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The Letter Reader
London, 1941. Keen to do her bit in the war, Connie Allinson joins the WRNS and is posted as a letter censor. Her to read and alter correspondence to ensure no sensitive information crosses enemy lines. At first, she is not sure she's up to it, but is soon drawn in by the letters she reads, and their secrets... Doncaster, 1967. Bored of her domestic life, Connie desperately wants a job, but her controlling husband Arthur won't hear of it. Looking for an escape and plagued by memories of letters she read during the war, she makes a bid for freedom and starts secretly tracking down their authors. Will uncovering their past give Connie the key to her present? And will she be able to find them all before Arthur discovers what she is keeping from him?
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First published May 11, 2023
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About the author
Jan Casey
7 books28 followersAll of my novels explore the themes around how ordinary people are affected by extraordinary events during any period of history, including the present. I'm fascinated with the courage, adaptability and resilience that people find within themselves during times of adversity and for which they do not expect pay, praise or commendation. I'm also interested in writing about the similiarities as opposed to the differences amongst people and the ways in which experiences and emotions bind humans together.
I was born in London but spent my childhood in Southern California where bookworm parents and regular trips to the library instilled a love of books and literature deep within me. For many years, I was a teacher of English and Drama and I worked, until recently, as a Learning Supervisor at a college of further education.
Now that my lifelong dream of becoming a published author as come true, I spend my time writing, reading, swimming, walking, cooking, practising yoga and enjoying my grandchildren.
You can follow me on Twitter @JanCaseyAuthor or find me on Facebook at facebook.com/JanCaseyAuthor
I was born in London but spent my childhood in Southern California where bookworm parents and regular trips to the library instilled a love of books and literature deep within me. For many years, I was a teacher of English and Drama and I worked, until recently, as a Learning Supervisor at a college of further education.
Now that my lifelong dream of becoming a published author as come true, I spend my time writing, reading, swimming, walking, cooking, practising yoga and enjoying my grandchildren.
You can follow me on Twitter @JanCaseyAuthor or find me on Facebook at facebook.com/JanCaseyAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 1, 2023
London, 1941. Connie Allison's husband Arthur is in the Royal Navy, she's keen to do her bit and Connie joins the WRNS. After basic training, Connie becomes a letter censor, she has to check all correspondence and make sure sensitive information doesn’t get into the wrong hands. Connie has to thoroughly scrutinize the letters and packages, remove or cross out anything that doesn’t pass and report something suspicious higher up.
Connie enjoys her job, she makes friends, and Connie receives a promotion and she works at a variety of bases all over England. During her time as a censor, Connie reads people’s private thoughts, including written declarations of love, bad news and secrets. After the war ends, Connie's demobbed, and she’s looking forward to settling down with Arthur and starting a family.
Doncaster, 1967. Arthur works as an engineer, he accepts a transfer to a new power station and it’s in South Yorkshire. Connie is invited to coffee mornings at her neighbours houses, they all have children and unfortunately she and Arthur haven't been blessed with little ones. Arthur has always been an old soul, as the years go by and it’s become an issue for Connie, she isn’t happy and her husband hasn't noticed.
Arthur gives Connie permission to visit her brother and sister-in-law in London, how kind of him and he organizes the whole trip. Connie still remembers a couple of letters that stood out from the thousands she read, and she uses her free time in London to find out what happened to the senders and it gives her a new lease on life.
I received a copy of The Letter Reader by Jan Casey from NetGalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review. The dual timeline narrative is really interesting, all mail had to be checked during the Second World War, it needed to be read by someone and I had never considered who performed this vital task.
The story emphasizes the line that’s crossed in a relationship when one person through manipulation or being overbearing makes their partner conform to their own wants and needs, this type of behavior is wrong and it’s an important message conveyed by Ms. Casey. Four stars from me, I highly recommend, The Letter Reader and the author’s previous book, The Women of Waterloo Bridge.
Connie enjoys her job, she makes friends, and Connie receives a promotion and she works at a variety of bases all over England. During her time as a censor, Connie reads people’s private thoughts, including written declarations of love, bad news and secrets. After the war ends, Connie's demobbed, and she’s looking forward to settling down with Arthur and starting a family.
Doncaster, 1967. Arthur works as an engineer, he accepts a transfer to a new power station and it’s in South Yorkshire. Connie is invited to coffee mornings at her neighbours houses, they all have children and unfortunately she and Arthur haven't been blessed with little ones. Arthur has always been an old soul, as the years go by and it’s become an issue for Connie, she isn’t happy and her husband hasn't noticed.
Arthur gives Connie permission to visit her brother and sister-in-law in London, how kind of him and he organizes the whole trip. Connie still remembers a couple of letters that stood out from the thousands she read, and she uses her free time in London to find out what happened to the senders and it gives her a new lease on life.
I received a copy of The Letter Reader by Jan Casey from NetGalley and Aria & Aries in exchange for an honest review. The dual timeline narrative is really interesting, all mail had to be checked during the Second World War, it needed to be read by someone and I had never considered who performed this vital task.
The story emphasizes the line that’s crossed in a relationship when one person through manipulation or being overbearing makes their partner conform to their own wants and needs, this type of behavior is wrong and it’s an important message conveyed by Ms. Casey. Four stars from me, I highly recommend, The Letter Reader and the author’s previous book, The Women of Waterloo Bridge.
April 30, 2023
Refreshingly different!
The central idea of this book is about oppression - being denied a voice.
Author Jan Casey brings her readers a compelling female character with a unique career as well as a fantastic story stretched over two intriguing periods in history; wartime employment and the grassroots of the woman’s national movement.
Imagine reading communication sent and received by soldiers - you’d be privy to all their secrets! Connie Allinson works for the navy (WRNS) as a letter censor during WW2 and has no idea the impact that secret keeping will have on her future.
Fast forward to Doncaster in 1967… Connie, childless and unhappily married, discovers that being denied a voice is impacting her mental health and marginalizing her needs. Furthermore, her husband’s control is making it difficult for her to develop a full sense of her place and purpose. Having her voice stifled, hides who Connie is and what she’s really about.
How ironic that what Connie did (deny soldiers’ voices) twenty years ago in an effort to help the war effort, is the very thing that she’s fighting against in her own marriage.
Can she channel the frustration into shedding light on the secrets from the past? Can she find the inner strength to find her independence? Most of all, can she keep a secret from Arthur?
This compelling story will demand your free time and seep into your thoughts when you aren’t reading it! Highly recommended.
I was gifted this copy by Aria & Aries and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The central idea of this book is about oppression - being denied a voice.
Author Jan Casey brings her readers a compelling female character with a unique career as well as a fantastic story stretched over two intriguing periods in history; wartime employment and the grassroots of the woman’s national movement.
Imagine reading communication sent and received by soldiers - you’d be privy to all their secrets! Connie Allinson works for the navy (WRNS) as a letter censor during WW2 and has no idea the impact that secret keeping will have on her future.
Fast forward to Doncaster in 1967… Connie, childless and unhappily married, discovers that being denied a voice is impacting her mental health and marginalizing her needs. Furthermore, her husband’s control is making it difficult for her to develop a full sense of her place and purpose. Having her voice stifled, hides who Connie is and what she’s really about.
How ironic that what Connie did (deny soldiers’ voices) twenty years ago in an effort to help the war effort, is the very thing that she’s fighting against in her own marriage.
Can she channel the frustration into shedding light on the secrets from the past? Can she find the inner strength to find her independence? Most of all, can she keep a secret from Arthur?
This compelling story will demand your free time and seep into your thoughts when you aren’t reading it! Highly recommended.
I was gifted this copy by Aria & Aries and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 21, 2023
While I have been going slow on historical fiction, I picked this up since the story came across as being very different. It is a mixed bag – unique story, good character development, slow pace & inadequate follow-through on some aspects.
A story told in two timelines.
During the period of the war in 1941, Connie Allison has the chance to contribute to the war effort by being a censor while her husband Arthur is in the Navy. Connie has to check correspondence to check for any codes or inadvertent revelations which can be risky to the war effort.
In the other timeline in 1967, Arthur has taken up a job in Doncaster and Connie is getting frustrated in the small town. They do not have kids, and Connie feels she can take up a job. Arthur is very controlling of Connie and strict ideas on what she can do (including what she will cook) and all expenses she will incur will need his prior approval. Her friends/neighbours also sense what she is going through and are the only local support for Connie. Connie becomes more and more vocal about her frustrations and Arthur allows her to visit her brother and wife in London once in two months. Connie is also curious on how some of the people whose letters she read many years back are doing.
Connie’s role as a censor, and how she does her job diligently provides a view of a very different contribution to the allied war effort. The pace is quite slow, but the character development of both Connie & Arthur is very good. I loved Connie’s character and was rooting for her to be brave. I expected more from the track involving Connie wanting to know of the people whose letters she had read in the past. The last sections are well-written and I liked how the story ended.
Thanks to Netgalley, publisher Aria & Aries and the author for a free electronic review copy.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
A story told in two timelines.
During the period of the war in 1941, Connie Allison has the chance to contribute to the war effort by being a censor while her husband Arthur is in the Navy. Connie has to check correspondence to check for any codes or inadvertent revelations which can be risky to the war effort.
In the other timeline in 1967, Arthur has taken up a job in Doncaster and Connie is getting frustrated in the small town. They do not have kids, and Connie feels she can take up a job. Arthur is very controlling of Connie and strict ideas on what she can do (including what she will cook) and all expenses she will incur will need his prior approval. Her friends/neighbours also sense what she is going through and are the only local support for Connie. Connie becomes more and more vocal about her frustrations and Arthur allows her to visit her brother and wife in London once in two months. Connie is also curious on how some of the people whose letters she read many years back are doing.
Connie’s role as a censor, and how she does her job diligently provides a view of a very different contribution to the allied war effort. The pace is quite slow, but the character development of both Connie & Arthur is very good. I loved Connie’s character and was rooting for her to be brave. I expected more from the track involving Connie wanting to know of the people whose letters she had read in the past. The last sections are well-written and I liked how the story ended.
Thanks to Netgalley, publisher Aria & Aries and the author for a free electronic review copy.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
March 20, 2023
I loved this wonderful story. A dual time line set during the Second World War and in the sixties. The descriptions of the fashions were spot on and the fact that it was so interesting which made it a very good read. The characters were vivid and I was rooting for the main character so much. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 12, 2023
I found the details of Connie’s war work absolutely fascinating and obviously the product of extensive research by the author. Of course, I was aware of the censorship of mail but I was unaware of the meticulous processes that lay behind it and the extent of the training censors undertook in order to be able to spot many different types of codes that could be hidden in ordinary seeming correspondence. I could completely understand Connie’s joy whenever she spotted something suspicious. And I felt Connie’s sadness as she read letters with gossip from home that often, one sensed, hid the reality of daily deprivations and danger. And, of course, the possibility that the intended recipients of the letters might no longer be around to receive them. Some of the letters leave a lasting impression on her. ‘She’d agonised about all of them during the war; worried about each of their dilemmas; been privy to their deepest, darkest thoughts and most hopeful moments.’
Connie’s wartime activities threw up some potentially interesting secondary characters – Dotty and the mysterious Angelique spring to mind – although they disappear quite quickly from the story, perhaps illustrating the transience of relationships during wartime.
Another of the standout elements of the book for me was the way the author recreated the 1960s, a period of many new things – in fashion (miniskirts and white boots) and music (the Monkees and the Beatles) – but also still with many remnants of the old. As a child of the 60s, the mention of watching Z Cars on the television and eating pineapple upside-down cake evoked early memories.
It was sad to see Connie’s transformation from practical and resourceful woman to subservient wife, ground down by her husband Arthur’s controlling attitude and obsession for routine, even in their sex life. Theirs has become a stale, empty marriage full of regret and dashed hopes. ‘It was as if they were ground down by each other in a way that bombs and blackouts and rations had never been able to achieve.’ Personally, I found it hard to see what Connie ever saw in Arthur. It seemed to me the warning signs were there from early on: his reluctance to allow Connie to become involved in war work at all and his vetoing of a wonderful opportunity she is offered, all dressed up as a desire to keep her safe. Although he writes at one point that he wants to be ‘her haven, her refuge and her sanctuary’, he ends up being almost her jailer, acting more like a husband from the 1860s than the 1960s. Today, we would recognise some of his actions as coercive control. There were moments later in the book when I had slight sympathy for him but this was countered by the thought that his actions had all come too late and were motivated more by self-pity than a genuine change of heart. I did wonder, however, if knowing more about his experiences during the war might have shed light on his actions and attitudes, especially his need for routine and control.
It was joyful to follow Connie’s attempts to break free from the shackles of her marriage, even if her search for the individuals whose letters she had read during the war seemed a little like obsession. Perhaps, more generously, it was a need to deal with ‘unfinished business’ or to find that life had been kinder to the correspondents than to her. Incidentally, I loved the way her brother and sister-in-law supported and encouraged her.
Jan Casey’s previous book, The Woman with the Map, was one of my top ten favourite books of 2022. For me, The Letter Reader didn’t have quite the same emotional heft but I really liked the fascinating detail about postal censorship and the focus on the contribution made by women to the war effort.
Connie’s wartime activities threw up some potentially interesting secondary characters – Dotty and the mysterious Angelique spring to mind – although they disappear quite quickly from the story, perhaps illustrating the transience of relationships during wartime.
Another of the standout elements of the book for me was the way the author recreated the 1960s, a period of many new things – in fashion (miniskirts and white boots) and music (the Monkees and the Beatles) – but also still with many remnants of the old. As a child of the 60s, the mention of watching Z Cars on the television and eating pineapple upside-down cake evoked early memories.
It was sad to see Connie’s transformation from practical and resourceful woman to subservient wife, ground down by her husband Arthur’s controlling attitude and obsession for routine, even in their sex life. Theirs has become a stale, empty marriage full of regret and dashed hopes. ‘It was as if they were ground down by each other in a way that bombs and blackouts and rations had never been able to achieve.’ Personally, I found it hard to see what Connie ever saw in Arthur. It seemed to me the warning signs were there from early on: his reluctance to allow Connie to become involved in war work at all and his vetoing of a wonderful opportunity she is offered, all dressed up as a desire to keep her safe. Although he writes at one point that he wants to be ‘her haven, her refuge and her sanctuary’, he ends up being almost her jailer, acting more like a husband from the 1860s than the 1960s. Today, we would recognise some of his actions as coercive control. There were moments later in the book when I had slight sympathy for him but this was countered by the thought that his actions had all come too late and were motivated more by self-pity than a genuine change of heart. I did wonder, however, if knowing more about his experiences during the war might have shed light on his actions and attitudes, especially his need for routine and control.
It was joyful to follow Connie’s attempts to break free from the shackles of her marriage, even if her search for the individuals whose letters she had read during the war seemed a little like obsession. Perhaps, more generously, it was a need to deal with ‘unfinished business’ or to find that life had been kinder to the correspondents than to her. Incidentally, I loved the way her brother and sister-in-law supported and encouraged her.
Jan Casey’s previous book, The Woman with the Map, was one of my top ten favourite books of 2022. For me, The Letter Reader didn’t have quite the same emotional heft but I really liked the fascinating detail about postal censorship and the focus on the contribution made by women to the war effort.
April 25, 2023
1941. London. Keen to do her bot in the war, Connie Allsion joins the WRNS and is posted as a letter censor. Her task: to read and alter the correspondence to ensure no sensitive information crosses enemy lines. At first, she's not sure she's up to it, but soon drawn in by the letters she reads and their secrets....
1967. Doncaster. Bored of domestic life, Connie desperately wants a job, but her controlling husband Arthur won't hear of it. Looking for an escape and plagued by memories of letter she read during the war, she makes a bid for freedom, and starts secretly tracking down their authors. Will uncovering their past give Connie the key to her present? And will she be able to find them all before Arthur discovers what she is keeping from him?
The pace is slow to begin with, then it gets to a steadier pace. I found the first part of this story to be quite intriguing. Learning more about letter censoring during the war. Then we get to the second part of the story where all Connie longs for is a job. Once the war was over, and the men came home, women all over the country had to give up their jobs and return to being housewife's. The dual timelines of 1941 and 1967 were brought together seamlessly. I liked when Connie eventually got the strength to stand up for herself against her controlling husband. I liked how this story ended.
I wpu;d like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAries and the author #JanCasey for my ARC of #TheLetterReader in exchange for an honest review.
1967. Doncaster. Bored of domestic life, Connie desperately wants a job, but her controlling husband Arthur won't hear of it. Looking for an escape and plagued by memories of letter she read during the war, she makes a bid for freedom, and starts secretly tracking down their authors. Will uncovering their past give Connie the key to her present? And will she be able to find them all before Arthur discovers what she is keeping from him?
The pace is slow to begin with, then it gets to a steadier pace. I found the first part of this story to be quite intriguing. Learning more about letter censoring during the war. Then we get to the second part of the story where all Connie longs for is a job. Once the war was over, and the men came home, women all over the country had to give up their jobs and return to being housewife's. The dual timelines of 1941 and 1967 were brought together seamlessly. I liked when Connie eventually got the strength to stand up for herself against her controlling husband. I liked how this story ended.
I wpu;d like to thank #NetGalley #AriaAries and the author #JanCasey for my ARC of #TheLetterReader in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2023
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This was my first book by Jan Casey, and certainly won’t be my last! I was very intrigued by the premise of this book, especially since it dealt with women’s jobs during WWII in England. This story is told from Connie’s POV in the 1940s during WWII and then again in 1967 when she’s living in Doncaster, UK. Parts of the book when Connie works as a letter censor is so interesting. In 1967, immediately there is a vibe change and you can tell Connie is in an unhappy marriage and wants a change. The letters that she censored 20 years ago are resurfacing in her mind, and she wants to know what happened to the people in the letter. Connie’s story is slow at times, but altogether moving and shows how women in a different age have had their own set of troubles and setbacks but ultimately overcome the hardships they’re faced. I loved how the ending leaves you to decide for yourself what happens to Connie! I would recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and I can’t wait to read more of Jan Casey.
February 9, 2023
This was my first book by Jan Casey and I really enjoyed it! I particularly love the 1941 storyline of Connie Allinson's work during the war as a letter censor in the WRN's. I've always been interested in historical fiction around the time of World War II and contributions of women during this time period. The Letter Reader didn't fail to intrigue me in that sense and letter censorship was something I haven't read about before, so I found it very fascinating.
Where it fell a bit short for me was the 1967 storyline. It infuriated me to see the way Connie was treated by her husband, Arthur, and it made me grateful for my freedom as a woman today. It was very well written though to stir up that emotional response, but it became a bit repetitive and therefore, a bit boring to read about the same issues over and over. I feel like it started and ended really strong, but the middle dragged a bit for me when it wasn't in the 1941 timeline. It was so worth pushing through though because I really enjoyed how the story was wrapped up in the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aria for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Where it fell a bit short for me was the 1967 storyline. It infuriated me to see the way Connie was treated by her husband, Arthur, and it made me grateful for my freedom as a woman today. It was very well written though to stir up that emotional response, but it became a bit repetitive and therefore, a bit boring to read about the same issues over and over. I feel like it started and ended really strong, but the middle dragged a bit for me when it wasn't in the 1941 timeline. It was so worth pushing through though because I really enjoyed how the story was wrapped up in the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aria for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2023
The Letter Reader is a fascinating dual timeline story. I loved reading about Connie’s work and life during the war - the censorship role she and many other Wrens played in ensuring letters were monitored to minimise impact on the war effort was an interesting one and the Jennies sounded such an interesting and varied group of women.
I thought it interesting that the concept of control is running through both timelines - through the censorship of letters during the war, and in Arthur’s actions over Connie during the late 60’s. The impact of the letters read during the war has long lasting and unexpected impacts on Connie and I enjoyed seeing how she grew as a character as she looked to reduce the control Arthur had over her life and decisions.
I thought it interesting that the concept of control is running through both timelines - through the censorship of letters during the war, and in Arthur’s actions over Connie during the late 60’s. The impact of the letters read during the war has long lasting and unexpected impacts on Connie and I enjoyed seeing how she grew as a character as she looked to reduce the control Arthur had over her life and decisions.
March 28, 2023
A beautifully written novel showing a perspective that isn’t often shared in WW2 novels. Connie is a letter censor for the WRNS during WW2, and the chapters split between Connie during the war, and Connie after the war in 1967.
Although the war plays a huge role in the storyline of the book, a big focus is on Connie’s relationship with herself and her controlling husband, Arthur. Arthur doesn’t believe that Connie has a place in this world outside of their home. Scarred from the war, Arthur is a very controlling, routine, boring man. Connie wants more in life: a job, hobbies and independence. Intertwined with the troubles of life during wartime and postwar time, Connie slowly struggles with finding her voice and trying to become her own person.
I love the toggle between past and present (present for the book that is). The character development is very strong and really well done, and without giving too much away, I enjoyed where the author took Connie’s story.
My only issue was that I feel there wasn’t closure at the end of the book and I would have liked to know the outcome of some issues discussed throughout the book.
Although the war plays a huge role in the storyline of the book, a big focus is on Connie’s relationship with herself and her controlling husband, Arthur. Arthur doesn’t believe that Connie has a place in this world outside of their home. Scarred from the war, Arthur is a very controlling, routine, boring man. Connie wants more in life: a job, hobbies and independence. Intertwined with the troubles of life during wartime and postwar time, Connie slowly struggles with finding her voice and trying to become her own person.
I love the toggle between past and present (present for the book that is). The character development is very strong and really well done, and without giving too much away, I enjoyed where the author took Connie’s story.
My only issue was that I feel there wasn’t closure at the end of the book and I would have liked to know the outcome of some issues discussed throughout the book.
April 13, 2023
The Letter Reader by Jan Casey is a wondrously evocative and refreshingly original timeslip novel. I was entranced from the first word to the last and happily became so captivated that putting it down was impossible. So I didn't until it was finished. I itched to reach the end yet did not want it to be over.
In 1941 Connie Allinson joined the WRNS in England and after rigorous mental training discovered her aptitude was in letter censorship, scratching and snipping out anything which could be secret coding (alphabet codes, musical note codes, schoolboy codes and more) and therefore dangerous or something seemingly as benign as mentioning physical locations. Numbers of any kind were especially scrutinized. When reading the letters Connie could not help but wonder about those who wrote them and how they fared after the war. Meanwhile, she and her husband Arthur exchanged letters as well.
In 1967 Connie lived a dull life with ho-hum Arthur who vehemently opposed change of any kind, even implementing a meal rota. Connie grew weary of her routine and Arthur's firm belief that a woman's job was to clean and cook for her working husband. She wanted more and became desperate for a job which would mean escape from her tedium. But Arthur had other plans. So did she. At first she sought little changes but her personal growth meant bigger changes in their household.
There is so much to love here but my favourite aspects are Connie's censor duties and censorship rules (this job would be my wheelhouse) and her character's evolution. But there is so much more...the author's writing is achingly beautiful and immersive, characters are incredibly developed and plots are smart and enthralling.
Historical Fiction fans, it would be a shame to miss this one. There's just something about it which elevates it to a different realm entirely. It's clean, whip smart and intuitive. I adored how the pace zipped in spots but slowed down in others.
My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this spellbinding and wonderful novel. Pure joy to read!
In 1941 Connie Allinson joined the WRNS in England and after rigorous mental training discovered her aptitude was in letter censorship, scratching and snipping out anything which could be secret coding (alphabet codes, musical note codes, schoolboy codes and more) and therefore dangerous or something seemingly as benign as mentioning physical locations. Numbers of any kind were especially scrutinized. When reading the letters Connie could not help but wonder about those who wrote them and how they fared after the war. Meanwhile, she and her husband Arthur exchanged letters as well.
In 1967 Connie lived a dull life with ho-hum Arthur who vehemently opposed change of any kind, even implementing a meal rota. Connie grew weary of her routine and Arthur's firm belief that a woman's job was to clean and cook for her working husband. She wanted more and became desperate for a job which would mean escape from her tedium. But Arthur had other plans. So did she. At first she sought little changes but her personal growth meant bigger changes in their household.
There is so much to love here but my favourite aspects are Connie's censor duties and censorship rules (this job would be my wheelhouse) and her character's evolution. But there is so much more...the author's writing is achingly beautiful and immersive, characters are incredibly developed and plots are smart and enthralling.
Historical Fiction fans, it would be a shame to miss this one. There's just something about it which elevates it to a different realm entirely. It's clean, whip smart and intuitive. I adored how the pace zipped in spots but slowed down in others.
My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this spellbinding and wonderful novel. Pure joy to read!
May 11, 2023
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
connie allinson joined the wrns to do her bit for the war effort, her job was to sensor mail written to and from the armed forces and she was married to arthur who was away fighting
this story is told in 1941 and 1967 so we can see connies role in the war and after, dont really want to give to much away about the storyline but connies role during the war gave her a taste for a job and independence
its an interesting read and hits the nail on the head several times with how war work and how women were treated back then
connie allinson joined the wrns to do her bit for the war effort, her job was to sensor mail written to and from the armed forces and she was married to arthur who was away fighting
this story is told in 1941 and 1967 so we can see connies role in the war and after, dont really want to give to much away about the storyline but connies role during the war gave her a taste for a job and independence
its an interesting read and hits the nail on the head several times with how war work and how women were treated back then
March 7, 2023
Thanks, Netgalley for the chance to preview this story! This historical fiction story is a dual timeline in England during WWII and life after the war in the mid-'60s. Connie was a censor during WWII and her work during that time was interesting. I found the dual timeline interesting with her adjusting to a married, childless, life after WWII as she dealt with a controlling husband and the attitudes of the time as to the role of a woman. It was a fast interesting read for me.
February 16, 2023
This was a slow read for me, but I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the characters' tie to a part of history I had not heard much about with the postal censorship during WW2. I love the women empowerment at the end also.
February 24, 2023
I received an advanced digital copy of “The Letter Reader”, courtesy of the author and publisher, via Netgalley, for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. All the stories Connie said about women involved in other aspects of the war effort were so fascinating. When the war ended, a majority of women wanted to keep their jobs and their new-found economic and social independence, but nearly all were laid off, for men who were back from the war and were seeking employment.
Connie wasn’t happy with her situation and his controlling husband, but she did not have the strength to stand up for herself. But when she finally did it, it was so beautiful and empowering.
The ending was peaceful and touching. I would recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and those interested in women’s rights and empowerment.
I really enjoyed reading this book. All the stories Connie said about women involved in other aspects of the war effort were so fascinating. When the war ended, a majority of women wanted to keep their jobs and their new-found economic and social independence, but nearly all were laid off, for men who were back from the war and were seeking employment.
Connie wasn’t happy with her situation and his controlling husband, but she did not have the strength to stand up for herself. But when she finally did it, it was so beautiful and empowering.
The ending was peaceful and touching. I would recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction and those interested in women’s rights and empowerment.
April 4, 2023
This dual timeline story follows Connie from her life as a Wren censor in 1944, to her domestic life married to Arthur in 1967. The content of some of the letters she read in 1944 have never left her, so can she trace the authors in 1967, before the controlling Arthur finds out?
I really enjoyed learning about the role of censors during the war, and the 1944 storyline was interesting and well written. However, I simply didn't feel the same about the 1967 part - at times it all felt too modern for the era (cycle helmets and oven chips), and it was very repetitive. I liked Connie as a Wren, but couldn't gel with her in the latter part of her life. Overall, a quick read, with some interesting historical insights.
I really enjoyed learning about the role of censors during the war, and the 1944 storyline was interesting and well written. However, I simply didn't feel the same about the 1967 part - at times it all felt too modern for the era (cycle helmets and oven chips), and it was very repetitive. I liked Connie as a Wren, but couldn't gel with her in the latter part of her life. Overall, a quick read, with some interesting historical insights.
March 23, 2023
This was not a book I enjoyed as I didn't find any of the characters really likeable. It was interesting to learn about censors during WWII but that was about it. The story takes place in two timelines - that of 1941, during WWII, and 1967, after the war. It was sad to me to see how Connie changed from a young upbeat person during the war to a pathetic housewife who was afraid to vary the menu for fear of upseting her husband and I know this was about her finding herself but the story was just too slowly-paced for me to really enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2023
Leftover Secrets
In 1941 Connie is a soldier in the WRNS. She is assigned to a unit as a letter reader censoring the letters between soldiers and their families. She makes new friends with the other WRNS as she goes about her work. Reading the letters she at times wonders what happened to the people in the letters and some of the more interesting ones she remembers names and addresses after her time of service and always wonders about the people behind the letters.
In 1967 she is a wife with no children and a lot of time on her hands. She is bored and her husband Arthur is controlling and doesn't allow her to work nor to change her schedule even to the foods they eat each day. The days are planned out and each is the same as the last.
It is a story of the profile of women during this time period and how they were expected to be nothing other than wife and mother. They were expected to care for the home while the husband worked and do as he said. The woman's wishes were not considered in things like buying houses and such.
The women were needed during the war to fill jobs left by the men as they went overseas to war. They did a good job of filling those jobs, but when the men returned home they wanted their jobs back. This left the women without jobs and back being wives and mothers again with no other options.
The 60's was also a time of transition where women were getting bolder and they were asserting their independence and their worth. The fashions were changing, they were cutting their hair and wearing more fashionable clothing. They were finding jobs outside the home and becoming what they dreamed.
Finally Connie can stand it no longer, she leaves Arthur, goes to London to stay with her brother and searches for the people in the letters she read so long ago hoping to find some endings to the stories.
Will she find the secrets she craves and will Connie and Arthur find their way back to each other or is it a lost cause ?
It was an interesting book about the after thoughts of the war, about relationships and how they often work, about friendships and dreams that don't go away. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
Thanks to Jan Casey for writing an interesting story, to Aria and Aries for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to read and review.
In 1941 Connie is a soldier in the WRNS. She is assigned to a unit as a letter reader censoring the letters between soldiers and their families. She makes new friends with the other WRNS as she goes about her work. Reading the letters she at times wonders what happened to the people in the letters and some of the more interesting ones she remembers names and addresses after her time of service and always wonders about the people behind the letters.
In 1967 she is a wife with no children and a lot of time on her hands. She is bored and her husband Arthur is controlling and doesn't allow her to work nor to change her schedule even to the foods they eat each day. The days are planned out and each is the same as the last.
It is a story of the profile of women during this time period and how they were expected to be nothing other than wife and mother. They were expected to care for the home while the husband worked and do as he said. The woman's wishes were not considered in things like buying houses and such.
The women were needed during the war to fill jobs left by the men as they went overseas to war. They did a good job of filling those jobs, but when the men returned home they wanted their jobs back. This left the women without jobs and back being wives and mothers again with no other options.
The 60's was also a time of transition where women were getting bolder and they were asserting their independence and their worth. The fashions were changing, they were cutting their hair and wearing more fashionable clothing. They were finding jobs outside the home and becoming what they dreamed.
Finally Connie can stand it no longer, she leaves Arthur, goes to London to stay with her brother and searches for the people in the letters she read so long ago hoping to find some endings to the stories.
Will she find the secrets she craves and will Connie and Arthur find their way back to each other or is it a lost cause ?
It was an interesting book about the after thoughts of the war, about relationships and how they often work, about friendships and dreams that don't go away. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
Thanks to Jan Casey for writing an interesting story, to Aria and Aries for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to read and review.
January 8, 2025
This is an unusual story with a very unique heroine with an equally unique career in a complex relationship with her husband set during the World War II and its aftermath.
Unlike other war fiction, this story signifies the importance of the services of women during the war and its massive contribution to the security of the country. Though the jobs and duties specified for women may seem insignificant compared to that of the soldiers, this story highlights how their contribution and services have been crucial for the overall protection of the country. The tedious work and expertise required for censorship is very fascinating and was personally very enlightening. Especially, it brings to light the emotional involvement and exhaustion of the women involved in these highly sensitive jobs that compels them to intervene in others’ personal matters. This story further emphasizes the transitory comradeship formed due to unusual circumstances- in this case, a war. Hence, there are many characters as passing clouds.
One of the central themes of the book is the patriarchal mindset prevalent during that time which suppressed the voices of women in the name of protection and love. The portrayal of the agony and anguish of a person subjected to constant narcissism and gaslighting by their spouse disguised as care and affection is relatable even to this generation. Hence a ubiquitous theme has been explored and addressed set in a different era. This book speaks for many women whose voices have been and are still being silenced by chauvinism.
It also explores the mental anguish of infertility and the subsequent void it leaves in a couple’s life and the effects that creep into a couple’s life and changes the whole dynamics of it.
The author has cleverly used a dual timeline to juxtapose the characteristics of the heroine and its differences during two different periods to develop a striking contrast to her personalities during and after the war. This provides an insight into the character and helps us understand her dilemmas much better.
The novel is tinged with 1960s references to music, hairdos and even dance movements that helps to develop a clear visual imagery that liven up the whole reading experience and makes it more realistic.
Though this novel was thoroughly enjoyable and interesting, it was slightly slow-paced for my liking. Regardless, it was an enlightening and an enjoyable experience.
Unlike other war fiction, this story signifies the importance of the services of women during the war and its massive contribution to the security of the country. Though the jobs and duties specified for women may seem insignificant compared to that of the soldiers, this story highlights how their contribution and services have been crucial for the overall protection of the country. The tedious work and expertise required for censorship is very fascinating and was personally very enlightening. Especially, it brings to light the emotional involvement and exhaustion of the women involved in these highly sensitive jobs that compels them to intervene in others’ personal matters. This story further emphasizes the transitory comradeship formed due to unusual circumstances- in this case, a war. Hence, there are many characters as passing clouds.
One of the central themes of the book is the patriarchal mindset prevalent during that time which suppressed the voices of women in the name of protection and love. The portrayal of the agony and anguish of a person subjected to constant narcissism and gaslighting by their spouse disguised as care and affection is relatable even to this generation. Hence a ubiquitous theme has been explored and addressed set in a different era. This book speaks for many women whose voices have been and are still being silenced by chauvinism.
It also explores the mental anguish of infertility and the subsequent void it leaves in a couple’s life and the effects that creep into a couple’s life and changes the whole dynamics of it.
The author has cleverly used a dual timeline to juxtapose the characteristics of the heroine and its differences during two different periods to develop a striking contrast to her personalities during and after the war. This provides an insight into the character and helps us understand her dilemmas much better.
The novel is tinged with 1960s references to music, hairdos and even dance movements that helps to develop a clear visual imagery that liven up the whole reading experience and makes it more realistic.
Though this novel was thoroughly enjoyable and interesting, it was slightly slow-paced for my liking. Regardless, it was an enlightening and an enjoyable experience.
April 29, 2023
The Letter Reader was a slow read for me. At first I couldn't quite figure out why. Then I realized that the author was giving me a lot of information, a lot to research. The writer chose a unique way of giving glimpses into the lives of those living through World War 2.
Through letters read by Connie, as a Wren Censor, I learned about so many different things that went on during the war. There were so many glimpses into British lives that made reading a joy. I knew that people, like my aunt, played an important part, but I didn't know that there were so many different and unique jobs. I knew that letters were censored, but I never thought by whom or the dedication that they must have had. Total respect for those that had to read and try not to get emotional involved. For Connie, sometimes the letters got the best of her.
The reader learns of her struggles because of a dual time line. The story takes place during the war and in 1967. Thanks to to the relationship between Connie and her husband, Arthur, I now have a better understanding of my granddad. I now understand my great uncle's struggles. I am so grateful to the author for helping me gain a better understanding.
Connie is not happy in the life she is living with Arthur. She has lost the identity that she had as a Wren. She can't stop thinking about some of the people in the letters. The reader gets to learn what happened to those she could not forget right along side Connie. After all the snip snip scratch scratch that Connie did, she gets to put some stories back together.
The Letter Reader was a dramatic story. The story brought out many emotions. The story illustrated that you don't have to be on the frontline, you don't have to be caught in a bombing, to be forever changed by war. I hope you read The Letter Reader and learn from it like I did.
Through letters read by Connie, as a Wren Censor, I learned about so many different things that went on during the war. There were so many glimpses into British lives that made reading a joy. I knew that people, like my aunt, played an important part, but I didn't know that there were so many different and unique jobs. I knew that letters were censored, but I never thought by whom or the dedication that they must have had. Total respect for those that had to read and try not to get emotional involved. For Connie, sometimes the letters got the best of her.
The reader learns of her struggles because of a dual time line. The story takes place during the war and in 1967. Thanks to to the relationship between Connie and her husband, Arthur, I now have a better understanding of my granddad. I now understand my great uncle's struggles. I am so grateful to the author for helping me gain a better understanding.
Connie is not happy in the life she is living with Arthur. She has lost the identity that she had as a Wren. She can't stop thinking about some of the people in the letters. The reader gets to learn what happened to those she could not forget right along side Connie. After all the snip snip scratch scratch that Connie did, she gets to put some stories back together.
The Letter Reader was a dramatic story. The story brought out many emotions. The story illustrated that you don't have to be on the frontline, you don't have to be caught in a bombing, to be forever changed by war. I hope you read The Letter Reader and learn from it like I did.
May 12, 2023
The Letter Reader by Jan Casey is an interesting novel which switches back and forth between WWII when Connie was a WREN and her job was reading letters to be mailed out of the country and cutting out parts that might give out too much information, and being alert for letters written in code where the objective was damage to the country. The rest of the story is over twenty years later when Connie becomes consumed by some of the letters she read because her life has become meaningless, a rut she has no desire to live in. Her husband, Arthur, loves her, of that there is not doubt, but he has confined her to a small and meaningless life and she wants more. She takes, it slowly. At first, a trip to the beauty parlor and a new hairdo. Then quarterly trips to London to visit her brother and sister-in-law. Arthur thinks he has arranged this, too. Little does he realize. Dora, her sister-in-law is researching her family tree and Connie sees a chance to follow up on some of the people she has worried about from the war.
As she gains some independence, she realizes that she cannot to back to her life with Arthur. When she announces her intention to leave him, Dora and her husband, Ken, are thrilled. They have waited years for her to see the light. Connie is a good character, probably representative of many of the women who got out during the war and were relegated to small lives when the husbands come home. It was a moving story an informative, as well. I enjoyed it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Letter Reader by Aria & Aries, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AriaAndAries #JanCasey #TheLetterReader
As she gains some independence, she realizes that she cannot to back to her life with Arthur. When she announces her intention to leave him, Dora and her husband, Ken, are thrilled. They have waited years for her to see the light. Connie is a good character, probably representative of many of the women who got out during the war and were relegated to small lives when the husbands come home. It was a moving story an informative, as well. I enjoyed it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Letter Reader by Aria & Aries, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AriaAndAries #JanCasey #TheLetterReader
April 19, 2023
A very engaging story! I was rooting for Connie all the way 🙌 My first book by Jan Casey and I love her style of writing!
This is a dual time setting story that takes place in England and alternates from 1941 during WW II and then continues on in 1967. It had an interesting take from some of the other WW II stories. In 1940 a young Connie Allinson (whose husband is off fighting the war in the Navy) joins the WRNS as a Petty Officer in the letter censorship section. She must read correspondence between military members and their families. She has to make sure people are not giving away secrets and sending sensitive messages that the enemy could capitalize on. Some of the letters and people Connie can not forget. Over twenty years later in 1967 Connie is living a monotonous life with her husband Arthur. They have no children and she feels controlled and yearns to work outside of the home. Connie starts to think about the letters from the war and wonders how the people have faired through the years.
I liked both storylines but I did enjoy the 1967 one just a little bit more. Essentially, this is a story about a woman who has been stifled and is no longer happy. She begins to slowly take control of her life once again. I liked the ending. It was happy but still left us wondering.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Aria & Arias for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
Available May 11, 2023
This is a dual time setting story that takes place in England and alternates from 1941 during WW II and then continues on in 1967. It had an interesting take from some of the other WW II stories. In 1940 a young Connie Allinson (whose husband is off fighting the war in the Navy) joins the WRNS as a Petty Officer in the letter censorship section. She must read correspondence between military members and their families. She has to make sure people are not giving away secrets and sending sensitive messages that the enemy could capitalize on. Some of the letters and people Connie can not forget. Over twenty years later in 1967 Connie is living a monotonous life with her husband Arthur. They have no children and she feels controlled and yearns to work outside of the home. Connie starts to think about the letters from the war and wonders how the people have faired through the years.
I liked both storylines but I did enjoy the 1967 one just a little bit more. Essentially, this is a story about a woman who has been stifled and is no longer happy. She begins to slowly take control of her life once again. I liked the ending. It was happy but still left us wondering.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Aria & Arias for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
Available May 11, 2023
July 2, 2023
1941 – With her husband, in the Royal Navy, Connie wants to play her part and finds herself, joining the WRNS and finds herself reading letters to help the war effort. Part of the Censor unit, her job was to make sure nothing and no one was put at risk by the slightest comment.
1967 – the war is over, but for Connie she finds herself trapped more than if she had been captured in the war. Her husband, now working as an engineer in a power station, does everything to make sure Connie doesn’t have to do anything. Connie’s life is predictable, boring and controlled. Without any children, there marriage is crumbling, but only on Connie side. Her husband sees nothing wrong.
Connie wonders what became of all the people whose letters she read, some still stay in her memory. What if she could find out about there lives after those letters passed through her hands?
When the opportunity to come to London on her own and a chance remark from her sister-in-law leads her down a different path, she sees that maybe her life could be much more fulfilled than it ever has. In fact like it was during the times she was a censor, when she had friends, a purpose and her own thoughts.
This is a fascinating novel, as I learnt about the censorship of the letters during the war. The thought having never occurred to me that someone must have been reading them all. It is always nice to see a different aspect of the war spoken about in historical fiction that sometimes what we are used to.
The anger I felt on Connie’s behalf from the treatment by her husband was palpable and when she won the little victories by changing items for dinner I positively cheered. In 1967 it was accepted and there were probably a lot of women in Connie’s position who never had the chance to escape. Sadly there probably still is women in that position, the control now as a name and is considered unacceptable. If anything this book is for all those women to show there is a way out.
If I am honest, it perhaps made for uncomfortable reading and I would have liked a lot more on the postal censorship, but all of that aside this was an excellent book from an author I have not encountered before. Great for those who want to see another aspect of how Second World War impacted lives.
1967 – the war is over, but for Connie she finds herself trapped more than if she had been captured in the war. Her husband, now working as an engineer in a power station, does everything to make sure Connie doesn’t have to do anything. Connie’s life is predictable, boring and controlled. Without any children, there marriage is crumbling, but only on Connie side. Her husband sees nothing wrong.
Connie wonders what became of all the people whose letters she read, some still stay in her memory. What if she could find out about there lives after those letters passed through her hands?
When the opportunity to come to London on her own and a chance remark from her sister-in-law leads her down a different path, she sees that maybe her life could be much more fulfilled than it ever has. In fact like it was during the times she was a censor, when she had friends, a purpose and her own thoughts.
This is a fascinating novel, as I learnt about the censorship of the letters during the war. The thought having never occurred to me that someone must have been reading them all. It is always nice to see a different aspect of the war spoken about in historical fiction that sometimes what we are used to.
The anger I felt on Connie’s behalf from the treatment by her husband was palpable and when she won the little victories by changing items for dinner I positively cheered. In 1967 it was accepted and there were probably a lot of women in Connie’s position who never had the chance to escape. Sadly there probably still is women in that position, the control now as a name and is considered unacceptable. If anything this book is for all those women to show there is a way out.
If I am honest, it perhaps made for uncomfortable reading and I would have liked a lot more on the postal censorship, but all of that aside this was an excellent book from an author I have not encountered before. Great for those who want to see another aspect of how Second World War impacted lives.
June 25, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The author clearly defines the 1940s when Connie was working as a censor and the 1960s when she is a bored housewife (who seemed to look down on her young neighbours even though she wanted their friendship). There are pages full of tv programmes, fashions, music and food to set the 1960s scene so that I felt as though she'd researched it and intended to use every reference she'd found. She used the word 'facilities' frequently in her writing, seemingly forgetting that this is only necessary when a character is thinking or speaking and it is incorrect in description, where modern language should be used. The frequent references to the towers and what they were pumping out might have been supposed to be menacing but I found it irritating - by 60% though we still hadn't been told exactly what was being released into the atmosphere so I fail to understand why it was mentioned so many times.
The blurb described this as gripping and page-turning, I'm sorry to say it did not fulfil this promise for me. By the time Connie researched the first letter-writer and went to see her all I could think was 'how dare she?' She abused her position, behaved as a stalker and was downright nosy.
I gave up, the content and writing style is not for me despite trying to persevere to the end.
The author clearly defines the 1940s when Connie was working as a censor and the 1960s when she is a bored housewife (who seemed to look down on her young neighbours even though she wanted their friendship). There are pages full of tv programmes, fashions, music and food to set the 1960s scene so that I felt as though she'd researched it and intended to use every reference she'd found. She used the word 'facilities' frequently in her writing, seemingly forgetting that this is only necessary when a character is thinking or speaking and it is incorrect in description, where modern language should be used. The frequent references to the towers and what they were pumping out might have been supposed to be menacing but I found it irritating - by 60% though we still hadn't been told exactly what was being released into the atmosphere so I fail to understand why it was mentioned so many times.
The blurb described this as gripping and page-turning, I'm sorry to say it did not fulfil this promise for me. By the time Connie researched the first letter-writer and went to see her all I could think was 'how dare she?' She abused her position, behaved as a stalker and was downright nosy.
I gave up, the content and writing style is not for me despite trying to persevere to the end.
May 27, 2023
Jan Casey's novels. . .explore the themes of how ordinary people are affected by extraordinary events during any period in history, including the present.
This is a quiet and contemplative look at a woman who serves as a WREN during WW II. Connie's job is to read other people's letters, watching for codes or info that could be used by the enemy. She loved these glimpses into the lives of her fellow citizens and the sense of purpose her life had while se served. Fast forward to 1967 and her life is mundane, routine. Her husband of thirty years is smothering her with his need to keep her safe and their home life a constant. Why did they fight the war if not to preserve this life they had before? Connie is heartbroken over their inability to have children of their own and yearns to get out of the house. These two conflicting desires will collide. Examining the life of this couple in the 1960's made for a fascinating juxtaposition between the two generations. Connie observes the freedom in attitude, hairstyles, and clothing choices (disposable dresses!) and recognizes that her generation gave them this opportunity. Yet, the younger people seem to take in stride as if it were owed to them. I struggled with rating this one. The character study is top notch, but the story made me sad. It would make a wonderful book group choice.
This is a quiet and contemplative look at a woman who serves as a WREN during WW II. Connie's job is to read other people's letters, watching for codes or info that could be used by the enemy. She loved these glimpses into the lives of her fellow citizens and the sense of purpose her life had while se served. Fast forward to 1967 and her life is mundane, routine. Her husband of thirty years is smothering her with his need to keep her safe and their home life a constant. Why did they fight the war if not to preserve this life they had before? Connie is heartbroken over their inability to have children of their own and yearns to get out of the house. These two conflicting desires will collide. Examining the life of this couple in the 1960's made for a fascinating juxtaposition between the two generations. Connie observes the freedom in attitude, hairstyles, and clothing choices (disposable dresses!) and recognizes that her generation gave them this opportunity. Yet, the younger people seem to take in stride as if it were owed to them. I struggled with rating this one. The character study is top notch, but the story made me sad. It would make a wonderful book group choice.
May 12, 2023
Historical time slip novel set in 1941 London & 1967 Doncaster.
She read the secrets during the war and now she can’t forget them.
1941 London
Connie is eager to do her bit during WWII and joins the WRNS as a postal censor.
She has to read and amend correspondence so that no sensitive info crosses over into enemy lines.
1967 Doncaster
Connie desperately wants a job but her controlling husband is not having any of it.
Plagued by memories of letters she read during the war, she starts tracking down the authors, by secretly visiting Somerset House on her visits to London to see family.
An interesting read - I didn’t know that postal censors existed in wartime Britain.
That they travelled around post offices intercepting correspondence and even had the authority to cut out sensitive words.
However I found it strange she was tracking down the authors of letters as she would would have signed the official secrets act before starting her job as postal censor.
Found the 1941 part of Connie’s life more interesting than the 1967, with her mean, controlling husband who insisted on boring humdrum rountines, was starting to get really annoyed with him.
All in all an interesting read
Thanks @jancasey @ariafiction & @netgalley for the eARC
She read the secrets during the war and now she can’t forget them.
1941 London
Connie is eager to do her bit during WWII and joins the WRNS as a postal censor.
She has to read and amend correspondence so that no sensitive info crosses over into enemy lines.
1967 Doncaster
Connie desperately wants a job but her controlling husband is not having any of it.
Plagued by memories of letters she read during the war, she starts tracking down the authors, by secretly visiting Somerset House on her visits to London to see family.
An interesting read - I didn’t know that postal censors existed in wartime Britain.
That they travelled around post offices intercepting correspondence and even had the authority to cut out sensitive words.
However I found it strange she was tracking down the authors of letters as she would would have signed the official secrets act before starting her job as postal censor.
Found the 1941 part of Connie’s life more interesting than the 1967, with her mean, controlling husband who insisted on boring humdrum rountines, was starting to get really annoyed with him.
All in all an interesting read
Thanks @jancasey @ariafiction & @netgalley for the eARC
May 25, 2023
A deep exploration into the impacts of our actions in life and the silence women often face in the world. In 1941 Connie works for the WRNS censoring letters so the enemy cannot gain information. She learns people's secrets and lives vicariously through them.
In 1967 Connie is stifled by domestic life. A wife without a child is expected to silently, and happily fulfill her home duties while she craves her previous freedom. On a trip away from her husband, Connie searches for the authors of the letters and lives she censored, hoping she can find her own freedom through the discovery.
I did struggle to sink into this book, the pacing at the start is difficult to track but things smooth out about a third of the way through. I did enjoy that Connie's separate, fictional lives mirror the everyday life of modern women. In war, women were allowed to take pride in their work, then give it up when the men return home. Now many women are expected to strive and achieve in the workplace, then come home and become a homemaker in the evening. Two separate people living in one body, achieving fully at each.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #ariaaries for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
In 1967 Connie is stifled by domestic life. A wife without a child is expected to silently, and happily fulfill her home duties while she craves her previous freedom. On a trip away from her husband, Connie searches for the authors of the letters and lives she censored, hoping she can find her own freedom through the discovery.
I did struggle to sink into this book, the pacing at the start is difficult to track but things smooth out about a third of the way through. I did enjoy that Connie's separate, fictional lives mirror the everyday life of modern women. In war, women were allowed to take pride in their work, then give it up when the men return home. Now many women are expected to strive and achieve in the workplace, then come home and become a homemaker in the evening. Two separate people living in one body, achieving fully at each.
I would like to thank #netgalley and #ariaaries for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley and Aria & Aries!
Connie did her part for the war, got married to a man, and for the most part, did the things society expected of a woman... except for one thing, and that was to bare children. Despite efforts, Connie remained childless. Through the years, her relationship grew to be monotonous, mundane, and outright maddening. Both Connie and her husband at times were stubborn and immature. Through Connie's courage, she is able to fight for the life she wants and not the life others want or expect from her.
The Letter Reader in multiple ways was not what I expected. I expected to read a story that was surrounded by a woman who censored letters during the war. What I read was a story that was surrounded by a woman living life in a cold marriage who happened to censor letters many years ago. Though this was not what I expected, I still enjoyed the story of Connie and her determination to live the life she not only wants but also deserves. This is a simple read and could be a great pallet cleanser.
Connie did her part for the war, got married to a man, and for the most part, did the things society expected of a woman... except for one thing, and that was to bare children. Despite efforts, Connie remained childless. Through the years, her relationship grew to be monotonous, mundane, and outright maddening. Both Connie and her husband at times were stubborn and immature. Through Connie's courage, she is able to fight for the life she wants and not the life others want or expect from her.
The Letter Reader in multiple ways was not what I expected. I expected to read a story that was surrounded by a woman who censored letters during the war. What I read was a story that was surrounded by a woman living life in a cold marriage who happened to censor letters many years ago. Though this was not what I expected, I still enjoyed the story of Connie and her determination to live the life she not only wants but also deserves. This is a simple read and could be a great pallet cleanser.
December 25, 2023
Following the story of a malcontent housewife, Connie, The Letter Reader follows Connie's journey as she navigates the dissatisfaction of her predictable life against the duties and responsibilities she had as a 1940s letter reader during the war.
Connie is struggling with her husband wanting a life that is steady and never changing. She longs for a change of pace, or even a change in what they eat on any given day of the week. This leads her to reminisce about her days as a young woman as a mail censor during WWII. What happened to the people in the letters? What is going to happen to her next as she learns more about what she is willing to settle with for the rest of her life.
The Letter Reader offers a unique narrative for a timeframe that is well covered and saturated in the historical fiction market. This makes it a refreshing read and deviation from the normal home front stories we see on our bookshelves.
Connie is struggling with her husband wanting a life that is steady and never changing. She longs for a change of pace, or even a change in what they eat on any given day of the week. This leads her to reminisce about her days as a young woman as a mail censor during WWII. What happened to the people in the letters? What is going to happen to her next as she learns more about what she is willing to settle with for the rest of her life.
The Letter Reader offers a unique narrative for a timeframe that is well covered and saturated in the historical fiction market. This makes it a refreshing read and deviation from the normal home front stories we see on our bookshelves.
May 14, 2023
What happens when war ends and the men come home? The Letter Reader, by Jan Casey, gives at least one scenario as the reader looks into the lives of Arthur and Connie. When Arthur is deployed, shortly after they marry, Connie enlists and is trained to be a censor for letters written during the war. While not the most dangerous position available, Connie gets to travel, to get a look into the lives of others, and to uncover some of the letters transmitting codes. She feels valued and somewhat adventurous.
When Arthur returns to civilian life, he wants a peaceful routine with him in charge. He thinks he's making decisions that will make Connie happy, but he never thinks to ask her what she wants. In this dual timeline story, follow Connie as she finds herself trying to be more like the adventurous person she was during the war. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.
When Arthur returns to civilian life, he wants a peaceful routine with him in charge. He thinks he's making decisions that will make Connie happy, but he never thinks to ask her what she wants. In this dual timeline story, follow Connie as she finds herself trying to be more like the adventurous person she was during the war. I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.
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