Shake Down the Stars

by Frances Donnelly

Three young women--aristocratic, spoiled Virigina Musgrave; her sensible friend, Lucy Hallett; and Beattie Blythe, daughter of the Musgrave's gardener--find love, turmoil, tragedy in England during World War II

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, War, British Literature, Historical

642 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of three very different girls from a small village in England, and their experiences in WWII. This is the very best of the saga genre. I absolutely loved this book, and can't recommend it enough. It's a very good novel. It does go into the war experience, but it's mostly about the three girls, and their experiences during the war. They all fall in love and marry, but each of them goes through quite difficult periods and personal growth.

[Debra Wendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Large scale saga of three women's lives in England over the course of WWII. Sometimes it was a bit hard keeping track of all the secondary characters, but we follow along the journey of each woman's ups and downs and growth as people. Satisfying read.

[Bernie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of Frances Donnelly's book, "Shake Down the Stars," is one of the best titles I've seen - ever! That's what drew me to this tale of three women from the English village of Musgrave, all at different levels of society. Their lives meet and separate and intertwine throughout World War II, sometimes companionably, sometimes rancorously, and sometimes surpisingly. Each of their career and romantic destinies differs greatly from what they and the reader expected.I read all 642 pages of this book without skipping a paragraph. Donnelly weaves the stories together so skillfully that there barely seems to be a good stopping point.

[Kathleen Resendes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read others by Donnelly and like the detail she gives her stories. 1939 to 1945 in war torn England tracing the lives of 3 friends as they try to survive the war. Kept me riveted. I felt as if I was the one running for the air raid shelter.

[Lisa Matheny · Rating 1 out of 5]

it started out fine, but then the characters lost all sense of morality. At about 85 pages in, one character was recalling how many men she'd slept with that she didn't even remember. No thanks.

[Rebecca Bacot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good WWII story about three British girls from different social classes. They each fall in love with the “wrong” men before learning what real love looks like. The author illustrates very well how wartime increases the urgency and intensity of romantic affairs from a female perspective.

[Michele Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books of all time, have re- read many times and still love it.

[Gerrigray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for Book Club. During World War II old social constrictions and privileges were shaken up. This novel is the story of three young women from the same village but each from a differnet strata of society. They follow their own stars to find new and independent lives in a changing world. Because they are from the same village their destinies are intertwined a way that would not have happened before the war.

Out of print but worth the hunt for a picture of women in England just before and during WW II.

[Samantha L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new favorite. This was recommended since I liked The Shell Seekers and the Cazalet chronicles, and it was right on the money. I really loved the different aspects of living during WWII that each character represented. And, as many times as I've read books set in WWII, this is the first time I remember a scene being set in an air raid shelter. Wonderful read.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

A romantic saga in which three women are caught up in pre and post WWII England. Each of the women chooses a different course i.e. school, marriage, farming and business. The historical details of London bombings and blackouts in the city are very moving. Fun escapist fiction.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally cheesy WW II romance novel. So of course, I love it.
Follows the lives of three girls from the same English village through the war. I find myself rereading passages when I need a comfort read.

[Tetty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real favourite book of mine. I first read it many years ago and I've read it several times. The book is about the lives of 4 girls as the war unfolds. The storyline is about the different directions that their lives take during the war and afterwards. I'd highly recommend it.

[Denise Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging story of women from different classes in pre-WWII England, and the way the war changes their beliefs and attitudes about life, love, class, and propriety.

[Carissa]

Great book. Complex, well-developed characters and plot. Follows three women in their experiences throughout WWII and how they respond to the great impact on their lives.

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book.

It was so emotional and beautiful, wow. Really worth it.

[Ginger Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed setting London 1939-1945, story of three women, their friends, families and lovers.

[Jill Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't want this one to end. Great characters.