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Rumour: based on a true story from World War I
On June 28 1914, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, is assassinated in Sarajevo. The following day an innocent holiday postcard arrives from Germany at the home of village schoolmaster William Smith. Months later, with the outbreak of the First World War, this postcard is to enmesh William in a web of suspicion and spy-hysteria. Newspapers fuel the paranoia and before long William and his wife Alma find themselves caught up in one of the most shameful scandals of the day. Based on a true story, Rumour reveals a rural society torn apart by the conflict and how an honourable man is betrayed by those he loves, with tragic consequences. In exposing the careless cruelty of a nation obsessed with gossip and rumour, it holds an uncomfortable mirror to today's media-driven society.
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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May 9, 2013
A powerful and cautionary tale
Rumour begins during the long, hot summer of 1914 when England is on the brink of the First World War. The novel is told through the parallel stories (points of view) of a Suffolk village school teacher, William Smith and a young newspaper reporter in Ipswich, Ernest Hart.
The first two parts of the book build a rich, detailed picture of life at the time, in the Suffolk countryside, the local ports and Ipswich. There are glimpses of life across the social divide, from the aristocracy to the poorest in the village. The richness of the prose transported me back in time and place. There were some beautiful cameo scenes, such as the Sunday school trip to Southwold.
The pace of the final section of the book is much faster, as the local rumours edge the story towards the impending disaster the book becomes a real page turner which had me on the ‘edge of my seat’.
Rumour is a powerful, cautionary tale for any time period. The parallel lives of the two main characters and the inevitable crossing of their lives put me in mind of Arthur and George by Julian Barnes, which is also based on a true story, where rumour around people’s differences and the eventual pursuit of justice are key themes.
This is a book which stays with you long after reading it. Many of the issues it throws up, although set one hundred years ago; have become very much part of our Zeitgeist.
Rumour begins during the long, hot summer of 1914 when England is on the brink of the First World War. The novel is told through the parallel stories (points of view) of a Suffolk village school teacher, William Smith and a young newspaper reporter in Ipswich, Ernest Hart.
The first two parts of the book build a rich, detailed picture of life at the time, in the Suffolk countryside, the local ports and Ipswich. There are glimpses of life across the social divide, from the aristocracy to the poorest in the village. The richness of the prose transported me back in time and place. There were some beautiful cameo scenes, such as the Sunday school trip to Southwold.
The pace of the final section of the book is much faster, as the local rumours edge the story towards the impending disaster the book becomes a real page turner which had me on the ‘edge of my seat’.
Rumour is a powerful, cautionary tale for any time period. The parallel lives of the two main characters and the inevitable crossing of their lives put me in mind of Arthur and George by Julian Barnes, which is also based on a true story, where rumour around people’s differences and the eventual pursuit of justice are key themes.
This is a book which stays with you long after reading it. Many of the issues it throws up, although set one hundred years ago; have become very much part of our Zeitgeist.
Displaying 1 of 1 review