that showed the war through rose-colored glasses, as they say. War is horrific and brutal, and that fact is demonstrated quite accurately throughout this book. But I honestly feel like the story was made even more beautiful, because of this. Because this is a story about people and human nature, and the way hope and love survives even in the darkest of times.
"The thing is-I'm not very practical," I tell him. "It would be useful now, with the shortages and everything, if only I were more practical, if I were a different kind of person. I suppose I wasn't really designed for such times."
He smiles slightly, but I see a kind of sadness in his eyes.
"There are few of us, Vivienne, who were designed for such times."
And honestly, this book really summed up for me in one conversation between two characters, the stark reality of human nature during World War II, or of any time really. Not everyone who fought was an evil person. In many cases they were people who were made to commit evil acts, which is not the same thing.
"I have to tell you," he says, haltingly. "We didn't know the things that were being done in our name. Many of us who served in the army, believing in our country-that we had to restore our pride, to recover the land we had lost-when we saw what had been done, we wept....Not all of us, but some of us."
"How could you not have known?" I struggle. There are no words big enough. "I mean-even here, on Guernsey-you could see the brutality."
"You do your job," he says. "You do what you have to do. You don't always look around you. You don't think about everything. You may feel that is wrong, and you would be right to feel that. But that is how people behave. Most of us, most of the time. People behave how they are told to behave, as those around them behave."
When you grow up you learn in history class that wars are black and white. This side was good, and that side was bad. But then when you look more closely at it, you find that isn't the case at all. It's just people, acting as people do, with all their varying shades of gray. So basically, this was a very human story. And it made me empathize with many of the characters, even ones I wouldn't have expected to.
This was a book I absolutely loved! :)
"The world is so full of terrible things. All you can do is be kind....."
When the island of Guernsey is taken over by German soldiers during WWII, Vivienne worries that she will not be able to protect her mother in law and two daughters from the savage horrors of war. But when a small group of soldiers move into the house next store, and Vivienne and one of the officers begin to fall in love, she learns that life is more than just simple black and white.
I absolutely adored this book, and for so many reasons. First of all the writing was just to die for. Such luscious and vivid depictions of the beauty of Guernsey, which made me completely fall in love with the place and feel as if I was really there. Here is one of my favorite passages;
Blanche and I would cycle down the lane that leads to the shore, a lane that is shadowed and secret with branches that meet overhead and musical with the singing the streams that run down to the water there; and then suddenly wewould come out into light at the end of the lane, to the beach that is held between tall cliffs like a jewel cradled between cupped palms, to thr sleek wet sand and the glistening jade-green clarity of the sea.
I also loved how very honest this book was. Despite the forbidden romance that took place, it was not a book that showed the war through rose-colored glasses, as they say. War is horrific and brutal, and that fact is demonstrated quite accurately throughout this book. But I honestly feel like the story was made even more beautiful, because of this. Because this is a story about people and human nature, and the way hope and love survives even in the darkest of times.
"The thing is-I'm not very practical," I tell him. "It would be useful now, with the shortages and everything, if only I were more practical, if I were a different kind of person. I suppose I wasn't really designed for such times."
He smiles slightly, but I see a kind of sadness in his eyes.
"There are few of us, Vivienne, who were designed for such times."
And honestly, this book really summed up for me in one conversation between two characters, the stark reality of human nature during World War II, or of any time really. Not everyone who fought was an evil person. In many cases they were people who were made to commit evil acts, which is not the same thing.
"I have to tell you," he says, haltingly. "We didn't know the things that were being done in our name. Many of us who served in the army, believing in our country-that we had to restore our pride, to recover the land we had lost-when we saw what had been done, we wept....Not all of us, but some of us."
"How could you not have known?" I struggle. There are no words big enough. "I mean-even here, on Guernsey-you could see the brutality."
"You do your job," he says. "You do what you have to do. You don't always look around you. You don't think about everything. You may feel that is wrong, and you would be right to feel that. But that is how people behave. Most of us, most of the time. People behave how they are told to behave, as those around them behave."
When you grow up you learn in history class that wars are black and white. This side was good, and that side was bad. But then when you look more closely at it, you find that isn't the case at all. It's just people, acting as people do, with all their varying shades of gray. So basically, this was a very human story. And it made me empathize with many of the characters, even ones I wouldn't have expected to.
This was a book I absolutely loved! :)
"The world is so full of terrible things. All you can do is be kind....."
November 30, 2016
A beautifully-written story of one woman's struggle to keep her family safe during the German occupation of the Isle of Guernsey. This book is captivating and fraught with emotional tension.
November 30, 2018
I started to read this book month's ago and other books got between. So, when I saw it as an audiobook did I pounce on it like it was the last chocolate in the world. What can I say, I do love listening to books...
Anyway, want some forbidden love, WW2, Guernsey and of course hell of a good writing? Then this is the book! I quite enjoyed both reading and listening to this book and will check out the author's other books.
Anyway, want some forbidden love, WW2, Guernsey and of course hell of a good writing? Then this is the book! I quite enjoyed both reading and listening to this book and will check out the author's other books.
January 4, 2020
This story definitely makes you think and question what would you do for your family?
Riveting story set in WWII.
Riveting story set in WWII.
October 2, 2019
This was harrowing at points and beautiful at other. Anytime I get into a WWII book it's never easy, but I enjoyed this one immensly.
When you combine the effects of war and a forbidden romance it's usually going to be promising. While I have some issues with the ending, overall I enjoyed it.
Now I'm off to read a couple of "light and fluffy" books because God I need it!
RTC to come.
When you combine the effects of war and a forbidden romance it's usually going to be promising. While I have some issues with the ending, overall I enjoyed it.
Now I'm off to read a couple of "light and fluffy" books because God I need it!
RTC to come.
December 16, 2011
Coming back into reality can be horribly startling at times. That's the best way to discern an excellent book from a simply okay book. It's the excellent books that make you forget where you are in time and space, entirely blocking out the clock, one could spend hours reading an excellent book and think it was only minutes. Perhaps, of course, in my particular office this may be a problem, but it's all worth it in the end.
I hadn't, in a very long while, read a book that made me forget myself, become absorbed wholly in the story, the plot of another world beyond my own. It's a wonderful thing when such books are found, they are to be treasured for their wonder and remarkability. I finished The Soldier's Wife today, it was one of few books that I have read that come from the "adult" section of our library. I've been, little by little, trying to transition myself over from the teen section, but it's a scary change, the teen section has been my home for nearly ten years now, I know those shelves like the back of my hand. It was really an especially odd time to choose that book to read because I am trying desperately to finish off a 2011 reading challenge, of which I pledged to read 30 books in one year. I have a number of books from my ever familiar teen section checked out, each of which I could finish in less than a day instead of the three that it took to finish this one. Yet it was apparently a good choice, The Soldier's Wife was much more wonderful than I could have anticipated. I read most of it on our office during breaks between shelving books, and the cliffhangers were horrible when I found that I had to leave again to shelve. But the last section of it, the last bit of that wonderful book, was stunning. The last time I cried over a book was back in July, rereading the Harry Potter series, but this book more than deserved the tears that were shed to it. I cannot spoil it for anyone, that would be more terrible than the worst of crimes. Let me be the one to assure all readers, however, that I, at least, fell in love with this book. There were certain parts that I didn't approve of, which I expected after picking it out of the adult section, and there was one little plot tail at the end that has been a little overdone, at least in what I have read, but overall it was too enthralling, too engaging, to be put down for longer than absolutely necessary. It was after I finally read those last few words and closed the pages that I realized how much I had missed - the calm albeit dreary day had long since turned into a torrential downpour that threatened to break the window above me, and half the people from my office were gone, already having started another cart which I had completely zoned out of. These are the best kinds of books. For a few hours today, I was living on an island occupied by German soldiers during World War II. Those were certainly scary times.
I hadn't, in a very long while, read a book that made me forget myself, become absorbed wholly in the story, the plot of another world beyond my own. It's a wonderful thing when such books are found, they are to be treasured for their wonder and remarkability. I finished The Soldier's Wife today, it was one of few books that I have read that come from the "adult" section of our library. I've been, little by little, trying to transition myself over from the teen section, but it's a scary change, the teen section has been my home for nearly ten years now, I know those shelves like the back of my hand. It was really an especially odd time to choose that book to read because I am trying desperately to finish off a 2011 reading challenge, of which I pledged to read 30 books in one year. I have a number of books from my ever familiar teen section checked out, each of which I could finish in less than a day instead of the three that it took to finish this one. Yet it was apparently a good choice, The Soldier's Wife was much more wonderful than I could have anticipated. I read most of it on our office during breaks between shelving books, and the cliffhangers were horrible when I found that I had to leave again to shelve. But the last section of it, the last bit of that wonderful book, was stunning. The last time I cried over a book was back in July, rereading the Harry Potter series, but this book more than deserved the tears that were shed to it. I cannot spoil it for anyone, that would be more terrible than the worst of crimes. Let me be the one to assure all readers, however, that I, at least, fell in love with this book. There were certain parts that I didn't approve of, which I expected after picking it out of the adult section, and there was one little plot tail at the end that has been a little overdone, at least in what I have read, but overall it was too enthralling, too engaging, to be put down for longer than absolutely necessary. It was after I finally read those last few words and closed the pages that I realized how much I had missed - the calm albeit dreary day had long since turned into a torrential downpour that threatened to break the window above me, and half the people from my office were gone, already having started another cart which I had completely zoned out of. These are the best kinds of books. For a few hours today, I was living on an island occupied by German soldiers during World War II. Those were certainly scary times.
May 18, 2011
4.5 stars
Have you ever wondered how far you would go to protect the ones that you love? What if you fell in love with the enemy?
In this story, our main character Vivienne, her two girls and her ailing mother in law live on the island of Guernsey. Her husband has been called to serve in the war and she has to decide whether or not to leave the island she calls home. This decision comes because of the rumors that the Germans are to occupy their island.
Through the book we are shown the daily life of Vivienne, her best friend, and her children. Soon not only the island, but the house next door are occupied by the enemy Germans. Vivienne tries to avoid the soldier's next door but soon they become part of her life....she soon falls in love with one of them.
Even though Vivienne eventually sees the harsh realities of war, from the work camps, starving prisoners, the rationing of food, the story is one that shows you never really know someone, no matter how close you are to them. It also shows that the ones you think are the worst, are actually some of the best.
I loved the writing in this story. Some things were predictable and you could see them coming, but there were many more surprises than predictions. This isn't really a book about a war, but the lives of people who the war affects and how they will never be the same.
Thank you to Voice: Hyperion for the chance to read this!
Have you ever wondered how far you would go to protect the ones that you love? What if you fell in love with the enemy?
In this story, our main character Vivienne, her two girls and her ailing mother in law live on the island of Guernsey. Her husband has been called to serve in the war and she has to decide whether or not to leave the island she calls home. This decision comes because of the rumors that the Germans are to occupy their island.
Through the book we are shown the daily life of Vivienne, her best friend, and her children. Soon not only the island, but the house next door are occupied by the enemy Germans. Vivienne tries to avoid the soldier's next door but soon they become part of her life....she soon falls in love with one of them.
Even though Vivienne eventually sees the harsh realities of war, from the work camps, starving prisoners, the rationing of food, the story is one that shows you never really know someone, no matter how close you are to them. It also shows that the ones you think are the worst, are actually some of the best.
I loved the writing in this story. Some things were predictable and you could see them coming, but there were many more surprises than predictions. This isn't really a book about a war, but the lives of people who the war affects and how they will never be the same.
Thank you to Voice: Hyperion for the chance to read this!
August 26, 2012
2.5 stars, but I rounded up because I feel nice today. Also as a sort of atonement for this bit that I just have to get off my chest:
PLEASE DO NOT EVER NAME YOUR ROMANTIC INTEREST GUNTHER. I am a child of the '90s and '00s, when I hear "Gunther," I think this:
.
If you live under a rock and have never seen an episode of the hit sitcom "Friends," that is Gunther, the comically creepy coffee shop worker who is obsessed with Rachel. So yeah. Gunther was supposed to be this intense, attractive, morally grey complex character, and instead, I couldn't help but picture him as creepy Friends Gunther. But alas. I guess I can't really get mad at the author for that. It did make it hard to take the book seriously, though.
This is like the fifth book I've read like this, where the shy, quiet-yet-somehow-inexplicably-entrancing young woman draws the attention of a gentlemanly-yet-morally-confused and dashing-yet-wounded German soldier/officer. It's not a bad story, but I've grown a bit tired of that sort of plot. While the story was interesting enough to keep me reading, the characters weren't actually that original or well-rendered, and the pacing and focus of the story was inconsistent (the first half is focused a bit too heavily on a romance which is then almost abandoned in the second half to focus on the forced labor workers). The writing itself was decent, though a bit heavy-handed and preachy about the moral complexities of 1930s-1940s Europe. I'm not exactly sorry I read this book, but it made me realize I really need to stop reading these types of books - I've just gone through too many of them at this point. If you really liked this one, I would recommend Sarah's Key, Those Who Save Us, The Things We Cherished, The Postmistress, and The Kommandant's Girl. If you want a book with a similar setting and issues but a fresher take/different approach, take a look at Postcards from No Man's Land, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Gone to Soldiers, or Five Quarters of the Orange. Sorry for the lengthy book list, but I'm always looking for WWII fiction recs, so I like to try and return the favor.
SPOILERS BELOW -
Just one last note - I swear to God, enough with the "cleverly" "disguised" morning sickness written into books like these. If a main character is having illicit sex and then throws up at any point for any purpose in the story, I will immediately assume they are pregnant. I wish authors would stop trying to have a "surprise" pregnancy as like a little plot twist. We all see it coming like a mile off, it has ceased to be a twist (or interesting or original). Just had to get that off my chest. It really bugs me.
PLEASE DO NOT EVER NAME YOUR ROMANTIC INTEREST GUNTHER. I am a child of the '90s and '00s, when I hear "Gunther," I think this:
. If you live under a rock and have never seen an episode of the hit sitcom "Friends," that is Gunther, the comically creepy coffee shop worker who is obsessed with Rachel. So yeah. Gunther was supposed to be this intense, attractive, morally grey complex character, and instead, I couldn't help but picture him as creepy Friends Gunther. But alas. I guess I can't really get mad at the author for that. It did make it hard to take the book seriously, though.
This is like the fifth book I've read like this, where the shy, quiet-yet-somehow-inexplicably-entrancing young woman draws the attention of a gentlemanly-yet-morally-confused and dashing-yet-wounded German soldier/officer. It's not a bad story, but I've grown a bit tired of that sort of plot. While the story was interesting enough to keep me reading, the characters weren't actually that original or well-rendered, and the pacing and focus of the story was inconsistent (the first half is focused a bit too heavily on a romance which is then almost abandoned in the second half to focus on the forced labor workers). The writing itself was decent, though a bit heavy-handed and preachy about the moral complexities of 1930s-1940s Europe. I'm not exactly sorry I read this book, but it made me realize I really need to stop reading these types of books - I've just gone through too many of them at this point. If you really liked this one, I would recommend Sarah's Key, Those Who Save Us, The Things We Cherished, The Postmistress, and The Kommandant's Girl. If you want a book with a similar setting and issues but a fresher take/different approach, take a look at Postcards from No Man's Land, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Gone to Soldiers, or Five Quarters of the Orange. Sorry for the lengthy book list, but I'm always looking for WWII fiction recs, so I like to try and return the favor.
SPOILERS BELOW -
Just one last note - I swear to God, enough with the "cleverly" "disguised" morning sickness written into books like these. If a main character is having illicit sex and then throws up at any point for any purpose in the story, I will immediately assume they are pregnant. I wish authors would stop trying to have a "surprise" pregnancy as like a little plot twist. We all see it coming like a mile off, it has ceased to be a twist (or interesting or original). Just had to get that off my chest. It really bugs me.
December 21, 2016
Nazi occupation on Guernsey during WWII. Doesn't really conjure up images of a lovely romance for me but I think this is considered Historical Romance. The only thing I found romantic about it was the language and the setting but I did enjoy it. While reading it the star rating swung from 4 to 2 to 4 and finally settled on 3 but then just at the last page jumped it back to 4 again, at the last second. I didn't like the ending particularly but I didn't see it coming so it got an extra star for the shock factor.
Vivienne, a soldier's wife, is living on Guernsey with her 2 daughters and her mother-in-law while her husband is away fighting for his country. When the German army come to occupy the island she learns to come to terms with restricted living. When a few Nazi soldiers commandeer her empty neighbour's house she's drawn to one of them in particular (Gunther), and so begins the 'romance'. Vivienne's marriage is an unhappy one and I get the impression that her marriage was over a long time before her husband left to fight but to be honest I still have no clue what she ever saw in Gunther. He didn't strike me as romance material but I think Viv was just miserably unhappy and lonely and whichever of the Nazi's had shown an interest in her would have had just as much chance to get with her.
I didn't feel that the romance was actually the focal point of the story for me. It was always there in the background but I was more interested in the Historical aspects. The Resistance from the Islanders, the Prisoners of War, the shortages and rationing...in general the results of the Occupation on the island. There were some really touching moments and some harrowing moments, as you'd expect from a war-time drama and all the characters were really well written and I really cared what happened to them.
I was frustrated with the ending though. I was all set to give it 3 stars overall and file it under 'a good read' but then I got to the end and I lost my footing. I'm still not sure how to deal with it. Not sure if I liked the ending, neither am I sure I disliked it. It took me by surprise and when I read it I wanted to know more and was annoyed that I'd never find out...then back pedaled and thought the shock ending was the right way to deal with it. Argh! I don't know. I'll just say it was a surprising end to a good book. Not sure if it was good or bad ending but it was surprising.
It's a nice gentle read, despite the war theme and the occupation and I'd read more by this author.
Vivienne, a soldier's wife, is living on Guernsey with her 2 daughters and her mother-in-law while her husband is away fighting for his country. When the German army come to occupy the island she learns to come to terms with restricted living. When a few Nazi soldiers commandeer her empty neighbour's house she's drawn to one of them in particular (Gunther), and so begins the 'romance'. Vivienne's marriage is an unhappy one and I get the impression that her marriage was over a long time before her husband left to fight but to be honest I still have no clue what she ever saw in Gunther. He didn't strike me as romance material but I think Viv was just miserably unhappy and lonely and whichever of the Nazi's had shown an interest in her would have had just as much chance to get with her.
I didn't feel that the romance was actually the focal point of the story for me. It was always there in the background but I was more interested in the Historical aspects. The Resistance from the Islanders, the Prisoners of War, the shortages and rationing...in general the results of the Occupation on the island. There were some really touching moments and some harrowing moments, as you'd expect from a war-time drama and all the characters were really well written and I really cared what happened to them.
I was frustrated with the ending though. I was all set to give it 3 stars overall and file it under 'a good read' but then I got to the end and I lost my footing. I'm still not sure how to deal with it. Not sure if I liked the ending, neither am I sure I disliked it. It took me by surprise and when I read it I wanted to know more and was annoyed that I'd never find out...then back pedaled and thought the shock ending was the right way to deal with it. Argh! I don't know. I'll just say it was a surprising end to a good book. Not sure if it was good or bad ending but it was surprising.
It's a nice gentle read, despite the war theme and the occupation and I'd read more by this author.
January 7, 2012
I really liked this book until about the last third of the book and then I LOVED it. The book is a solid historical fiction read. It takes place during WWII on the island of Guernsey (which I now feel like I need to read about since I've come across several books that either discuss or take place on the island of Guernsey). This book had a little bit of everything that I like in a book. There was a little bit of romance, a bit of mystery, a bit of drama all surrounding a good solid story.
Vivienne, the main character, was really well written. She struggles between falling in love with Gunther, a Nazi who is occupying Guernsey, and trying to remain loyal to her country while caring for her children and her mother-in-law who is close to losing it. I really felt for her. Leroy does a great job about writing of how she makes the decisions she makes.
There's a huge twist in the book that I really loved. It made me not be able to put down the book until I finished. I don't want to give anything away but if you read the book, you'll know the twist that I'm talking about. It was a really good touch!
Bottom line: This is a great historical fiction pick!
Vivienne, the main character, was really well written. She struggles between falling in love with Gunther, a Nazi who is occupying Guernsey, and trying to remain loyal to her country while caring for her children and her mother-in-law who is close to losing it. I really felt for her. Leroy does a great job about writing of how she makes the decisions she makes.
There's a huge twist in the book that I really loved. It made me not be able to put down the book until I finished. I don't want to give anything away but if you read the book, you'll know the twist that I'm talking about. It was a really good touch!
Bottom line: This is a great historical fiction pick!
August 10, 2014
Beautiful writing. Loved the voice and the finely drawn characters in this story of love, unlikely friendships, and impossible choices
July 5, 2011
Set on the English Channel Island of Guernsey during the Nazi occupation of WWII, The Soldier’s Wife is the story of Vivienne de la Mare, her affair with a German soldier, and her relationship with her family and neighbors. When we meet Vivienne she is caring for her mother-in-law and her two daughters while her husband is away fighting for the allied forces in London. From the onset, Vivienne is faced with agonizing decisions; the first of which is whether or not to get on the last boat to London. Shortly after deciding not to go, German bombers announce a takeover with a terrible airstrike that leaves many peaceful Guernsey civilians dead, and marks a change in island life as they know it. The Germans quickly march ashore and take over houses, businesses, and property as their need arises, and impose rules and curfews, putting the island under martial law.
When a group of German soldiers move into the house next door to Vivienne and their lives intersect, suddenly alliances become confused. Struggling for an oasis from bad marriages and the horrors of war, Vivienne enters into a love affair with a complex and sensitive German soldier named Gunther. As rumors spread and work camps form on the island, the web in which the characters become entangled takes on life and death consequences, and Vivienne finds herself wondering how well you can ever really know someone.
The Soldier’s Wife is a tour de force and one of the best historical novels I’ve read this year. It is reminiscent of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and Those Who Save Us, and the courageous and sober Vivienne is a character I won’t forget. A perfect blend of plot, tension, and history, The Soldier’s Wife is the kind of book you’ll pick up and not be able to put down until you’ve read the last poignant sentence.
Leroy is a gifted writer and I give The Soldier’s Wife my highest recommendation.
When a group of German soldiers move into the house next door to Vivienne and their lives intersect, suddenly alliances become confused. Struggling for an oasis from bad marriages and the horrors of war, Vivienne enters into a love affair with a complex and sensitive German soldier named Gunther. As rumors spread and work camps form on the island, the web in which the characters become entangled takes on life and death consequences, and Vivienne finds herself wondering how well you can ever really know someone.
The Soldier’s Wife is a tour de force and one of the best historical novels I’ve read this year. It is reminiscent of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and Those Who Save Us, and the courageous and sober Vivienne is a character I won’t forget. A perfect blend of plot, tension, and history, The Soldier’s Wife is the kind of book you’ll pick up and not be able to put down until you’ve read the last poignant sentence.
Leroy is a gifted writer and I give The Soldier’s Wife my highest recommendation.
July 15, 2011
I was glad I was on vacation when I started this book because I couldn't put it down. It is beautifully written. The descriptions of the sights and smells of the island make you want to visit, but it is easy to imagine what it is like. It also shows that not all German soldiers are monsters like are portrayed in most. WWII stories. Some are kind people who had normal lives and had no choise about serving. If you enjoyed Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you'll love this book.
July 24, 2011
Ever read The Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene? It’s about a Jewish teenager named Patty whose town in Arkansas is to house a German prisoner of war camp. Despite the ill will and fears regarding the German nation, Patty befriends one of the young soldiers in the camp. Her friendship with him is an escape from her hard home life and from loneliness but when their relationship is discovered Patty has to choose between popular opinion, her family and this soldier who means so much to her.
It is a wonderful novel. It made a huge impression on me as a girl and now I think I’ve read the adult version. It is The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy. The basic bones in German Soldier and Soldier’s Wife are the same: two women involved with the enemy during wartime much decide where their loyalties lie. That is a good start to a drama, right?
The soldier’s wife is Vivienne. She and her young family live in Guernsey. When the war begins Vivienne’s husband is off to fight and she is becomes a single parent and the caretaker to her husband’s mother. Facing the threat of German invasion, many of the inhabitants of the islands send their children away for safety’s sake but Vivienne feels compelled to keep hers with her in the island.
The German Invasion does come and with it a harsh occupation. Normalcy is a thing of the past. Vivienne’s life is quickly taken over by food, fuel and every other thing shortages and the increasingly strict restrictions placed on the citizens of Guernsey by the German soldiers. The kindness of one of the enemy soldiers occupying the house next door is the beginning of Vivienne’s affair or her collaboration depending on how you look at it.
Leroy is most successful and entertaining when writing about the day-to-day workings of Vivienne’s life and Guernsey itself. She paints an evocative portrait of island life and a woman juggling multiple, complex relationships in an extreme situation but never captures the desperation this existence would have to bring on.Historically The Soldier’s Wife is World War 2-lite. The author breezes through all that hard war stuff and fails to take any advantage of some of the real horrors on Guernsey like the use of slave labor.
The heavy concentration on Vivienne's assignations that stay secret for years (Really? On and occupied island?) miss the intensity they could have had if Leroy brought more of the war into the novel. If you know nothing about the German Occupation of the Channel Islands not to worry you will finish The Soldier’s Wife just as knowledge free. It’s too bad. I like the setting and all of the ideas behind this novel but as it turns out The Soldier's Wife is no Summer Of My German Soldier.
It is a wonderful novel. It made a huge impression on me as a girl and now I think I’ve read the adult version. It is The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy. The basic bones in German Soldier and Soldier’s Wife are the same: two women involved with the enemy during wartime much decide where their loyalties lie. That is a good start to a drama, right?
The soldier’s wife is Vivienne. She and her young family live in Guernsey. When the war begins Vivienne’s husband is off to fight and she is becomes a single parent and the caretaker to her husband’s mother. Facing the threat of German invasion, many of the inhabitants of the islands send their children away for safety’s sake but Vivienne feels compelled to keep hers with her in the island.
The German Invasion does come and with it a harsh occupation. Normalcy is a thing of the past. Vivienne’s life is quickly taken over by food, fuel and every other thing shortages and the increasingly strict restrictions placed on the citizens of Guernsey by the German soldiers. The kindness of one of the enemy soldiers occupying the house next door is the beginning of Vivienne’s affair or her collaboration depending on how you look at it.
Leroy is most successful and entertaining when writing about the day-to-day workings of Vivienne’s life and Guernsey itself. She paints an evocative portrait of island life and a woman juggling multiple, complex relationships in an extreme situation but never captures the desperation this existence would have to bring on.Historically The Soldier’s Wife is World War 2-lite. The author breezes through all that hard war stuff and fails to take any advantage of some of the real horrors on Guernsey like the use of slave labor.
The heavy concentration on Vivienne's assignations that stay secret for years (Really? On and occupied island?) miss the intensity they could have had if Leroy brought more of the war into the novel. If you know nothing about the German Occupation of the Channel Islands not to worry you will finish The Soldier’s Wife just as knowledge free. It’s too bad. I like the setting and all of the ideas behind this novel but as it turns out The Soldier's Wife is no Summer Of My German Soldier.
July 18, 2012
Originally Reviewed at Novel Escapes
I picked up The Soldier’s Wife a few weeks ago after the cover drew me in and the story had me adding to my pile. Having loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I had high hopes for this novel and wasn’t disappointed. The writing itself was stunning as was the depiction of Guernsey and the story stole a bit of my heart. The Soldier’s Wife will definitely sit on my shelf to be reread.
What stood out most for me was how astounded and left in awe I grew at how Margaret Leroy strung the words of this novel together so poetically and lyrically. This captured my attention even more than the story itself! I reread passages, studied the words and wondered at them the entire way through this novel. It has been a long time since I have read something so stunning and beautiful.
I didn’t become as absorbed by the love story as I would have thought which surprised and saddened me. If I had, this story would have blown me away. Because of their distant and seemingly forced relationship, I grew fascinated instead with the small details about the island and life during occupation. Vivienne’s character drew me in and I loved watching her discover what kind of woman she is and how far she will go to protect and provide for her daughters as well as the compassion and kindness she has for others. Her character felt intensely real to me and I was loath to have her story end.
Vivienne’s two daughters provided an interesting perspective on the occupation. First, I loved the younger daughter who was so spunky and stubborn and boisterous and left me on the edge of my seat wondering what trouble she might fall into. Then there was the young teenage daughter’s story, which I was left wanting more of. Teetering on the verge of adulthood during such a precipitous time when all the men had left and only German soldiers remained, Leroy touched on the issues with her character, but I would have loved more.
I loved the depiction of Guernsey and particularly loved the intricate details about the struggles during occupation from the lack of material for dresses to the food shortages and how they survived by stretching out portions, having to turn into their lands into vegetable gardens and needing to find new foods to enjoy.
I will definitely seek out Margaret Leroy novels in the future, and look at some of her previous works.
I picked up The Soldier’s Wife a few weeks ago after the cover drew me in and the story had me adding to my pile. Having loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I had high hopes for this novel and wasn’t disappointed. The writing itself was stunning as was the depiction of Guernsey and the story stole a bit of my heart. The Soldier’s Wife will definitely sit on my shelf to be reread.
What stood out most for me was how astounded and left in awe I grew at how Margaret Leroy strung the words of this novel together so poetically and lyrically. This captured my attention even more than the story itself! I reread passages, studied the words and wondered at them the entire way through this novel. It has been a long time since I have read something so stunning and beautiful.
I didn’t become as absorbed by the love story as I would have thought which surprised and saddened me. If I had, this story would have blown me away. Because of their distant and seemingly forced relationship, I grew fascinated instead with the small details about the island and life during occupation. Vivienne’s character drew me in and I loved watching her discover what kind of woman she is and how far she will go to protect and provide for her daughters as well as the compassion and kindness she has for others. Her character felt intensely real to me and I was loath to have her story end.
Vivienne’s two daughters provided an interesting perspective on the occupation. First, I loved the younger daughter who was so spunky and stubborn and boisterous and left me on the edge of my seat wondering what trouble she might fall into. Then there was the young teenage daughter’s story, which I was left wanting more of. Teetering on the verge of adulthood during such a precipitous time when all the men had left and only German soldiers remained, Leroy touched on the issues with her character, but I would have loved more.
I loved the depiction of Guernsey and particularly loved the intricate details about the struggles during occupation from the lack of material for dresses to the food shortages and how they survived by stretching out portions, having to turn into their lands into vegetable gardens and needing to find new foods to enjoy.
I will definitely seek out Margaret Leroy novels in the future, and look at some of her previous works.
April 9, 2012
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.
This was such a good story and was written beautifully! It was full of love- love for family, love for others, love for lovers, and love for yourself. Vivienne was such a strong woman to be able to give all of herself to everyone in need. I was touched by how much she gave up for her family, friends, and complete strangers.
This was very different from other war stories. I appreciated that the author showed that just because someone opposes you, your beliefs, you country, etc.. does not necessarily make you a bad person. Vivienne found herself close to her "enemies", and discovered they, as individuals, were kind, compassionate, loving people too.
My favorite part of the book was the epiglogue, which is very rare for me. Usually the endings of books ruin the whole story for me. Not so with this one, I feel it wrapped up very nicely, without leaving any questions in my mind. I felt at peace at the end, like it was the natural course for the story. Such a good read!
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.
This was such a good story and was written beautifully! It was full of love- love for family, love for others, love for lovers, and love for yourself. Vivienne was such a strong woman to be able to give all of herself to everyone in need. I was touched by how much she gave up for her family, friends, and complete strangers.
This was very different from other war stories. I appreciated that the author showed that just because someone opposes you, your beliefs, you country, etc.. does not necessarily make you a bad person. Vivienne found herself close to her "enemies", and discovered they, as individuals, were kind, compassionate, loving people too.
My favorite part of the book was the epiglogue, which is very rare for me. Usually the endings of books ruin the whole story for me. Not so with this one, I feel it wrapped up very nicely, without leaving any questions in my mind. I felt at peace at the end, like it was the natural course for the story. Such a good read!
February 6, 2020
I loved this book! Great WW2 Story!!
March 5, 2015
I didn't love this book, ended up being an ok read. Usually I feel quite a bit of emotions when I read about WWII but this one didn't provoke any for me. I never became involved in the characters. I felt so distanced from them that it was hard to care about what happened to them. The writing was ok but there were hardly any actual conversations, all you got were little snippets. And because of that you never really got to know anybody. The main protagonist, Vivienne, was very weak. Who allows their 5/6 year daughter run around on her own with another small child in a German occupied place? The love affair between her and a German officer didn't make any sense. They talked a couple times and next thing they're in bed together. All you got from them were snippets of a couple conversations they had. Hardly a grand love affair, in my opinion. I guess I never saw any love between them---I just didn't get it. Writing was decent but the story was very blah. By the ending, I was feeling: that's it?
What did she do for her family? She constantly put them in harm's way. What did she do for love? Nothing. She had a lot of unprotected sex.
What did she do for her family? She constantly put them in harm's way. What did she do for love? Nothing. She had a lot of unprotected sex.
May 16, 2011
Wow, what an amazing book. I didn't want to put this one down. The writing is so descriptive and the wartime plot often made for a suspenseful read.
This beautiful and moving story tells the story of Vivienne de la Mare. She lives on the island of Guernsey during WWII. Her husband is off fighting in the war and she is left behind to care for her 2 daughters and her ailing mother-in-law. Next door a group of German soldiers have taken up residence as part of the German occupation of the island. Vivienne quietly cares for her family all the while wondering how she can keep her family safe while German soldiers occupy the island. But then the unexpected happens. Vivienne finds herself falling in love with one of the German soldiers. What follows is a tale of hope, sacrifice, yearning and learning to trust.
Margaret Leroy is a talented writer. Her descriptive images stayed with me long after I had put away my book for the day. The storyline moves along slowly, but beautifully. I was immediately pulled into Vivienne's day to day life and I found myself riveted by her fears, her dreams, her romance with Gunther.
I have to admit, I even shed a few tears at the end of this bittersweet novel. There is an epilogue and so Leroy takes us from the beginning of this tale to the very end. I think the story ended perfectly and I can't recommend this book highly enough.
This beautiful and moving story tells the story of Vivienne de la Mare. She lives on the island of Guernsey during WWII. Her husband is off fighting in the war and she is left behind to care for her 2 daughters and her ailing mother-in-law. Next door a group of German soldiers have taken up residence as part of the German occupation of the island. Vivienne quietly cares for her family all the while wondering how she can keep her family safe while German soldiers occupy the island. But then the unexpected happens. Vivienne finds herself falling in love with one of the German soldiers. What follows is a tale of hope, sacrifice, yearning and learning to trust.
Margaret Leroy is a talented writer. Her descriptive images stayed with me long after I had put away my book for the day. The storyline moves along slowly, but beautifully. I was immediately pulled into Vivienne's day to day life and I found myself riveted by her fears, her dreams, her romance with Gunther.
I have to admit, I even shed a few tears at the end of this bittersweet novel. There is an epilogue and so Leroy takes us from the beginning of this tale to the very end. I think the story ended perfectly and I can't recommend this book highly enough.
August 11, 2011
Thank you Goodreads for letting me win this book!
I had never heard of Guernsey until I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which is a book I love. Like the Potato Peel Pie Society The Soldier's Wife also takes place in Guernsey during the German Occupation in WWII. Vivienne, who is a resident of Guernsey and has a husband who is a soldier fighting for Britain is left to care for her 2 daughters and mother-in-law while he is away. When Germany occupies Guernsey German soldiers take up residence in the house next door to Vivienne and she ends up falling in love with a soldier named Gunther. The situation becomes complicated when her daughter befriends a prisoner from the work camp and Vivienne decides to help him.
The book deals with Vivienne's guilty feelings about her love affair with Gunther, what is right or wrong, the complications of war and her feelings for the enemy, and trying to make the correct choices for her children. It raises the question, What would you do in this situation? I really enjoyed this book and I will think about the story and characters for a long time.
I had never heard of Guernsey until I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which is a book I love. Like the Potato Peel Pie Society The Soldier's Wife also takes place in Guernsey during the German Occupation in WWII. Vivienne, who is a resident of Guernsey and has a husband who is a soldier fighting for Britain is left to care for her 2 daughters and mother-in-law while he is away. When Germany occupies Guernsey German soldiers take up residence in the house next door to Vivienne and she ends up falling in love with a soldier named Gunther. The situation becomes complicated when her daughter befriends a prisoner from the work camp and Vivienne decides to help him.
The book deals with Vivienne's guilty feelings about her love affair with Gunther, what is right or wrong, the complications of war and her feelings for the enemy, and trying to make the correct choices for her children. It raises the question, What would you do in this situation? I really enjoyed this book and I will think about the story and characters for a long time.
September 12, 2011
I am a first time Goodreads Giveaway winner, Thank you Goodreads for selecting me! Sorry this review has taken awhile. First of all, I really enjoyed The Soldier's Wife. It is about a young mother named Vivienne along with her 2 daughters and mother-in-law( with dementia) who faces German occupation in Guernsey during WWII. Vivienne is horrified that the Germans have chosen her beautiful island and next door neighbor's home to live in. But, as time goes on she becomes attracted to a German soldier named Gunther. Trying not to believe her affair with the enemy is wrong, she cannot ignore the atrocities that happening all around her and she fears for the safety of her family. I like the author's lush descriptions of the island and Vivienne's turmoil within herself about loving Gunther and knowing she puts herself and daughters in danger. This was a very good solid read to get into and It didnt let me down.
April 16, 2014
My take: I had no idea there were these little cow islands between the British Isles and the continent until I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society a few years ago. Now I just want to go visit them. But definitely not during a war. Even more definitely not during a time they are occupied by another country working on a little genocide. Just to summarize, there are a few little islands nobody really cared much about that happened to be strategically located between the European continent and the British Isles. The Nazis invaded and built an airfield. This made it particularly convenient for bombing London.
The residents of these islands left, for the most part. There were, however, a large portion who didn't believe the war would touch them. The Nazis bombed the crud out of the island to soften them up then peacefully docked their ships, landed their planes and walked right into town, found residences empty, unattended automobiles, etc. and requisitioned them. This is where we find ourselves with Vivienne, a thirty-something mother of two daughters, one a teenager and one a precocious grade schooler. She is also caring for her mother-in-law who seems to be suffering from dementia. Meanwhile, her husband, Eugene, is off fighting the war against the Germans.
Enter the Germans who move in right next door. The rank and file German soldiers, including those with higher rank but not SS, are generally affable to the residents of Guernsey, although there is always the renegade soldier who forgets to be polite and shoots a civilian. Vivienne meets Gunther, a gentle man in his forties. She is lonely and recounts her orphan - like childhood, her hurried wedding to Eugene that she never loved, his probable affair and her continued loneliness. Suddenly, it seems, Vivienne and Gunther are having an affair.
The most difficult conflict Vivienne finds herself with for the bulk of the book is not a moral dilemma of adultery but whether or not she should be, literally, sleeping with the enemy. Vivienne and Gunther find companionship, solace, friendship, and even love through one another yet Vivienne continues her struggles. The real question then is this; Can a person maintain their high moral ground when engaging in behavior that does not agree with their beliefs? Germany is at war with the world (except Italy). The German army is trying to kill Vivienne's husband, in a sense. Yet Vivienne has feelings for a member of the German army.
Meanwhile, other information seeps into Vivienne's consciousness. Of course, there is always a threat of being sent to a prison camp on the mainland or possibly shot, but as a whole, the Germans are fair occupiers. They eat most of the food but it is much more apparent these are men who don't believe in the war as much as those who are actively fighting on the fronts. Yet there are other soldiers referred to as "OT." These may be SS men but they guard the P.O.W.s on the island. It is quickly discovered that there are slave laborers who are being treated as subhumans. It is difficult for the Guernsey islanders to separate the two kinds of soldiers.
The prisoners of war are being worked to death, beat to death, starved to death, or simply give up which is the same as the above. They are skeletons and only shadows of who they once were. They come from Poland and Russia and are being used to fortify the island (as if anybody cares about the islands). In order to not have to feed the prisoners, a blind eye is often turned when they escape at night to forage for food. This often means stealing or going through rubbish. This is where Vivienne crosses paths with a prisoner and learns details she wishes she did not.
It is a beautifully written book that I highly recommend. It is not cut of the same cloth as the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which is raw but also quirky and, at times, humorous. The Soldier's Wife is much more of an internal struggle which eventually finds its way to her external world, although it is not a story all told in Vivienne's head. Things happen all the time. Vivienne is constantly trying to balance herself precariously on the highwire of mothering her children, caring for her ailing mother-in-law (knowing these three people are completely dependent upon her), being a good neighbor to Angie, a friend who is falling apart, loving her German lover without revealing secrets she may know yet trying to understand the current world where she is existing.
My only dissatisfaction is that I wanted to know Gunther better. Why did she love him? I know he offered her perceived safety and may have interceded on her behalf at times, but I never really knew him. I would also have liked to know more clearly why he and Max ended where they did. Blanche is also remarkably silent except to argue with her sister, Millie, who I absolutely adored, as I did Simon. Blanche would have also been an interesting character to further explore as she is at the cusp of womanhood during the occupation.
On the other hand, I am reasonably certain the author did not reveal as much about Gunther as she could have on purpose. In the end, the questions Vivienne had to ask herself and the conflict she eventually needed resolution would have been the same.
Wonderful book. Recommended for a book club.
Swearing is mild but I do recall one "f" word.
Sex is moderate but not described in detail.
Violence is obviously present as there is a war going on. The book is not riddled with violence but is revealed to Vivienne, shaking her world.
The residents of these islands left, for the most part. There were, however, a large portion who didn't believe the war would touch them. The Nazis bombed the crud out of the island to soften them up then peacefully docked their ships, landed their planes and walked right into town, found residences empty, unattended automobiles, etc. and requisitioned them. This is where we find ourselves with Vivienne, a thirty-something mother of two daughters, one a teenager and one a precocious grade schooler. She is also caring for her mother-in-law who seems to be suffering from dementia. Meanwhile, her husband, Eugene, is off fighting the war against the Germans.
Enter the Germans who move in right next door. The rank and file German soldiers, including those with higher rank but not SS, are generally affable to the residents of Guernsey, although there is always the renegade soldier who forgets to be polite and shoots a civilian. Vivienne meets Gunther, a gentle man in his forties. She is lonely and recounts her orphan - like childhood, her hurried wedding to Eugene that she never loved, his probable affair and her continued loneliness. Suddenly, it seems, Vivienne and Gunther are having an affair.
The most difficult conflict Vivienne finds herself with for the bulk of the book is not a moral dilemma of adultery but whether or not she should be, literally, sleeping with the enemy. Vivienne and Gunther find companionship, solace, friendship, and even love through one another yet Vivienne continues her struggles. The real question then is this; Can a person maintain their high moral ground when engaging in behavior that does not agree with their beliefs? Germany is at war with the world (except Italy). The German army is trying to kill Vivienne's husband, in a sense. Yet Vivienne has feelings for a member of the German army.
Meanwhile, other information seeps into Vivienne's consciousness. Of course, there is always a threat of being sent to a prison camp on the mainland or possibly shot, but as a whole, the Germans are fair occupiers. They eat most of the food but it is much more apparent these are men who don't believe in the war as much as those who are actively fighting on the fronts. Yet there are other soldiers referred to as "OT." These may be SS men but they guard the P.O.W.s on the island. It is quickly discovered that there are slave laborers who are being treated as subhumans. It is difficult for the Guernsey islanders to separate the two kinds of soldiers.
The prisoners of war are being worked to death, beat to death, starved to death, or simply give up which is the same as the above. They are skeletons and only shadows of who they once were. They come from Poland and Russia and are being used to fortify the island (as if anybody cares about the islands). In order to not have to feed the prisoners, a blind eye is often turned when they escape at night to forage for food. This often means stealing or going through rubbish. This is where Vivienne crosses paths with a prisoner and learns details she wishes she did not.
It is a beautifully written book that I highly recommend. It is not cut of the same cloth as the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which is raw but also quirky and, at times, humorous. The Soldier's Wife is much more of an internal struggle which eventually finds its way to her external world, although it is not a story all told in Vivienne's head. Things happen all the time. Vivienne is constantly trying to balance herself precariously on the highwire of mothering her children, caring for her ailing mother-in-law (knowing these three people are completely dependent upon her), being a good neighbor to Angie, a friend who is falling apart, loving her German lover without revealing secrets she may know yet trying to understand the current world where she is existing.
My only dissatisfaction is that I wanted to know Gunther better. Why did she love him? I know he offered her perceived safety and may have interceded on her behalf at times, but I never really knew him. I would also have liked to know more clearly why he and Max ended where they did. Blanche is also remarkably silent except to argue with her sister, Millie, who I absolutely adored, as I did Simon. Blanche would have also been an interesting character to further explore as she is at the cusp of womanhood during the occupation.
On the other hand, I am reasonably certain the author did not reveal as much about Gunther as she could have on purpose. In the end, the questions Vivienne had to ask herself and the conflict she eventually needed resolution would have been the same.
Wonderful book. Recommended for a book club.
Swearing is mild but I do recall one "f" word.
Sex is moderate but not described in detail.
Violence is obviously present as there is a war going on. The book is not riddled with violence but is revealed to Vivienne, shaking her world.
December 30, 2012
What a lovely find. I used to travel to Guernsey for work and was totally enchanted by the island from the first time I landed on it. I had a chatty driver once who told me the history of the WWII occupation, pointing out historical landmarks along the way, including in charming St. Peter Port. So I am a sucker for any book set in this place at this time. The Soldier’s Wife is one of these books.
This reads slow in a way. The writing is straightforward, almost too simple at times (lots of people have eyes that are blue like summer), yet I was totally entranced by the story. I loved Vivienne’s relationships with her two daughters (I have two myself). The author did an excellent job of exploring the complicated relationships between the occupied and the occupiers. In such a remote place (with the men off to war) it makes sense the young male soldiers and teen girls would hold dances and parties. Of course the whole premise is Vivienne’s relationship with the solider next door but the greater picture is fascinating.
This is not the author’s fault, but the publisher seemed to attempt to capitalize on the “xxx’s daughter/wife” trend in naming books. The Soldier’s Wife feels like a misnomer though it is not untrue. I’d be interested to know what this was originally called.
As I said, the writing is stilted at times, but maybe that’s a reflection of the topic and the characters’ own feelings. Though the writing did not necessarily pull me in the storyline absolutely did. It’s gripping and realistic and bittersweet. Sometimes my heart raced, other time I got teary. Really an excellent read and one I enjoyed immensely. I continued to think about its difficult topics and questions long after I turned the last page.
This reads slow in a way. The writing is straightforward, almost too simple at times (lots of people have eyes that are blue like summer), yet I was totally entranced by the story. I loved Vivienne’s relationships with her two daughters (I have two myself). The author did an excellent job of exploring the complicated relationships between the occupied and the occupiers. In such a remote place (with the men off to war) it makes sense the young male soldiers and teen girls would hold dances and parties. Of course the whole premise is Vivienne’s relationship with the solider next door but the greater picture is fascinating.
This is not the author’s fault, but the publisher seemed to attempt to capitalize on the “xxx’s daughter/wife” trend in naming books. The Soldier’s Wife feels like a misnomer though it is not untrue. I’d be interested to know what this was originally called.
As I said, the writing is stilted at times, but maybe that’s a reflection of the topic and the characters’ own feelings. Though the writing did not necessarily pull me in the storyline absolutely did. It’s gripping and realistic and bittersweet. Sometimes my heart raced, other time I got teary. Really an excellent read and one I enjoyed immensely. I continued to think about its difficult topics and questions long after I turned the last page.
June 6, 2011
This is a wonderful historical novel, full of great details about life on the island of Guernsey during the German occupation. Fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society or the BBC/PBS series Island at War will enjoy revisiting the island. Vivienne de la Mare, her two daughters, and her mother-in-law choose to stay on the island rather than fleeing to England. Vivienne's husband is away fighting for the British. When the occupation first begins, things don't seem so bad. Several German soldiers move in next door but they seem polite and life goes on. Life gets harder as the occupation and the war go on, and the brutality of the Nazis begins to reveal itself to the islanders. While this is going on, Vivienne begins a secret love affair with a German officer. I agree with other reviewers that the love story part of the book is the weakest. We never get deeply enough into Vivienne's and Guenther's relationship to really understood what made them fall in love, other than proximity. And since Vivienne is risking so much by loving Guenther, this is an important loss. But the rest of the book makes up for this lack. The second half of the book is quite suspenseful. As with any book about the Nazis, you know there are horrors coming from the start, and that sense of dread just keeps building. The details about deprivations and hardships on the island are heartbreaking. The choices Vivienne and Gunether make will leave readers thinking, "what would I do?" and make you question what it means to be a "collaborator." This is a terrific novel that will make a great book club book and also fabulous summer reading.
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