Clare's War

by Anita Burgh

Sent to France to finish her education, Clare Springer falls in love with a French aristocrat, whose family reject her as unsuitable. At the outbreak of war, Clare becomes involved in the Resistance, but when peace comes, she is accused of being a collaborator.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Anita Burgh was born in Kent. She began to write in her late forties and was first published at the age of 50. She has subsequently had 23 novels published, numerous articles and short stories. Her themes are those of class, rejection and wealth. She writes books set in the modern world but also historical novels set in Victorian and Edwardian times – her latest being The Cresswell Inheritance trilogy. She has been a member of the RNA for many years, was a committee member and has been short-listed for the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year award. Now in her 70s, she enjoys teaching and mentoring others who are, as yet, unpublished. She continues to write novels, proving that authors never retire.

Reviews

[Riemmelth · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book that is about 500 pages and that took me weeks to read, I still wish it would have been longer. I am so suprised with how much I loved this. It was funny, it had me on the edge of my seat and it was wonderful. I decided to give it 4 stars instead of 5, because the dialogue missed dialogue tags sometimes which made it hard to follow, but then again this book was published 24 years ago, so... Yeah, adored this, might even reread it eventually!!!

[Tracey Burkhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a coming of age novel, written from the perspective of a very spoiled and immature young woman. I found it quite difficult to have sympathy for her, let alone like her, which made the first half of the book a tough slog. I'd never studied much about last Resistance in France during WW2, so that kept me going until she turned into a brave and dynamic woman in the last half.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the historical aspect of this book describing what life was like in occupied France during WWII. But I was put off by the “romance novel” aspects of the book - I was not expecting that and would not normally choose that type of book.

[Nisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought I would enjoy this book but I didn't quite!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

slow start on this one but came through in the end

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit too long.

[Edie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost abandoned this one half way through, because Clare is such a selflish person and I didn't like her much. But I kept going and I'm glad I did, as the story of her journey became more real to me, more intense and interesting. I have read other stories about how the French people helped others duinrg world war ii, and this one rounded out some I didn't know.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sent to France to finish her education, Clare Springer falls in love with a French aristocrat, whose family reject her as unsuitable. At the outbreak of war, Clare becomes involved in the Resistance, but when peace comes, she is accused of being a collaborator.

Picked this up in Belgium for a vacation read. Fairly good historical romance set in WWII France.

[Lucy Crook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read many of Anita Burgh's books and loved them. But this book was a big let down compared to others. There are moments in the book which really got me reading. However these moments where few and far between.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Predictable ending but loved the book nonetheless.

Reading it while on holiday... next door neighbours were french and dived with English and Germans... how strange how times have changed in only a few years!

[Farah Sabudin]

i think this book boring but awesome for who reads this book

[Laura Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most favourite books ever, so good ive read it twice which i never do!!!

[Barbara Gard]

quite good

[Kathy Wainwright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like most if the other reviewers I liked the story and love stories from this era but Clare was so annoying, she was very frustrating.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found it hard to put this book down. Enjoyed the complexity and mystery of it...

[Bionic Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly good novel set in the French Resistance.