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Poppy #1
Poppy
Poppy is young, beautiful and clever – and working as a parlourmaid in the de Vere family's country house. Society, it seems, has already carved out her destiny.But Poppy's life is about to be thrown dramatically off course. The first reason is love – with someone forbidden, who could never, ever marry a girl like her. The second reason is war. As the lists of the dead and wounded grow longer, Poppy must do whatever she can to help the injured soldiers, knowing all the while that her own soldier may never return home . . .
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2014
15 people are currently reading
1761 people want to read
About the author
Mary Hooper
159 books289 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
British children's and young adult author Mary Hooper was born in 1944, in Barnes, then in Surrey, nowadays in South West London. She left school at fifteen, and went to work as a window dresser, and then as a secretary. She eventually returned to school, as an adult student, earning a degree in English from Reading University. Hooper began her writing career with short stories, publishing in women's and teen magazines. Her first book, Jodie, was published in 1978. She is married, has two children, and one grandchild, and lives in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.
British children's and young adult author Mary Hooper was born in 1944, in Barnes, then in Surrey, nowadays in South West London. She left school at fifteen, and went to work as a window dresser, and then as a secretary. She eventually returned to school, as an adult student, earning a degree in English from Reading University. Hooper began her writing career with short stories, publishing in women's and teen magazines. Her first book, Jodie, was published in 1978. She is married, has two children, and one grandchild, and lives in Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 106 reviews
August 18, 2016
2.75 stars that could have easily become a solid 3 stars, except for one thing.
What is this one thing? Well, let me tell you - I was not a huge fan of the romance in this book. As in, I didn't particularly care for or about it at all. I was not rooting for it, I didn't believe in it, and I actually wish that it either (a) didn't involve a romance or (b) involved a different romance with another character, who I could have rooted for wholeheartedly.
I also wasn't particularly attached to any of the characters, but that wasn't as detrimental as the romance when it came to how I felt about this book.
That being said, I was fascinated by the way that Mary Hooper wrote about VADs, and Tommies and World War I in general. Her novel focuses on what happens back at home, away from the front, particularly for the volunteers who work as nurses (though they take on many duties that aren't necessarily related to medical things). It's a bit of a lighter hand than I'm used to in historical fiction in general, but I liked that. It made it easy to picture, and also pretty simple to make sense of and for that, I was glad.
What is this one thing? Well, let me tell you - I was not a huge fan of the romance in this book. As in, I didn't particularly care for or about it at all. I was not rooting for it, I didn't believe in it, and I actually wish that it either (a) didn't involve a romance or (b) involved a different romance with another character, who I could have rooted for wholeheartedly.
I also wasn't particularly attached to any of the characters, but that wasn't as detrimental as the romance when it came to how I felt about this book.
That being said, I was fascinated by the way that Mary Hooper wrote about VADs, and Tommies and World War I in general. Her novel focuses on what happens back at home, away from the front, particularly for the volunteers who work as nurses (though they take on many duties that aren't necessarily related to medical things). It's a bit of a lighter hand than I'm used to in historical fiction in general, but I liked that. It made it easy to picture, and also pretty simple to make sense of and for that, I was glad.
August 2, 2014
As the 100th anniversary of the First World War approaches there are a significant number of books about the war being published. Over the last 6 months I’ve seen at least a dozen, perhaps more, and there will be more to come, no doubt.
Many of them are stories of the Diggers, the Tommies and the fighting, but, significantly, there are a fair few being published that deal with the changing role of women and girls during this period. Poppy is the story of a young girl, serving the de Vere family as a parlourmaid. The action opens on the Mayfield Comforts group, “…knitting balaclavas, gloves, socks and mufflers as fast as they could for the boys on the front.” Poppy and Molly are winding wool into balls from skeins as they can only manage straight knitting - and they are feeling very, very uncomfortable.
In the first few paragraphs, Hooper conveys many of the complications that the war was to bring to the old ways: a change in the class structure and the role of women, and how ‘needs must’ despite how it had been in the ‘old days’. Poppy and Molly are relieved to be sent out of the room “with a nod” to go and put on their lacy “afternoon aprons” and collect the afternoon tea for the ladies in the knitting circle. “Once restored to their usual stations in life, the two girls served the ladies silently and deferentially and everyone was much more at ease.”
Poppy Pearson is the major breadwinner in her family, earning much more than her mother does making cardboard boxes. Father is long gone, and her brother, Billy, feels that going into service would be “licking the boots of the lords and ladies”. In truth, he is lazy and arrogant, and Poppy wonders if the war might make Billy step up to his responsibilities. She has been in service since the age of fourteen, despite winning a scholarship to the local college. The trouble with having no father, though, is that there is no money for uniforms or books, especially with two young sisters to feed, and Poppy is forced to take a job with the local gentry at Airey House.
Into the mix is thrown the son of Lord and Lady de Vere, Freddie. Master Freddie has floppy hair and a winning smile and seems to be paying more attention to Poppy than is usual for someone of his class. Although Poppy knows that nothing can come of it, and in fact she suspects him of just playing a game, there is little in her life to distract her from daydreaming about him.
Over the next few weeks it seems that everyone is that Poppy knows is joining up. Poppy is torn between supporting her family and supporting the war effort. Thankfully, Poppy’s old English teacher, Miss Luttrell, approaches Poppy with an exciting proposal – to join the Voluntary Aid Detachment as a nurse. To Poppy it sounds like the a wonderful way to serve her country, but of course, Poppy knows that as volunteer she won’t be able to send home half her wages to her mother. Luckily for Poppy, Miss Luttrell has a plan – to pay Poppy for a small legacy left by a relative. And so Poppy’s new life begins.
Hooper interweaves the many elements of this story skillfully and authentically. Initially, the blossoming romance between Poppy and Freddie left me cold – I could just see Poppy having her heart broken by Freddie – but the story takes quite a different tack, which was something I really enjoyed. Far from being predictable and cloying, the story is energetic and interesting and has real insights into the job that Poppy is doing, as well as revealing aspects of contemporary society that are often not covered by historical novels of this type. Conscientious objectors, medical procedures, love, social standing, family, and politics are some of the issues of the time that are successfully tackled.
The writing is crisp, the main character is engaging – not too knowing but not too much of a doormat at the same time – and Poppy’s growth and change are realistic and moving. The first in a series, the sequel is Poppy in the Field, to be published in 2015, I wished that I had the next one the moment I finished this one. I got really involved in the stories, of Poppy, of Billy, of Freddie, and the wonderful VAD girls that live and work in the hospitals. Aimed at in lower to middle secondary, Poppy is a recommended read for anyone wishing to learn more about the role of women and girls during the Great War, whilst exploring a little recognised group of amazing people.
Many of them are stories of the Diggers, the Tommies and the fighting, but, significantly, there are a fair few being published that deal with the changing role of women and girls during this period. Poppy is the story of a young girl, serving the de Vere family as a parlourmaid. The action opens on the Mayfield Comforts group, “…knitting balaclavas, gloves, socks and mufflers as fast as they could for the boys on the front.” Poppy and Molly are winding wool into balls from skeins as they can only manage straight knitting - and they are feeling very, very uncomfortable.
In the first few paragraphs, Hooper conveys many of the complications that the war was to bring to the old ways: a change in the class structure and the role of women, and how ‘needs must’ despite how it had been in the ‘old days’. Poppy and Molly are relieved to be sent out of the room “with a nod” to go and put on their lacy “afternoon aprons” and collect the afternoon tea for the ladies in the knitting circle. “Once restored to their usual stations in life, the two girls served the ladies silently and deferentially and everyone was much more at ease.”
Poppy Pearson is the major breadwinner in her family, earning much more than her mother does making cardboard boxes. Father is long gone, and her brother, Billy, feels that going into service would be “licking the boots of the lords and ladies”. In truth, he is lazy and arrogant, and Poppy wonders if the war might make Billy step up to his responsibilities. She has been in service since the age of fourteen, despite winning a scholarship to the local college. The trouble with having no father, though, is that there is no money for uniforms or books, especially with two young sisters to feed, and Poppy is forced to take a job with the local gentry at Airey House.
Into the mix is thrown the son of Lord and Lady de Vere, Freddie. Master Freddie has floppy hair and a winning smile and seems to be paying more attention to Poppy than is usual for someone of his class. Although Poppy knows that nothing can come of it, and in fact she suspects him of just playing a game, there is little in her life to distract her from daydreaming about him.
Over the next few weeks it seems that everyone is that Poppy knows is joining up. Poppy is torn between supporting her family and supporting the war effort. Thankfully, Poppy’s old English teacher, Miss Luttrell, approaches Poppy with an exciting proposal – to join the Voluntary Aid Detachment as a nurse. To Poppy it sounds like the a wonderful way to serve her country, but of course, Poppy knows that as volunteer she won’t be able to send home half her wages to her mother. Luckily for Poppy, Miss Luttrell has a plan – to pay Poppy for a small legacy left by a relative. And so Poppy’s new life begins.
Hooper interweaves the many elements of this story skillfully and authentically. Initially, the blossoming romance between Poppy and Freddie left me cold – I could just see Poppy having her heart broken by Freddie – but the story takes quite a different tack, which was something I really enjoyed. Far from being predictable and cloying, the story is energetic and interesting and has real insights into the job that Poppy is doing, as well as revealing aspects of contemporary society that are often not covered by historical novels of this type. Conscientious objectors, medical procedures, love, social standing, family, and politics are some of the issues of the time that are successfully tackled.
The writing is crisp, the main character is engaging – not too knowing but not too much of a doormat at the same time – and Poppy’s growth and change are realistic and moving. The first in a series, the sequel is Poppy in the Field, to be published in 2015, I wished that I had the next one the moment I finished this one. I got really involved in the stories, of Poppy, of Billy, of Freddie, and the wonderful VAD girls that live and work in the hospitals. Aimed at in lower to middle secondary, Poppy is a recommended read for anyone wishing to learn more about the role of women and girls during the Great War, whilst exploring a little recognised group of amazing people.
May 9, 2014
I love Mary Hooper's writing, no matter what era of history she is introducing readers to you can always tell that she has done her research and she never fails to bring that period to life with her vivid descriptions. She always includes so many tiny little extra snippets of information that it really feels like you've stepped back in time and are walking alongside her main characters. As we are in the centennial anniversary of the start of WWI I was really looking forward to seeing how she would tackle the sensitive subject of the war, especially when I found out that it would be written from the perspective of a nurse who is looking after soldiers seriously injured on the front lines.
Poppy is a great main character, she's intelligent, hard working and kind and although she doesn't come from a wealthy family she is fairly happy with her lot in life. She had dreams of going to college and had even earned a scholarship but she had to take a position as a parlourmaid instead so she could help her family financially. In spite of that she isn't bitter and she focuses on making the best of her situation. 1914 was an interesting period of time for women. They were starting to stand up for their right to be treated as equals, to be allowed to vote and more women were looking to have a career of their own that didn't involve domestic chores or staying home with the children and in a lot of ways WWI gave them new opportunities that they didn't have before. With the majority of young men off fighting the war it was up to the women to step up and support them in whatever way they could - with everything from farming the land to working in offices or munitions factories through to nursing the wounded as they returned home.
Poppy was one of thousands of young women who signed up to the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) to train as a nurse. She quickly finds herself working long hours to care for the overwhelming number of injured soldiers who were arriving every day. Mary Hooper doesn't shy away from showing what the soldiers went through and the horrific injuries that they suffered but it isn't just the physical injuries they had to cope with. This was a time before PTSD was a valid diagnosis and when doctors were only just starting to agree that Shell Shock was a medical condition and rather than just cowardice on a soldier's part. Just thinking about the things these men (or young boys in a lot of cases!) had to face on a daily basis makes my blood run cold and if they were too frightened to follow orders they faced the possibility of being put before their own firing squad for dereliction of duty. Weapons may have changed in the last century but a lot of the issues faced by the soldiers and the nurses caring for the injured is just as relevant today as it was then and I don't think it ever hurts for us to be reminded of that.
This book is a very quick read and I found that once I'd started reading it I didn't want to stop, in fact I pretty much read it in one sitting because I was completely gripped by the story. The timeline of this book runs through to the end of 1915 so it doesn't take us through to the end of the war and there will be a sequel publishing next year called Poppy in the Field but I wouldn't say this book ends on a cliffhanger. It ends at a very natural point so although I'm looking forward to continuing to follow Poppy's journey I'm not frustrated with the way this book ended. History is so often written from a man's point of view, there are countless stories told from a soldier's perspective so I really appreciated that this focuses more on women's efforts at helping the war effort. This book shows the incredibly resiliency of both men and women at the time of WWI and I think it highlights all the best qualities the war brought out in our country even while it shows the horrors that so many thousands of people experienced.
Poppy is a great main character, she's intelligent, hard working and kind and although she doesn't come from a wealthy family she is fairly happy with her lot in life. She had dreams of going to college and had even earned a scholarship but she had to take a position as a parlourmaid instead so she could help her family financially. In spite of that she isn't bitter and she focuses on making the best of her situation. 1914 was an interesting period of time for women. They were starting to stand up for their right to be treated as equals, to be allowed to vote and more women were looking to have a career of their own that didn't involve domestic chores or staying home with the children and in a lot of ways WWI gave them new opportunities that they didn't have before. With the majority of young men off fighting the war it was up to the women to step up and support them in whatever way they could - with everything from farming the land to working in offices or munitions factories through to nursing the wounded as they returned home.
Poppy was one of thousands of young women who signed up to the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) to train as a nurse. She quickly finds herself working long hours to care for the overwhelming number of injured soldiers who were arriving every day. Mary Hooper doesn't shy away from showing what the soldiers went through and the horrific injuries that they suffered but it isn't just the physical injuries they had to cope with. This was a time before PTSD was a valid diagnosis and when doctors were only just starting to agree that Shell Shock was a medical condition and rather than just cowardice on a soldier's part. Just thinking about the things these men (or young boys in a lot of cases!) had to face on a daily basis makes my blood run cold and if they were too frightened to follow orders they faced the possibility of being put before their own firing squad for dereliction of duty. Weapons may have changed in the last century but a lot of the issues faced by the soldiers and the nurses caring for the injured is just as relevant today as it was then and I don't think it ever hurts for us to be reminded of that.
This book is a very quick read and I found that once I'd started reading it I didn't want to stop, in fact I pretty much read it in one sitting because I was completely gripped by the story. The timeline of this book runs through to the end of 1915 so it doesn't take us through to the end of the war and there will be a sequel publishing next year called Poppy in the Field but I wouldn't say this book ends on a cliffhanger. It ends at a very natural point so although I'm looking forward to continuing to follow Poppy's journey I'm not frustrated with the way this book ended. History is so often written from a man's point of view, there are countless stories told from a soldier's perspective so I really appreciated that this focuses more on women's efforts at helping the war effort. This book shows the incredibly resiliency of both men and women at the time of WWI and I think it highlights all the best qualities the war brought out in our country even while it shows the horrors that so many thousands of people experienced.
April 9, 2020
1914, the war has just begun and there is a mood of excitement. Our main character, fifteen year old Poppy, is a parlourmaid for a well-to-do family. She enjoys her job, but the feeling is that people who are able to should do what they can to support the war effort. So Poppy applies to become a VAD and do her bit for her country.
There’s plenty of historical detail, though it’s quite light in approach (which makes sense given the target audience). Poppy is a hard-working character who does what she can, proving to be quite adept at her job.
What didn’t really work for me was the romance developing between Poppy and Freddie (the younger son of her past employer). It would have been nigh impossible for such a scenario, and I can’t imagine a young girl of the time behaving in such a way. The shock ending was rather expected, but it does prepare us for the second in the series where Poppy heads to France.
There’s plenty of historical detail, though it’s quite light in approach (which makes sense given the target audience). Poppy is a hard-working character who does what she can, proving to be quite adept at her job.
What didn’t really work for me was the romance developing between Poppy and Freddie (the younger son of her past employer). It would have been nigh impossible for such a scenario, and I can’t imagine a young girl of the time behaving in such a way. The shock ending was rather expected, but it does prepare us for the second in the series where Poppy heads to France.
July 22, 2017
3.5-4/5
[Review to be posted on the blog sometime this week. :P]
I had no idea that this book would have a sequel, but as I was nearing the end I knew there was no way there couldn't have been. May 2015, 'Poppy in the Field'. I know it's going to be an emotional and intense read.
Last week I received a package from Bloomsbury in the mail, containing two books: this was one of them. I hadn't heard anything about it, but 1) I adore good historical fiction; 2) Mary Hooper is quite a well-known staple of YA historical fiction; 3) This book focuses on WWI; 4) The heroine becomes a VAD nurse for the war effort, so I picked it up almost immediately and don't regret the decision one bit.
Poppy Pearson is a young woman working as a parlourmaid for the de Veres. The war rages on. While the older de Vere brother enlists to fight in the war, the younger, Freddie, only joins after being handed an anonymous white feather in the mail (which Poppy's teacher had encouraged her to send). It is also by her teacher's suggestion that she also partake in the war effort by joining the VAD as a nurse. She's good at taking orders and she is no stranger to hard work and long hours. Before Freddie and Poppy part, they share a few moments: a look, a kiss, a touch and squeeze of the hand; and despite their difference in social standing they exchange letters and agree to meet once again. But Mrs de Vere will not allow the two of them to end up together--her son must marry someone of higher class...
Poppy was quite an easy read and definitely recommended for younger readers (12+) who are interested in learning more about what it was like in these times. Written in third person, with simple prose.
The characters were just okay for me. None of them were really that fleshed out or memorable. I like Poppy; she's a hard-working, honest and kind young woman, but she can be a bit frivolous and indecisive. Nonetheless, I liked following her in her progression as a nurse, and found that I could relate to a few of the situations that arose. Obviously, as a nurse myself, I had to draw some comparison between the conditions of the war hospitals back then, and how the hospitals are now. It was highly interesting and I think Hooper did a good job portraying the hospital working environment in England at the time.
Freddie de Vere doesn't have much of a personality at all; all I can really gather is that he's fighting in the war, he's from an extremely well-off family, he's quite a sentimental person, and he loves Poppy. Despite this, I think things will get a lot more interesting in the sequel. Something big happens in the end of Poppy, and it'll be interesting to see how that escalates, how both of them react to the actions of the other. As for the other young man in her life, the doctor at the hospital...
Poppy's VAD friends at her station, Matthews and Jameson, were interchangeable for me. They were the support that Poppy needed to get through the various ups and downs in her life, but I could never tell them apart!
A few of the Tommies (soldiers) and higher-ups were fun to read about. I like that Hooper included some of the injured, gave them names, personalities and back-stories of their own, so that they weren't just something thrown in the background. Instead, Hooper gives them life and brings forth the point that all of the injured and those who died in the war, had lives and voices of their own.
Finally I want to mention Poppy's brother, Billy/William. I think it is important that he was included in this story. While many young men jumped at the chance to gain glory and fight the good fight, many were frightened and were bullied or pressured into enlisting. The experience proves too much for him and he returns home in pretty bad circumstances. I can't wait to find out what happens to him next!
Poppy is the first book I've read that was set in England in 1914-1915 and overall I think that Hooper succeeded in portraying the setting with a level of realism worthy of the historical fiction genre. While I didn't fall in love with any of the characters I am invested in their lives and stories such that I will, without a doubt, be reading on with the sequel, Poppy on the Field! An easy to read account of what VAD nurses may have experienced in war-time England.
[Review to be posted on the blog sometime this week. :P]
I had no idea that this book would have a sequel, but as I was nearing the end I knew there was no way there couldn't have been. May 2015, 'Poppy in the Field'. I know it's going to be an emotional and intense read.
Last week I received a package from Bloomsbury in the mail, containing two books: this was one of them. I hadn't heard anything about it, but 1) I adore good historical fiction; 2) Mary Hooper is quite a well-known staple of YA historical fiction; 3) This book focuses on WWI; 4) The heroine becomes a VAD nurse for the war effort, so I picked it up almost immediately and don't regret the decision one bit.
Poppy Pearson is a young woman working as a parlourmaid for the de Veres. The war rages on. While the older de Vere brother enlists to fight in the war, the younger, Freddie, only joins after being handed an anonymous white feather in the mail (which Poppy's teacher had encouraged her to send). It is also by her teacher's suggestion that she also partake in the war effort by joining the VAD as a nurse. She's good at taking orders and she is no stranger to hard work and long hours. Before Freddie and Poppy part, they share a few moments: a look, a kiss, a touch and squeeze of the hand; and despite their difference in social standing they exchange letters and agree to meet once again. But Mrs de Vere will not allow the two of them to end up together--her son must marry someone of higher class...
Poppy was quite an easy read and definitely recommended for younger readers (12+) who are interested in learning more about what it was like in these times. Written in third person, with simple prose.
The characters were just okay for me. None of them were really that fleshed out or memorable. I like Poppy; she's a hard-working, honest and kind young woman, but she can be a bit frivolous and indecisive. Nonetheless, I liked following her in her progression as a nurse, and found that I could relate to a few of the situations that arose. Obviously, as a nurse myself, I had to draw some comparison between the conditions of the war hospitals back then, and how the hospitals are now. It was highly interesting and I think Hooper did a good job portraying the hospital working environment in England at the time.
Freddie de Vere doesn't have much of a personality at all; all I can really gather is that he's fighting in the war, he's from an extremely well-off family, he's quite a sentimental person, and he loves Poppy. Despite this, I think things will get a lot more interesting in the sequel. Something big happens in the end of Poppy, and it'll be interesting to see how that escalates, how both of them react to the actions of the other. As for the other young man in her life, the doctor at the hospital...
Poppy's VAD friends at her station, Matthews and Jameson, were interchangeable for me. They were the support that Poppy needed to get through the various ups and downs in her life, but I could never tell them apart!
A few of the Tommies (soldiers) and higher-ups were fun to read about. I like that Hooper included some of the injured, gave them names, personalities and back-stories of their own, so that they weren't just something thrown in the background. Instead, Hooper gives them life and brings forth the point that all of the injured and those who died in the war, had lives and voices of their own.
Finally I want to mention Poppy's brother, Billy/William. I think it is important that he was included in this story. While many young men jumped at the chance to gain glory and fight the good fight, many were frightened and were bullied or pressured into enlisting. The experience proves too much for him and he returns home in pretty bad circumstances. I can't wait to find out what happens to him next!
Poppy is the first book I've read that was set in England in 1914-1915 and overall I think that Hooper succeeded in portraying the setting with a level of realism worthy of the historical fiction genre. While I didn't fall in love with any of the characters I am invested in their lives and stories such that I will, without a doubt, be reading on with the sequel, Poppy on the Field! An easy to read account of what VAD nurses may have experienced in war-time England.
November 19, 2015
I don't know if there really is an explosion (pardon the war pun) of 'women in war' novels, or if it's just that I have suddenly become aware of them. At any rate, I certainly welcome the development. Although Mary Hooper's recent World War I duet, Poppy and Poppy in the Field, are not as dazzling as Elizabeth Wein's war novels, they are still solid efforts. Highly readable and wearing their historical 'facts' lightly, they examine war from the hospital bed. In the case of World War I, and the infamously high casualties of trench warfare, that seems pretty appropriate to me.
World War I is a fascinating war in terms of the social change it brought about, not just in the blurring of social classes and the breakdown of the old hierarchies, but also for the ways that it changed opportunities for women. After decades of fighting for the vote and women's rights over property/their bodies/their children, the Suffragettes finally began to make real progress -- and of course the war was the catalyst. The wise old men proved anything but, and it turned out that all of those women who were nursing, farming and working in munitions factories were not so weak and helpless after all.
Poppy, the young protagonist of this novel, is the perfect example of a woman who benefited from the changes that war brought. At the beginning of the war, Poppy is working in 'service' as a parlourmaid for the de Vere family. Poppy is intelligent and able, but social class and lack of money -- her mother has been widowed with four children -- have narrowed her options. When a former teacher recommends that Poppy volunteer as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) nurse, it completely changes the trajectory of her life. Initially, the VAD nurses were meant to be drawn only from the middle and upper classes, but a shortage of qualified nurses meant that well-spoken, literate working class girls like Poppy had a chance. As Poppy herself notes, someone with experience 'in service' was certainly better equipped to handle the back-breaking job anyway.
This first book is Poppy's learning curve: she is gaining skills and growing in confidence, and gradually she begins properly nursing the broken bodies and spirits of wounded soldiers. The scale and severity of injuries was forcing medical innovation in prosthetics, plastic surgery and treatment of mental illness -- and the storyline touches upon these developments. There are other interesting strands: one nurse's growing attachment to a German soldier, and Poppy's brother Billy -- who (literally) shoots himself in the foot. The least successful aspect of the book is the 'romance' that Poppy has with Philip de Vere -- youngest son of her former employer. I didn't mind her having a crush on him (although he was clearly not a worthy love object), but I just couldn't believe in the depth of feeling that she supposedly had for him. The ending of the novel was annoyingly incomplete. Obviously, the author had already planned for a sequel, but I think this sort of novel should be able to stand alone. I felt that any emotion and interest that the reader had built up was pretty much deflated by the unsuccessful romantic subplot.
World War I is a fascinating war in terms of the social change it brought about, not just in the blurring of social classes and the breakdown of the old hierarchies, but also for the ways that it changed opportunities for women. After decades of fighting for the vote and women's rights over property/their bodies/their children, the Suffragettes finally began to make real progress -- and of course the war was the catalyst. The wise old men proved anything but, and it turned out that all of those women who were nursing, farming and working in munitions factories were not so weak and helpless after all.
Poppy, the young protagonist of this novel, is the perfect example of a woman who benefited from the changes that war brought. At the beginning of the war, Poppy is working in 'service' as a parlourmaid for the de Vere family. Poppy is intelligent and able, but social class and lack of money -- her mother has been widowed with four children -- have narrowed her options. When a former teacher recommends that Poppy volunteer as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) nurse, it completely changes the trajectory of her life. Initially, the VAD nurses were meant to be drawn only from the middle and upper classes, but a shortage of qualified nurses meant that well-spoken, literate working class girls like Poppy had a chance. As Poppy herself notes, someone with experience 'in service' was certainly better equipped to handle the back-breaking job anyway.
This first book is Poppy's learning curve: she is gaining skills and growing in confidence, and gradually she begins properly nursing the broken bodies and spirits of wounded soldiers. The scale and severity of injuries was forcing medical innovation in prosthetics, plastic surgery and treatment of mental illness -- and the storyline touches upon these developments. There are other interesting strands: one nurse's growing attachment to a German soldier, and Poppy's brother Billy -- who (literally) shoots himself in the foot. The least successful aspect of the book is the 'romance' that Poppy has with Philip de Vere -- youngest son of her former employer. I didn't mind her having a crush on him (although he was clearly not a worthy love object), but I just couldn't believe in the depth of feeling that she supposedly had for him. The ending of the novel was annoyingly incomplete. Obviously, the author had already planned for a sequel, but I think this sort of novel should be able to stand alone. I felt that any emotion and interest that the reader had built up was pretty much deflated by the unsuccessful romantic subplot.
December 22, 2015
Poppy is a touching story about war, friendship, and first love.
Prior to becoming a book blogger I wasn't a big historical fiction reader, but over the last year or so I have been reading more and more books from the genre. I am especially interested in ones that are centered around WW1 and 2. Recent war-related books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed are Prison of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Poppy too has now been added to my list of enjoyable war-related reads.
I have only read one other book by Hooper and that is Fallen Grace, a wonderful story set in the Victorian Era. Something that Hooper excels at is painting a vivid image of the era in which the book is set in. It is obvious she has done her research, I truly felt as if I were there with Poppy on her journey of self-discovery. It was interesting reading about the war through the eyes of a 15 year parlormaid-soon to be VAD nurse. Poppy is a lively and intelligent mc, who I had no problem rooting for.
As of late she has been feeling romantic feelings towards her employers youngest son, and he seemingly is quite taken with her too. Just as something begins to brew, however, her ex-teacher presents her with an opportunity of a life time - to train as a VAD nurse, and by doing so serve her country and do her bit for the war effort. Her teacher believes she is far too resourceful and intelligent to be working as a parlormaid, so she offers to pay her allowance seeing as how it is a voluntary position.
The era in which the book is set was a time of great change for women. They were found taking on jobs that prior to the war were considered to be jobs for men. During her time training as a VAD nurse Poppy learns much, and her eyes are opened to the horrors and wonders of war. She makes new friends, all the while secretly writing to Freddy. Both storylines, romantic and otherwise, had me glued to the book. The ending left me wanting more, so I was delighted to find that there is going to be a sequel "Poppy in the Field". I am very much looking forward to continuing on with Poppy's story.
This review also appears on my blog, The Page Turner.
Prior to becoming a book blogger I wasn't a big historical fiction reader, but over the last year or so I have been reading more and more books from the genre. I am especially interested in ones that are centered around WW1 and 2. Recent war-related books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed are Prison of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Poppy too has now been added to my list of enjoyable war-related reads.
I have only read one other book by Hooper and that is Fallen Grace, a wonderful story set in the Victorian Era. Something that Hooper excels at is painting a vivid image of the era in which the book is set in. It is obvious she has done her research, I truly felt as if I were there with Poppy on her journey of self-discovery. It was interesting reading about the war through the eyes of a 15 year parlormaid-soon to be VAD nurse. Poppy is a lively and intelligent mc, who I had no problem rooting for.
As of late she has been feeling romantic feelings towards her employers youngest son, and he seemingly is quite taken with her too. Just as something begins to brew, however, her ex-teacher presents her with an opportunity of a life time - to train as a VAD nurse, and by doing so serve her country and do her bit for the war effort. Her teacher believes she is far too resourceful and intelligent to be working as a parlormaid, so she offers to pay her allowance seeing as how it is a voluntary position.
The era in which the book is set was a time of great change for women. They were found taking on jobs that prior to the war were considered to be jobs for men. During her time training as a VAD nurse Poppy learns much, and her eyes are opened to the horrors and wonders of war. She makes new friends, all the while secretly writing to Freddy. Both storylines, romantic and otherwise, had me glued to the book. The ending left me wanting more, so I was delighted to find that there is going to be a sequel "Poppy in the Field". I am very much looking forward to continuing on with Poppy's story.
This review also appears on my blog, The Page Turner.
March 8, 2014
Mary Hooper is one of my favourite writers of YA Historical Fiction. She has the knack of combining strong young female characters and realistic historical settings which give readers a strong sense of time and place, whatever their age! Quite a few novels are being released this year to tie in with the centenary of the outbreak of WWI but Poppy would be my standout choice for any young female teens wishing to acquaint themselves with the role of their early 20th century counterparts.
In a relatively short novel, 288 pages, we are shown the dramatic changes war brings about in everyone's lives, from upper to lower classes, amongst men and women, and particularly for young women like Poppy who find themselves in a position to alter previously rigid, mapped out destinies. Poppy is no longer restricted to a life of servitude as she can forge her own path in life, working as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) nurse but she will be tested both emotionally and physically in her new career.
The author doesn't hold back in describing the brutal effects of war, especially the horrendous injuries of Poppy's patients, some of them young boys bedazzled by the glory of war. We see the early days of plastic surgery as doctors strive to improve the lives of young Tommies stricken by horrific facial injuries. Likewise we see the deep psychological stress placed on these young men - PTSD is unheard of and those who can't face the horrors of the trenches are swiftly court-martialled and executed.
If I have one tiny quibble about this novel, it's that it ends on such a cliff-hanger and cannot be read as a stand-alone novel. Poppy's adventures will resume in the sequel, Poppy in the Field, to be published in May 2015. If you're looking for an introduction to the role of young women in WWI, a sensitive read which treads the middle path between sentimentality and gore, then Poppy is the ideal place to start. For slightly older readers interested in this period, I would highly recommend Testament of Youth, Vera Brittain's extremely powerful war memoir.
Poppy by Mary Hooper is published on 8th May 2014 by Bloomsbury Childrens.
My thanks to Net Galley and Bloomsbury for providing a review copy.
In a relatively short novel, 288 pages, we are shown the dramatic changes war brings about in everyone's lives, from upper to lower classes, amongst men and women, and particularly for young women like Poppy who find themselves in a position to alter previously rigid, mapped out destinies. Poppy is no longer restricted to a life of servitude as she can forge her own path in life, working as a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) nurse but she will be tested both emotionally and physically in her new career.
The author doesn't hold back in describing the brutal effects of war, especially the horrendous injuries of Poppy's patients, some of them young boys bedazzled by the glory of war. We see the early days of plastic surgery as doctors strive to improve the lives of young Tommies stricken by horrific facial injuries. Likewise we see the deep psychological stress placed on these young men - PTSD is unheard of and those who can't face the horrors of the trenches are swiftly court-martialled and executed.
If I have one tiny quibble about this novel, it's that it ends on such a cliff-hanger and cannot be read as a stand-alone novel. Poppy's adventures will resume in the sequel, Poppy in the Field, to be published in May 2015. If you're looking for an introduction to the role of young women in WWI, a sensitive read which treads the middle path between sentimentality and gore, then Poppy is the ideal place to start. For slightly older readers interested in this period, I would highly recommend Testament of Youth, Vera Brittain's extremely powerful war memoir.
Poppy by Mary Hooper is published on 8th May 2014 by Bloomsbury Childrens.
My thanks to Net Galley and Bloomsbury for providing a review copy.
February 2, 2015
Poppy was a sweet little novel which really took me by surprise. It’s an interesting insight into the English nurses of the First World War who cared for the soldiers injured so badly they returned home. I feel like I’ve read and watched a lot about both the First and Second World Wars, but Poppy succeeded in presenting a fresh and touching perspective.
Although Poppy is only a short novel, it explored some really interesting and less talked about aspects of the war. There was a large focus on returned soldiers who had severe facial injuries, leaving them disfigured, as well as soldiers like Poppy’s brother who injured themselves to get away from the fighting. Both these topics are sensitive issues, but I admired the way Hooper dealt with them through Poppy. Her young age was another element of the story I really liked because it highlighted just how traumatic it must have been to see so many fit young men being set away to war.
I found the story very easy to get into and quite compelling. I also really liked the occasional letters which were included. I thought they were an interesting way to bring the voice of other characters into the novel, particularly in the case of Poppy’s brother. Although I'm glad to see there's a sequel which will see Poppy nursing on the front line, I was a little disappointed the novel ended so abruptly.
Overall, Poppy was an enjoyable and quite touching read. Hooper’s writing style flows really well and it was easy to slip into the story. It was great to see the novel tackle some of the less well-known aspects of the First World War and I only hope the second book does the same.
Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing a copy of the book for review.
This review and many more can be found at The Unfinished Bookshelf.
May 12, 2014
This is the second historical YA novel from Mary Hooper that I have read, and I will admit to being sold on this author. I recognized the author's name before buying, and remembered how I enjoyed The disgrace of Kitty Grey, and knew I would probably enjoy this too. I couldn't guess how much though!
Poor Poppy read as an extremely naive young woman, completely unversed in the arts of love and the complications of society. Granted, she knows her hidden relationship with a man who was once her employer will be frowned upon, but she analyzes his every letter and has built a fantasy relationship based off one meal, one kiss and a few shared smiles. Somehow this adds up to marriage material. I repeat, poor Poppy.
I really hope this series goes where I want it to. There is a certain character I have my eye on. Someone remind me to buy the sequel this time next year?
Poor Poppy read as an extremely naive young woman, completely unversed in the arts of love and the complications of society. Granted, she knows her hidden relationship with a man who was once her employer will be frowned upon, but she analyzes his every letter and has built a fantasy relationship based off one meal, one kiss and a few shared smiles. Somehow this adds up to marriage material. I repeat, poor Poppy.
I really hope this series goes where I want it to. There is a certain character I have my eye on. Someone remind me to buy the sequel this time next year?
August 13, 2019
Nooo way how could he!!!
February 3, 2018
In vain, I picked this up hoping for an actual good book set in WW1 - which, let me tell you, are hard to find. Why? The girls are always nurses. They always have a sweetheart who is a soldier. AND THEY ARE ALWAYS THE SAME. This one was just too light and silly to really cover the horrific and tragic event that was World War One. I just wish I could find a book that related more with the darkness and dreadfulness of this time.
As I mentioned above, this book was just too...silly. Poppy was just so careless and never seemed to understand the horrible events that the men experienced even when she was working as a nurse and saw their terrible injuries. And the book focused on everything BUT the war - Poppy's relationship with Freddie, silly things that were just so worthless on the grand scale of things. Not to mention that I really disliked Poppy as a character. She was just so obviously the best at everything she did - as a nurse, as a school girl etc. And she was so goody-goody and annoying. Plus, she was so unfairly judgemental of her brother, Billie! She knew about the terrible life in the trenches yet she stilled called him out as a coward and told him he had done the wrong thing, and even tried to persuade him to go back to the trenches! Her own brother! Was she just not afraid that he would die at all?
And nothing ever seemed to happen. This book was only 260 something pages long, and it was so boring. It simply narrated Poppy being brilliant as a nurse, and her random relationship with Freddie. She didn't ever do anything significant, except towards the end The author's writing wasn't awful, but it was very plain and really did nothing to enhance the story line. This was just such a forgettable book. already the plot is fading from my mind (if there even was a plot to start off with). And where on earth did Poppy's relationship with Freddie come from? A few blushes, and a kiss that he gave her once, and suddenly she seems to be desperately in love. I don't understand why Freddie was even attracted to her, or how he even noticed her as she was a servant in his house and the majority of the time he was away at school.
This was silly, light and utterly forgettable. There was nothing in here to captivate me, and I just thought it was so pointless. The plot went nowhere - I'm sure the first and second books could be combined, they are so short. The main character was irritating and boring. This was just not something that I could have ever enjoyed.
As I mentioned above, this book was just too...silly. Poppy was just so careless and never seemed to understand the horrible events that the men experienced even when she was working as a nurse and saw their terrible injuries. And the book focused on everything BUT the war - Poppy's relationship with Freddie, silly things that were just so worthless on the grand scale of things. Not to mention that I really disliked Poppy as a character. She was just so obviously the best at everything she did - as a nurse, as a school girl etc. And she was so goody-goody and annoying. Plus, she was so unfairly judgemental of her brother, Billie! She knew about the terrible life in the trenches yet she stilled called him out as a coward and told him he had done the wrong thing, and even tried to persuade him to go back to the trenches! Her own brother! Was she just not afraid that he would die at all?
And nothing ever seemed to happen. This book was only 260 something pages long, and it was so boring. It simply narrated Poppy being brilliant as a nurse, and her random relationship with Freddie. She didn't ever do anything significant, except towards the end The author's writing wasn't awful, but it was very plain and really did nothing to enhance the story line. This was just such a forgettable book. already the plot is fading from my mind (if there even was a plot to start off with). And where on earth did Poppy's relationship with Freddie come from? A few blushes, and a kiss that he gave her once, and suddenly she seems to be desperately in love. I don't understand why Freddie was even attracted to her, or how he even noticed her as she was a servant in his house and the majority of the time he was away at school.
This was silly, light and utterly forgettable. There was nothing in here to captivate me, and I just thought it was so pointless. The plot went nowhere - I'm sure the first and second books could be combined, they are so short. The main character was irritating and boring. This was just not something that I could have ever enjoyed.
October 11, 2016
Fifteen-year-old Poppy Pearson has great potential for making something of herself. But because of societal expectations about class and gender and her family's economic situation, she works as a maid for the deVere family as England plunges further into WWI in 1914. While her brother Billy ends up volunteering for military service, and she herself sets into motion a change within the family for whom she works, change is also in the works for Poppy. When Miss Luttrell, her former teacher, offers to support her volunteer work as a Voluntary Aid Detachment, Poppy accepts that offer after a bit of dithering, partly to do her duty for her country and make some sort of contribution through nursing, but also to escape the attentions of Freddie, the youngest deVere son, and her own feelings about him. While Poppy herself is an attractive character, partly because of her naive ways, and how hard she works, the story also focuses primarily on the effects of war on its combatants and those left back home. As the numbers of lives lost continues to mount and it becomes clear that this war won't be over very soon, the wounded veterans fill hospital beds, bringing with them terrible memories and extremely painful physical damages. In some cases, the wounds are so horrific that Poppy herself finds it hard to look one man in the face and one wife rejects the notion that the damaged man could possibly be her once-handsome husband. Billy, too, who departed for the battle field is in big trouble since he could no longer bear to spend time in the trenches on the front line and has returned to England, but not with honor. Although the romance between Freddie and Poppy was one that I knew was likely to go nowhere, it plays a part in the decisions she makes and shows how carelessly many aristocrats treated those they considered beneath them. I don't know that Freddie is a bad man, but he certainly is a thoughtless man, like many another who trifles with someone over whom he has a form of power. The research the author put into this story is evident in every line, and readers can sense the social changes that are coming on the heels of this war. This is no celebration of the acts of courage or fighting the good fight or having a stiff upper lip, although there is some of that. Instead, readers are treated to the unsavory reality of war and how even surviving horrific battles left no one unscathed.
November 21, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Mary Hooper and I have to say I did enjoy it. I believe it gave an accurate vision of what war is really like; how it dominates everything while it's going on. I did not like the love story part of the book, however, because it was very shallow and seemed to be almost forced.
I was anxious to see how the story would finish as I got close to the end and things were still going the same! The end was sudden and also felt forced to me, but the war part of the story still dominated and gave me a good feeling about the book overall.
I was anxious to see how the story would finish as I got close to the end and things were still going the same! The end was sudden and also felt forced to me, but the war part of the story still dominated and gave me a good feeling about the book overall.
September 20, 2016
3.5 stars
October 14, 2020
Told in the time of the World War, this simple yet elegantly documented tale showcases the events from the perspective of a parlor-maid-turned-VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment).
Poppy Pearson who served as the parlor-maid of the De Vere family is courted by the youngest De Vere boy, Freddie. Though Poppy is not sure if his feelings for her are sincere, she lives in the moment.
With the war requiring all the eligible British men to fight, Poppy’s brother and Freddie prolong their enlistments. So Poppy, with her old Teacher, Ms. Lutrell’s instruction’s, decides to secretly drop a feather to them which necessarily marked the embarrassment of not being brave enough to fight for your country.
Meanwhile, Ms.Lutrell offered Poppy a valuable suggestion of joining in on the war to contribute as a VAD. Hearing about all the societal and gender barriers being bridges during the war, Poppy takes her up on her offer and joins s as a VAD.
The rest of the story follows Poppy’s experiences and encounters at the Netley hospital that treats several thousands of wounded soldiers who have caught for the country at the frontlines. In parallel to Popp’s services as a VAD, the author adds in records of the romantic exchanges between Poppy and Freddie, Freddie’s mother’s clear disgust and opposition to their relationship, Freddie’s betrothal to Ms. Cardew, Poppy’s brother’s betrayal as he leaves his duty as a soldier through a self-inflicted wound, the possible sweet moments between Dr. Archer and Poppy and wraps up with Poppy’s decision to render her services somewhere closer to the frontline.
The story flows in an easy, and interesting manner with a few thrilling moments. However, the account of the hardworking rendered by these unsung heroes (VADs) is clearly well-researched and delivers their perspective and lives in a humbling way.
Poppy Pearson who served as the parlor-maid of the De Vere family is courted by the youngest De Vere boy, Freddie. Though Poppy is not sure if his feelings for her are sincere, she lives in the moment.
With the war requiring all the eligible British men to fight, Poppy’s brother and Freddie prolong their enlistments. So Poppy, with her old Teacher, Ms. Lutrell’s instruction’s, decides to secretly drop a feather to them which necessarily marked the embarrassment of not being brave enough to fight for your country.
Meanwhile, Ms.Lutrell offered Poppy a valuable suggestion of joining in on the war to contribute as a VAD. Hearing about all the societal and gender barriers being bridges during the war, Poppy takes her up on her offer and joins s as a VAD.
The rest of the story follows Poppy’s experiences and encounters at the Netley hospital that treats several thousands of wounded soldiers who have caught for the country at the frontlines. In parallel to Popp’s services as a VAD, the author adds in records of the romantic exchanges between Poppy and Freddie, Freddie’s mother’s clear disgust and opposition to their relationship, Freddie’s betrothal to Ms. Cardew, Poppy’s brother’s betrayal as he leaves his duty as a soldier through a self-inflicted wound, the possible sweet moments between Dr. Archer and Poppy and wraps up with Poppy’s decision to render her services somewhere closer to the frontline.
The story flows in an easy, and interesting manner with a few thrilling moments. However, the account of the hardworking rendered by these unsung heroes (VADs) is clearly well-researched and delivers their perspective and lives in a humbling way.
December 30, 2024
Okay, so I was anticipating this one so much, because this is the last Mary Hooper historical fiction on my list (and its sequel). 2023 was the year I read most of them, but I couldn't find this one, until I decided to get it for myself for Christmas.
It started off very slowly and I found it quite difficult to get into it straightaway. But I was interested in the period it was set in - 1914-15 - and Hooper does this superbly in her other books, so I was expecting this here too. That was actually done fine, but I did find myself bored with a lot of it. The romance was okay, but honestly I did not care for it much. I much preferred the hardships of the men who were either going to war or being treated at the Huts. It was very realistic, macabre and educational.It was also quite apt that some characters were aware that war is not just one-sided, that there are prisoners of war too who need to be cared for.
Also, this book seemed to be for a more mature audience than her other historical stories, maybe for older teens rather.
I have a feeling that not all characters were moulded enough; I was hoping to see/hear a lot more of the doctor, and more about Jameson:s background. And what happened to the teacher who was paying Poppy for taking part in the VAD?
Honestly, I don't see the need for a sequel, but since there is one, I'll read it anyway. Perhaps being set in another country (I think that's the plot?) will make it more interesting.
And with that I end off 2024 with a complete book. 30/12/24
It started off very slowly and I found it quite difficult to get into it straightaway. But I was interested in the period it was set in - 1914-15 - and Hooper does this superbly in her other books, so I was expecting this here too. That was actually done fine, but I did find myself bored with a lot of it. The romance was okay, but honestly I did not care for it much. I much preferred the hardships of the men who were either going to war or being treated at the Huts. It was very realistic, macabre and educational.It was also quite apt that some characters were aware that war is not just one-sided, that there are prisoners of war too who need to be cared for.
Also, this book seemed to be for a more mature audience than her other historical stories, maybe for older teens rather.
I have a feeling that not all characters were moulded enough; I was hoping to see/hear a lot more of the doctor, and more about Jameson:s background. And what happened to the teacher who was paying Poppy for taking part in the VAD?
Honestly, I don't see the need for a sequel, but since there is one, I'll read it anyway. Perhaps being set in another country (I think that's the plot?) will make it more interesting.
And with that I end off 2024 with a complete book. 30/12/24
November 3, 2016
It's been a long time since I last read a historical fiction novel, and Poppy stuck out to me from a pile of choices. Poppy is written through the point of view of Poppy, who is just 15 years old and about to become a VAD nurse. She is the kind of character that you really grow fond of, she is intelligent, vivid and strong. It was very interesting learning about the war through her eyes, especially when you think about how young she is and everything she is seeing.
This is the first book by the author that I have read, and I am impressed with how Hooper is able to transport the reader into the time period she sets in her novel. I felt like I was there right beside Poppy. However, I wish the romance in this book had been completely non-existent or that it happened with someone else. I really did not enjoy anything about Poppy having feelings for her employer's youngest son.
The book is set in a time that so many changes are happening to benefit women and I really wanted Poppy to just forget about Freddy and focus on finding herself. At the same time, I can see why the romance is in the book, but I just wished it had been done differently and in a way that wouldn't make Poppy look so naive.
This is the first book by the author that I have read, and I am impressed with how Hooper is able to transport the reader into the time period she sets in her novel. I felt like I was there right beside Poppy. However, I wish the romance in this book had been completely non-existent or that it happened with someone else. I really did not enjoy anything about Poppy having feelings for her employer's youngest son.
The book is set in a time that so many changes are happening to benefit women and I really wanted Poppy to just forget about Freddy and focus on finding herself. At the same time, I can see why the romance is in the book, but I just wished it had been done differently and in a way that wouldn't make Poppy look so naive.
June 19, 2017
This book is set during World War 1 and follows a British girl named Poppy who became a VAD. VAD stands for Voluntary Aid Detachment which is basically a combination of a nurse without the long training and a maid. Poppy experiences as a VAD as well as with her younger brother who joins the British Army and the man she fell in love with are chronicled throughout the novel.
This book was rather boring. The romance seemed forced and did nothing to further the plot. It would have been a much better book if the romance had been left out. Other than the romance it was a little slow but decent. The characters were okay though they stayed the same throughout the whole of the novel. There were parts that were pretty interesting but overall it was a pretty bland book.
I would give it two out of five stars.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy World War 1, the topic of VADs, and pointless, forced romances.
This book was rather boring. The romance seemed forced and did nothing to further the plot. It would have been a much better book if the romance had been left out. Other than the romance it was a little slow but decent. The characters were okay though they stayed the same throughout the whole of the novel. There were parts that were pretty interesting but overall it was a pretty bland book.
I would give it two out of five stars.
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy World War 1, the topic of VADs, and pointless, forced romances.
July 7, 2018
Very good. Well written to appeal to the younger generation in order to give them a tasteof what it was like in 1915 Britain and during the World War 1 time.
You can tell as the story carries on what I was taught in History about WW1. When the war began there was great hope that it would be done by Christmas. Men and boys had the war glorified to begin with and then the word spread that actually war isn't good, it isnt good at all! Mental health is at the fore nowadays but not back then. It was classed as desertion and they were shot at dawn. Such a shame they were treated this way, but not enough was known about the condition of shell shock. Brilliant and informative read. I've never come across a nurses point of view about the wars before. The injuries must have been horrific for them and yet to give service with a smile. Some of the nurses must have struggled with that alone.
I'm lookinh firward to reading book 2 Poppy in the Field very soon, well, next really.
You can tell as the story carries on what I was taught in History about WW1. When the war began there was great hope that it would be done by Christmas. Men and boys had the war glorified to begin with and then the word spread that actually war isn't good, it isnt good at all! Mental health is at the fore nowadays but not back then. It was classed as desertion and they were shot at dawn. Such a shame they were treated this way, but not enough was known about the condition of shell shock. Brilliant and informative read. I've never come across a nurses point of view about the wars before. The injuries must have been horrific for them and yet to give service with a smile. Some of the nurses must have struggled with that alone.
I'm lookinh firward to reading book 2 Poppy in the Field very soon, well, next really.
July 25, 2017
Historical fiction - a young parlor maid develops an affection for one of the young men above stairs of a wealthy family who had resisted enlisting to serve in 1915 England. She ends up becoming a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse when the lady of the house announces that other servants will be let go as the family moved into a smaller home, their manor to be converted to a hospital or convalescent home.
Somewhat interesting, romance (of the pining and obsessing type) isn't really my thing. Poppy’s interactions with the wounded and their perspectives held my interest more.
The ending feels very incomplete, author's note mentions a second novel after it, but I’ll probably skip it - this didn't grab me, but I could see others enjoying it.
Somewhat interesting, romance (of the pining and obsessing type) isn't really my thing. Poppy’s interactions with the wounded and their perspectives held my interest more.
The ending feels very incomplete, author's note mentions a second novel after it, but I’ll probably skip it - this didn't grab me, but I could see others enjoying it.
Read
February 5, 2021Here I am, feeling bad that I haven't read a book in a long time so I'm just going to review an old one instead :). I was IN LOVE with this book back in the day,,, like I would not shut up about it. Rereading it at an older age, it's still ok. I mean I love it for the nostalgia but the love/relationship arc sitch in the first book is menial at best, Freddie is TRASH ok? Plz never settle for a Freddie when there's a Dr Archer right around the corner. Obvi enjoyed the historical fiction, Mary Hooper is the author who made me fall in love with historical fictions so I'll forevs be grateful - but I love the Poppy series the best #lovinlife
December 31, 2022
It may have some romance but it is part of the story. It deals with the transition from a period where there was a mixing of classes to everyone wanting to do there thing for the war effort. War is hell and if people only wrote about the reality a lot of those books would not read. It is good at last that women's roll in the 1st & 2nd world war is being written either in the forces or at home as under the Government rules alot of these women were sworn to secretity. This book paint's a broad brush over the work of the VAD although unclamous it was the oil that made the medical world in war work.
April 3, 2018
This book was a great piece about World War I. Poppy is a housemaid who is in love with the younger son of her employers. Because of society's expectations, there seems to be no chance of them being together. But with the war, things start to change. Poppy gets a job as a VAD nurse and takes care of wounded British soldiers. It was really great to see Poppy get a job doing something that she loves and that makes a difference. Also, this book reminded me not only of the novel Remembrance but of Downton Abbey. It's a must read for lovers of historical fiction!
February 13, 2020
I had such high hopes for this book. I even put it on the spring reading competition list to compliment another text on the list: Truce. Sadly, Poppy did not live up to my expectations. I enjoyed learning about nursing during WWI, but did not care for the choppy style nor for the unresolved issues at the end. What becomes of Private Williams? Jameson? Michael? Freddie? What about the lively soldier undergoing so many leg surgeries? There are too many loose ends and I don’t see them all being addressed suitably in a sequel. Th e historical aspect however was very enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2017
4.5 There was really interesting WWI history in this book, which is probably why I liked it. There's not a lot of plot and there is a kind of flimsy romance, but what grabbed me was the nitty gritty details of how British society responded to The Great War. Anyone who is a fan of Downton Abbey will see parallels.The ending was not just a cliffhanger, but a full on the-author-just-dropped-that-bomb-and-signed-off. I will definitely have to pick up the next book to find out what happens to Poppy!
June 6, 2018
I really like this book. It shows a very realistic side of ww1 and she seems like a very genuine and real person that would have been living in 1915. Sometimes I couldn't really identify with the choices she was making but it didn't stop me loving the book. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a bit of romance. The ending was a little unsatisfying but kept me on my toes for the sequel!
February 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't really care for the romance aspect of it, it was frankly quite boring. However, I loved the setting and the whole idea of women wanting to "do their part" as well. It hadn't occurred to me that 'women in the war' was even a genre, but I'm glad I found it. I liked watching Poppy's character develop from a teenager to a young woman as she left everything behind. Neat book overall.
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