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Snapshots from Home
‘Please send snaps of my dear mother and father, my sisters Sarah and Evelyn, and my bonzer little poddy calf, Zeus.’
It’s 1917, three years into the Great War, when Edie takes up a teaching post in the small Australian town of York.
Mourning the loss of her beloved brother on the Front and evading her father’s plans for a respectable marriage, she’s glad to keep busy teaching at Miss Raison’s School for Girls. After a little persuasion, Edie agrees to take part in a comfort scheme sending photos of home to the troops.
Edie’s new venture throws her into the path of the family secrets, scandals and class complexities of her new town – and a handsome, exasperating man her father would never approve of. With each new encounter, her world gets bigger and more complex, until Edie’s asked to make choices that could turn her cautious life upside down – and change the very course of history.
Drawn from the true stories of Australians during WW1, this is historical fiction at its best. Charming and heartfelt, Snapshots from Home is perfect for fans of Fiona McIntosh, Joy Rhoades and anyone who loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
It’s 1917, three years into the Great War, when Edie takes up a teaching post in the small Australian town of York.
Mourning the loss of her beloved brother on the Front and evading her father’s plans for a respectable marriage, she’s glad to keep busy teaching at Miss Raison’s School for Girls. After a little persuasion, Edie agrees to take part in a comfort scheme sending photos of home to the troops.
Edie’s new venture throws her into the path of the family secrets, scandals and class complexities of her new town – and a handsome, exasperating man her father would never approve of. With each new encounter, her world gets bigger and more complex, until Edie’s asked to make choices that could turn her cautious life upside down – and change the very course of history.
Drawn from the true stories of Australians during WW1, this is historical fiction at its best. Charming and heartfelt, Snapshots from Home is perfect for fans of Fiona McIntosh, Joy Rhoades and anyone who loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 1, 2023
1917 Australia, and the first world war was taking young Australian men from their families. Edie had very recently lost her brother, Aubrey, to the war, and her grief was never ending. Taking the job as school teacher in the small Western Australian town of York meant leaving her abusive father behind in Guildford, a Perth suburb. Aubrey had been doing his best to get Edie away from their father prior to the war - now it looked like she'd have to do it herself.
When Edie was approached to be the York photographer for Snapshots from Home, an initiative to send photos of their families to the young men at war, Edie wasn't sure. She loved photography - Aubrey had taught her all she knew. But she went ahead, finding solace in helping others, with one of her students, ten year old Kitty, by her side, her constant and chatterbox helper. But when she lost her place at Miss Raison’s School for Girls, she had to return home to her father. What could she do? The man her father had lined up for Edie to marry was odious - she needed another suitor...
Snapshots from Home is another direction for Aussie author Sasha Wasley and it's a masterpiece! I haven't read a lot of books set in WWI and with this one set in Australia, it shows how the families at home coped. Based on true stories of WWI diggers, the idea of sending photos to the men at war was a great one to boost morale. I got angry with Edie's old fashioned, brutal, abusive father many times; wished bad things on him!! Thoroughly enjoyed the (other) characters, especially Kitty. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Edie was approached to be the York photographer for Snapshots from Home, an initiative to send photos of their families to the young men at war, Edie wasn't sure. She loved photography - Aubrey had taught her all she knew. But she went ahead, finding solace in helping others, with one of her students, ten year old Kitty, by her side, her constant and chatterbox helper. But when she lost her place at Miss Raison’s School for Girls, she had to return home to her father. What could she do? The man her father had lined up for Edie to marry was odious - she needed another suitor...
Snapshots from Home is another direction for Aussie author Sasha Wasley and it's a masterpiece! I haven't read a lot of books set in WWI and with this one set in Australia, it shows how the families at home coped. Based on true stories of WWI diggers, the idea of sending photos to the men at war was a great one to boost morale. I got angry with Edie's old fashioned, brutal, abusive father many times; wished bad things on him!! Thoroughly enjoyed the (other) characters, especially Kitty. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2023
Edith Stark is excited to start teaching science at York’s Girl Private School, it’s in a small town in Western Australia and she's desperate to leave home. Her father has never been an easy person to live with, since her brother Aubrey died at Gallipoli and he’s worse. Mr. Stark is controlling, he wants Edie to get married, and he's considering suitable candidates. Edie becomes friends with her fellow teachers, she enjoys living in the boarding house and dreads visiting her father.
Aubrey loved taking photographs, he taught Edie how to use a camera, she’s contacted by YMCA to take part in the Snapshots From Home League, soldiers fill out requests forms for photographs, they need volunteers from all over Australia to take the portraits and Edie agrees to help in her area. Kitty Macmillan is one of Edie’s students, she knows where everyone lives in York and offers to be her assistant. In her spare time with a chatty Kitty showing her the way, Edie takes photos of soldiers new babies, families, homes and even a potty calf!
Edie has to deal with the most annoying man at the town’s photography gallery, he’s a conscientious objector and gets into trouble for his political views. Australian soldiers have been fighting in The Great War for over three years, Edie's proud of her brother and is patriotic. However, Edie notices lower class people don’t have the opportunities wealthier people do, she starts taking in what's happening around her and she realises how unfair it is.
I received a copy of Snapshots from Home by Sasha Wasley from Pantera Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It’s a page turning and uplifting story about life in Australia during The Great War, the characters in the narrative are all pleasant and unforgettable including; Edie, Florence, Kitty, Eleanor, Mrs. Mason, Mary, Nora, Lily, Theodore and a big secret I didn't see coming is reveled!
I had never heard of the Snapshots From Home League, it was a wonderful idea and can you imagine how important the photos were to our diggers fighting overseas. Ms. Wasley makes you consider what the majority of Australians thought about conscientious objectors at the time, the introduction of the card system in work places, lock out rules, women being paid less, the great strike and the second vote for conscription referendum in December 1917. A well written Australian historical fiction novel, very different to the authors previous books. Reading it made me feel emotional, very proud to be an Aussie and five stars from me.
Aubrey loved taking photographs, he taught Edie how to use a camera, she’s contacted by YMCA to take part in the Snapshots From Home League, soldiers fill out requests forms for photographs, they need volunteers from all over Australia to take the portraits and Edie agrees to help in her area. Kitty Macmillan is one of Edie’s students, she knows where everyone lives in York and offers to be her assistant. In her spare time with a chatty Kitty showing her the way, Edie takes photos of soldiers new babies, families, homes and even a potty calf!
Edie has to deal with the most annoying man at the town’s photography gallery, he’s a conscientious objector and gets into trouble for his political views. Australian soldiers have been fighting in The Great War for over three years, Edie's proud of her brother and is patriotic. However, Edie notices lower class people don’t have the opportunities wealthier people do, she starts taking in what's happening around her and she realises how unfair it is.
I received a copy of Snapshots from Home by Sasha Wasley from Pantera Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It’s a page turning and uplifting story about life in Australia during The Great War, the characters in the narrative are all pleasant and unforgettable including; Edie, Florence, Kitty, Eleanor, Mrs. Mason, Mary, Nora, Lily, Theodore and a big secret I didn't see coming is reveled!
I had never heard of the Snapshots From Home League, it was a wonderful idea and can you imagine how important the photos were to our diggers fighting overseas. Ms. Wasley makes you consider what the majority of Australians thought about conscientious objectors at the time, the introduction of the card system in work places, lock out rules, women being paid less, the great strike and the second vote for conscription referendum in December 1917. A well written Australian historical fiction novel, very different to the authors previous books. Reading it made me feel emotional, very proud to be an Aussie and five stars from me.
September 24, 2023
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Snapshots from Home by Sasha Wasley. (2023).
It's 1917 when Edie takes a teaching job in the small Western Australian town York, while mourning the loss of her beloved brother in the Great War, and evading her father's plans for a respectable marriage. After a little persuasion, she agrees to take part in a comfort scheme sending photos of home to the troops. Edie's new venture throws her into the path of the family secret, scandals and class complexities of her new town - and a handsome, exasperating man her father would never approve of. Her world becomes bigger and more complex until Edie is asked to make choices that could turn her cautious life upside down...
I was super excited to read this one not only because I have greatly enjoyed the author's previous novels, but I also had the pleasure of hearing the author talk about it in person pre-publicaton a couple of years ago. It did not disappoint; in fact, I think it's the author's best work yet. From beginning to end I was captivated by Edie's story. I appreciate stories that make me want to look more into real history - I spent some time after this one looking into conscription, hand-painted photographs, and the Snapshots from Home program. I was completely engrossed in Edie's personal growth journey and cheered her on internally as she opened her mind to the arguments against war, all while dealing with her cruel father. I loved this story and as an aside, the cover is absolutely stunning.
Overall: one of my top books of 2023 - a 5 out of 5 star read for me. Highly recommend!
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Snapshots from Home by Sasha Wasley. (2023).
It's 1917 when Edie takes a teaching job in the small Western Australian town York, while mourning the loss of her beloved brother in the Great War, and evading her father's plans for a respectable marriage. After a little persuasion, she agrees to take part in a comfort scheme sending photos of home to the troops. Edie's new venture throws her into the path of the family secret, scandals and class complexities of her new town - and a handsome, exasperating man her father would never approve of. Her world becomes bigger and more complex until Edie is asked to make choices that could turn her cautious life upside down...
I was super excited to read this one not only because I have greatly enjoyed the author's previous novels, but I also had the pleasure of hearing the author talk about it in person pre-publicaton a couple of years ago. It did not disappoint; in fact, I think it's the author's best work yet. From beginning to end I was captivated by Edie's story. I appreciate stories that make me want to look more into real history - I spent some time after this one looking into conscription, hand-painted photographs, and the Snapshots from Home program. I was completely engrossed in Edie's personal growth journey and cheered her on internally as she opened her mind to the arguments against war, all while dealing with her cruel father. I loved this story and as an aside, the cover is absolutely stunning.
Overall: one of my top books of 2023 - a 5 out of 5 star read for me. Highly recommend!
August 12, 2023
“She wasn’t wanton, profligate, pert, sluttish! She was an upstanding person – a kind person. A respectable woman who worked hard and tried to do good in the world. She didn’t need London or teaching, or to flirt or to catch a man, or any of the things Aubrey or Florence or her father thought she needed or wanted – all she asked was to choose her path. All she wanted was the barest sliver of power over her own destiny.”
Snapshots from Home is the third stand-alone novel by Australian author, Sasha Wasley. Early in 1917, twenty-three-year-old Edie Stark makes the trek from her suburban Perth home to the little rural town of York, where she’ll be teaching mathematics, geometry and science at Miss Raison’s York Girls’ School.
She feels genuinely welcome at Mrs Mason’s boarding house, more at home with her fellow teachers, Amelia and Faye, than she ever was back in Guildford. Earning more than she did at the State School will allow her to secret away some savings. Now that her brother, Aubrey is no longer there as a buffer, being out from under the iron rule of Frederick Stark, her strict, parsimonious, joyless father with his mercurial moods, insults and hissed criticisms, is a bonus.
Two years earlier, they lost Aubrey to Gallipoli, and Edie is still felled by grief. Even though Aubrey always encouraged her, she hasn’t picked up a camera since he died because it makes her too sad. But Aubrey’s fiancée, Florence Trumbull takes it upon herself to send Edie a Kodak Vest Pocket camera and signs her up to a YMCA scheme to take snaps of family and loved ones requested by boys at the front.
One of Edie’s pupils, ten-year-old Kitty Macmillan insists on becoming Edie’s assistant, reasoning that she has experience (her family owns the town’s portrait gallery) and she will know the families Edie needs to find. This worthy activity brings her into the humble homes of many ordinary folk, of whom she is certain her father would disapprove, but also opens her eyes to the realities of life for the working class.
Getting her snaps developed, and obtaining more film supplies and dyes to hand-colour the prints at Macmillan’s Portrait Gallery, Edie encounters a handsome young man, who turns out to have a reputation for shocking politics, making controversial statements and being generally argumentative. When he drives her and Kitty out for snapshot requests, he constantly challenges her beliefs and causes her read up on these topics to be better informed.
Meanwhile, when she returns to Guildford for her vacations, she discovers her father, ever conscious of class and reputation, has been cosying up to men he thinks will make suitably high-class husbands. The one he most favours for Edie is the son of a wealthy factory owner, and she soon discovers that he is everything she doesn’t want.
What a wonderful piece of historical fiction! Wasley bases her tale on true stories from the Australian Home Front and effectively demonstrates just how powerless women, the working classes, and blacks were in that early twentieth Century world dominated by the wealthy. Her extensive research is apparent on every page. Except for those she intends to be jaw-droppingly awful, Wasley’s characters have depth and appeal, and Kitty, her unconventional mother and her firebrand brother are likely to be favourites. Rich in historical detail, Wasley’s latest is interesting, entertaining and enjoyable.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pantera Press.
Snapshots from Home is the third stand-alone novel by Australian author, Sasha Wasley. Early in 1917, twenty-three-year-old Edie Stark makes the trek from her suburban Perth home to the little rural town of York, where she’ll be teaching mathematics, geometry and science at Miss Raison’s York Girls’ School.
She feels genuinely welcome at Mrs Mason’s boarding house, more at home with her fellow teachers, Amelia and Faye, than she ever was back in Guildford. Earning more than she did at the State School will allow her to secret away some savings. Now that her brother, Aubrey is no longer there as a buffer, being out from under the iron rule of Frederick Stark, her strict, parsimonious, joyless father with his mercurial moods, insults and hissed criticisms, is a bonus.
Two years earlier, they lost Aubrey to Gallipoli, and Edie is still felled by grief. Even though Aubrey always encouraged her, she hasn’t picked up a camera since he died because it makes her too sad. But Aubrey’s fiancée, Florence Trumbull takes it upon herself to send Edie a Kodak Vest Pocket camera and signs her up to a YMCA scheme to take snaps of family and loved ones requested by boys at the front.
One of Edie’s pupils, ten-year-old Kitty Macmillan insists on becoming Edie’s assistant, reasoning that she has experience (her family owns the town’s portrait gallery) and she will know the families Edie needs to find. This worthy activity brings her into the humble homes of many ordinary folk, of whom she is certain her father would disapprove, but also opens her eyes to the realities of life for the working class.
Getting her snaps developed, and obtaining more film supplies and dyes to hand-colour the prints at Macmillan’s Portrait Gallery, Edie encounters a handsome young man, who turns out to have a reputation for shocking politics, making controversial statements and being generally argumentative. When he drives her and Kitty out for snapshot requests, he constantly challenges her beliefs and causes her read up on these topics to be better informed.
Meanwhile, when she returns to Guildford for her vacations, she discovers her father, ever conscious of class and reputation, has been cosying up to men he thinks will make suitably high-class husbands. The one he most favours for Edie is the son of a wealthy factory owner, and she soon discovers that he is everything she doesn’t want.
What a wonderful piece of historical fiction! Wasley bases her tale on true stories from the Australian Home Front and effectively demonstrates just how powerless women, the working classes, and blacks were in that early twentieth Century world dominated by the wealthy. Her extensive research is apparent on every page. Except for those she intends to be jaw-droppingly awful, Wasley’s characters have depth and appeal, and Kitty, her unconventional mother and her firebrand brother are likely to be favourites. Rich in historical detail, Wasley’s latest is interesting, entertaining and enjoyable.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pantera Press.
September 9, 2023
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
What a talented author, I’m in awe of Sasha Wasley’s writing, Snapshots from Home is absolutely incredible.
It’s 1917 - I love our protagonist Edie Stark, she’s a keen photographer and recently lost her brother Aubrey to Gallipoli. Edie arrives in the small town of York, WA to begin her job teaching at Miss Raison’s School For Girls. Edie is glad to be away from her unloving and angry father and his strict supervision and emotional abuse in Guildford…
We learn about the Snapshots From Home League, a comfort scheme run by the YMCA where soldiers on the front can request a few things they’d like a photo of from home. The request cards go back to Australia and passed out to volunteer civilian photographers who go and visit the soldiers family and take snaps of their loved ones.
At the school Edie meets Kitty a young student who assists her when she becomes part of the Snapshots From Home League. She also meets Kitty’s older brother who is classified as outspoken and a troublemaker because of his anti-conscription views, he also runs the photography gallery in town where she develops her camera film.
There were many issues covered in this story gender politics, conscription, worker’s rights and other interesting subjects.
…..And there’s a wonderful twist that I wasn’t expecting at all. Full of love, hope and completely enjoyable.
So much work and research has gone into this story based on true stories of Australians during WWI, it’s a brilliant historical fiction read with exceptional characters. This book would also be a great bookclub choice as the book includes a useful list of book club questions.
A huge thank you to Pantera Press for a copy of the book.
What a talented author, I’m in awe of Sasha Wasley’s writing, Snapshots from Home is absolutely incredible.
It’s 1917 - I love our protagonist Edie Stark, she’s a keen photographer and recently lost her brother Aubrey to Gallipoli. Edie arrives in the small town of York, WA to begin her job teaching at Miss Raison’s School For Girls. Edie is glad to be away from her unloving and angry father and his strict supervision and emotional abuse in Guildford…
We learn about the Snapshots From Home League, a comfort scheme run by the YMCA where soldiers on the front can request a few things they’d like a photo of from home. The request cards go back to Australia and passed out to volunteer civilian photographers who go and visit the soldiers family and take snaps of their loved ones.
At the school Edie meets Kitty a young student who assists her when she becomes part of the Snapshots From Home League. She also meets Kitty’s older brother who is classified as outspoken and a troublemaker because of his anti-conscription views, he also runs the photography gallery in town where she develops her camera film.
There were many issues covered in this story gender politics, conscription, worker’s rights and other interesting subjects.
…..And there’s a wonderful twist that I wasn’t expecting at all. Full of love, hope and completely enjoyable.
So much work and research has gone into this story based on true stories of Australians during WWI, it’s a brilliant historical fiction read with exceptional characters. This book would also be a great bookclub choice as the book includes a useful list of book club questions.
A huge thank you to Pantera Press for a copy of the book.
June 18, 2023
Thank you Pantera Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Snapshots From Home is a glorious, unique and beautiful story that will melt your heart and take over your soul.
A historical fiction tale that roars with excellence, quality and superiority.
In 1917, Australia, Edie arrives in the town of York to start her job as a teacher at Miss Raison’s school for girls.
Having lost her brother in war and her abusive father demanding she marry and follow his rules, Edie is glad to be away from home.
Soon she is allured into taking and sending photos for soldiers on the front.
This brings her into the fold of secrets, society, mystery and a family that is shunned by the town.
Then Edie must make choices that are life changing.
Sasha tries her pen into new territory with great success with a captivating narrative from the past that really highlights a good cause.
Where some small happiness comes from an organisation in the terrors of war.
Filled with historical facts, top notch research, clever details, great characters, a fine plot and a wealth of information.
A delightfully crafted piece of work that is surely going to bring a mountain of praise.
While this is a new genre to Sasha, this contribution will be remembered and appreciated.
A exquisite achievement in my mind and eyes.
Sasha is back with a bang!
Snapshots From Home is a glorious, unique and beautiful story that will melt your heart and take over your soul.
A historical fiction tale that roars with excellence, quality and superiority.
In 1917, Australia, Edie arrives in the town of York to start her job as a teacher at Miss Raison’s school for girls.
Having lost her brother in war and her abusive father demanding she marry and follow his rules, Edie is glad to be away from home.
Soon she is allured into taking and sending photos for soldiers on the front.
This brings her into the fold of secrets, society, mystery and a family that is shunned by the town.
Then Edie must make choices that are life changing.
Sasha tries her pen into new territory with great success with a captivating narrative from the past that really highlights a good cause.
Where some small happiness comes from an organisation in the terrors of war.
Filled with historical facts, top notch research, clever details, great characters, a fine plot and a wealth of information.
A delightfully crafted piece of work that is surely going to bring a mountain of praise.
While this is a new genre to Sasha, this contribution will be remembered and appreciated.
A exquisite achievement in my mind and eyes.
Sasha is back with a bang!
January 20, 2025
Three years since World War One was declared, and Edith Stark has accepted a teaching position in York, Western Australia. Edie is glad to escape her father's clutches, as he is cruel, controlling, and only has gotten worse since her brother, Aubrey, was killed on the Front.
Edie and her brother shared a special bond. Aubrey was fiercely protective and only wanted the best for her. One of the pasttimes the siblings enjoyed was photography, learning on their deceased mothers camera. So when Edie is offered a chance to volunteer for the YMCA's Snapshots From Home League, she picks up a camera for the first time since her brother died. Edie feels it's her duty to offer soldiers like her brother a little comfort from home - a snapshot of their family, pets, or garden, for example.
Assisted by her chatty student, Kitty, Edie learns the lay of the land, lending an ear to those who are willing to share stories about their loved ones fighting overseas. At the same time, she comes across an eccentric young man who has a very opinionated political stance about current affairs.
As Edie begins to open her eyes and change her view on the world around her, she begins to realise that the high society class she was born into isn't exactly the nicest. There are more important things out there who can define what kind of person you are. So, can Edie defy her father and social standards to forge her own path ahead?
Snapshots From Home proves that Sasha Wasley can jump genres with ease, being fantasy, contemporary, rural romance, or historical fiction. Even though she claims that her historical research is a bit rusty, she's managed to bring humanity to one of the world's most deadliest wars.
I found the political aspects in that era quite interesting, especially how First Nations lads were expected to lie about their heritage so they could enlist. Fun fact- my own ancestors, the Stafford Brothers had to do this themselves.
Aren't we blessed to live in a time where women can do anything they want? In Edie's time, things were very different: arranged marriage, married women were not allowed to work, and single women were expected to act 'respectable'. How backwards is that?
4.75 🌟
Edie and her brother shared a special bond. Aubrey was fiercely protective and only wanted the best for her. One of the pasttimes the siblings enjoyed was photography, learning on their deceased mothers camera. So when Edie is offered a chance to volunteer for the YMCA's Snapshots From Home League, she picks up a camera for the first time since her brother died. Edie feels it's her duty to offer soldiers like her brother a little comfort from home - a snapshot of their family, pets, or garden, for example.
Assisted by her chatty student, Kitty, Edie learns the lay of the land, lending an ear to those who are willing to share stories about their loved ones fighting overseas. At the same time, she comes across an eccentric young man who has a very opinionated political stance about current affairs.
As Edie begins to open her eyes and change her view on the world around her, she begins to realise that the high society class she was born into isn't exactly the nicest. There are more important things out there who can define what kind of person you are. So, can Edie defy her father and social standards to forge her own path ahead?
Snapshots From Home proves that Sasha Wasley can jump genres with ease, being fantasy, contemporary, rural romance, or historical fiction. Even though she claims that her historical research is a bit rusty, she's managed to bring humanity to one of the world's most deadliest wars.
I found the political aspects in that era quite interesting, especially how First Nations lads were expected to lie about their heritage so they could enlist. Fun fact- my own ancestors, the Stafford Brothers had to do this themselves.
Aren't we blessed to live in a time where women can do anything they want? In Edie's time, things were very different: arranged marriage, married women were not allowed to work, and single women were expected to act 'respectable'. How backwards is that?
4.75 🌟
July 4, 2023
SNAPSHOTS FROM HOME has left me marveling at the talent of Sasha Wasley!
The same author who writes contemporary fiction, rural romance, middle grade fiction and paranormal young adult novels (under pen names S.D Wasley and Ash Harrier), has directed her own towards historical fiction with this novel - and this is an absolute success of a first foray!
Set in Western Australia in 1917, SNAPSHOTS FROM HOME covers a really fascinating time in history. I loved learning about the Snapshots From Home program (which sent photos of home and loved ones on request to soldiers on the front) which was new to me & about Australia during wartime. The gender politics and social norms had me admiring the strength and endurance of women during this time.
It’s clear how lovingly researched this story was. There are so many interesting social issues, wartime and home front details included in the plot. I find some wartime reads get very heavy with heartache (which is expected, of course), but within this novel, Sasha Wasley found a great balance between the realities of the time and the humour and heart of a small town, making it an overall feel-good read.
With a few surprising twists, a cast of brilliant characters and a delightful romance that faced down many challenges, SNAPSHOTS FROM HOME gets all the stars from me!
Historical fiction fans, you must get your hands on a copy of this book!
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley.
The same author who writes contemporary fiction, rural romance, middle grade fiction and paranormal young adult novels (under pen names S.D Wasley and Ash Harrier), has directed her own towards historical fiction with this novel - and this is an absolute success of a first foray!
Set in Western Australia in 1917, SNAPSHOTS FROM HOME covers a really fascinating time in history. I loved learning about the Snapshots From Home program (which sent photos of home and loved ones on request to soldiers on the front) which was new to me & about Australia during wartime. The gender politics and social norms had me admiring the strength and endurance of women during this time.
It’s clear how lovingly researched this story was. There are so many interesting social issues, wartime and home front details included in the plot. I find some wartime reads get very heavy with heartache (which is expected, of course), but within this novel, Sasha Wasley found a great balance between the realities of the time and the humour and heart of a small town, making it an overall feel-good read.
With a few surprising twists, a cast of brilliant characters and a delightful romance that faced down many challenges, SNAPSHOTS FROM HOME gets all the stars from me!
Historical fiction fans, you must get your hands on a copy of this book!
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley.
January 28, 2024
A lovely gentle read with a pride and prejudice style love storing in the midst of WW1 SET IN RURAL Western Australia.The historically accurate context of photographers taking ‘snaps’ of families to send to the soldiers overseas gives this book a heartwarming perspective.
May 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this book looking at life in country WA for young women in 1917.
May 19, 2024
Although the plotting is sometimes predictable I enjoyed the descriptIons of Guildford and especially York as they connected strongly to my own family history in this area. Historical events are captured with energy and relate well to the fictional characters.
October 19, 2023
I was really looking forward to reading this after having the opportunity to hear Sasha talk about the book at my local library. I loved hearing about the research process and the inspiration behind the book. Sasha creates such vivid characters and I found myself absorbed in the story.
May 2, 2024
It is 1917, Edie Stark is a teacher with a passion for photography - a hobby she shared with her brother Aubrey. But Aubrey has been killed at Gallipoli and her despotic father controls her life and forbids her to use a camera.
When Edie is contacted by the YMCA to take part in a program known as the Snapshots From Home League she agonises over defying her father. The league enabled soldiers to request a photo of loved ones at home at no cost to the soldiers or their families and it did actually exist during both world wars. Participating photographers volunteered their time to visit the families and fulfil the requests.
The novel is set in Western Australian and the author provides an interesting glimpse of life in Australia during the turbulent times of the Great War. The serious issues of worker’s rights, women’s rights, conscription, racial discrimination and politics provide a solid base for the novel.
When Edie is contacted by the YMCA to take part in a program known as the Snapshots From Home League she agonises over defying her father. The league enabled soldiers to request a photo of loved ones at home at no cost to the soldiers or their families and it did actually exist during both world wars. Participating photographers volunteered their time to visit the families and fulfil the requests.
The novel is set in Western Australian and the author provides an interesting glimpse of life in Australia during the turbulent times of the Great War. The serious issues of worker’s rights, women’s rights, conscription, racial discrimination and politics provide a solid base for the novel.
November 23, 2023
What an amazing story about a little known aspect of Australian history. Skillfully written memorable characters and a story with an unexpected ending that leaves you never wanting it to end. It also evoked the essence of Western Australian farming communities and rural towns and reminded me of one of my favourite books My Brilliant Career. Sasha Wasley's writing is right up there with the best in Australian fiction. I loved this book, I loved its gorgeous cover and I can't wait to read her other novels!
July 19, 2023
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Review to come
Review to come
May 16, 2023
A beautifully written book based on WWI in 1917. It's set in Western Australia - Guildford, York, Perth and Albury. It's the story of Edith (Edie) Stark, her mean, nasty and dominant father Federick who wants her Daughter to marry into wealth and her brother Aubrey who fought and died in the War.
Edie longs to be a Teacher and dreams of running a photography gallery in London, ultimately defying her Father and leaves for York to be a Teacher at a local prestigious fine girls school.
Here she meets many interesting well to do families, makes friends and foes, along with Mrs Macmillan her son Teddy and daughter Kitty who is one of her students.
Whilst in York, Edie joins an organization called 'Snapshots from home league' upon Florence (Aubrey's Fiance) recommendation and here begins Edie's true adventures in photography. Taking portraits of the Soldiers who request their family snapshots to help with the melancholy days in the trenches and on the battlefields and hopes they have a safe return to their families and loved ones. When the school term finished and holidays begin Edie returns home to her father.
In the meantime, Frederick arranges super with The Hammonds who own a factory that produce all the Soldiers army kits and have a good fortune in this work. Federick's idea with these invitations to super is so Edie will marry Digby Hammond and return to Guildford, give up her teaching career.
Does Edie listen to her father and settle for Digby?
Does she choose Teddy?
Will she return to Guildford or make York her home?
The story reveals other facets of life in Australia during WWI like voting at referendums to force young men to fight via conscription then to family secrets in Albury! A family that Edie was never told about or knew existed.
The little twists and turns in the story entices you to keep on reading to the end. It leaves you with an ending you didn't expect.
I rate this book 5 stars. I enjoyed the read and can see it being made into a movie.
Thanks for the book NetGalley and this is my review.
Edie longs to be a Teacher and dreams of running a photography gallery in London, ultimately defying her Father and leaves for York to be a Teacher at a local prestigious fine girls school.
Here she meets many interesting well to do families, makes friends and foes, along with Mrs Macmillan her son Teddy and daughter Kitty who is one of her students.
Whilst in York, Edie joins an organization called 'Snapshots from home league' upon Florence (Aubrey's Fiance) recommendation and here begins Edie's true adventures in photography. Taking portraits of the Soldiers who request their family snapshots to help with the melancholy days in the trenches and on the battlefields and hopes they have a safe return to their families and loved ones. When the school term finished and holidays begin Edie returns home to her father.
In the meantime, Frederick arranges super with The Hammonds who own a factory that produce all the Soldiers army kits and have a good fortune in this work. Federick's idea with these invitations to super is so Edie will marry Digby Hammond and return to Guildford, give up her teaching career.
Does Edie listen to her father and settle for Digby?
Does she choose Teddy?
Will she return to Guildford or make York her home?
The story reveals other facets of life in Australia during WWI like voting at referendums to force young men to fight via conscription then to family secrets in Albury! A family that Edie was never told about or knew existed.
The little twists and turns in the story entices you to keep on reading to the end. It leaves you with an ending you didn't expect.
I rate this book 5 stars. I enjoyed the read and can see it being made into a movie.
Thanks for the book NetGalley and this is my review.
July 17, 2023
“Please send snaps of my dear mother and father, my sisters Sarah and Evelyn, and my bonzer little poddy calf, Zeus.”
It's 1917, three years into the Great War, when Edie takes up a teaching post in the small Australian town of York.
Mourning the loss of her beloved brother on the Front and evading her father's plans for a respectable marriage, she's glad to keep busy teaching at Miss Raison's School for Girls. After a little persuasion, Edie agrees to take part in a comfort scheme sending photos of home to the troops.
Edie's new venture throws her into the path of the family secrets, scandals and class complexities of her new town - and a handsome, exasperating man her father would never approve of. With each new encounter, her world gets bigger and more complex, until Edie's asked to make choices that could turn her cautious life upside down - and change the very course of history.
Drawn from the true stories of Australians during WW1, this is historical fiction at its best. Charming and heartfelt, Snapshots from Home is perfect for fans of Fiona McIntosh, Joy Rhoades and anyone who loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
An absolutely brilliant read that I could not put down! I always enjoy reading a book where I learn something new. The “Snapshots from Home” set up by the YMCA for our troops off fighting in both WW1 & WW2 was something that I had never heard off. I love the way that Sasha told the story through the eyes of both Edie and Kitty. The stories behind the photo requests, the families and the heartbreak of war for the families and loved ones left behind. This was Sasha’s first foray into historical novels and I really hope that it will not be last! This is a book that will not disappoint from page to page and chapter to chapter. Highly recommended
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It's 1917, three years into the Great War, when Edie takes up a teaching post in the small Australian town of York.
Mourning the loss of her beloved brother on the Front and evading her father's plans for a respectable marriage, she's glad to keep busy teaching at Miss Raison's School for Girls. After a little persuasion, Edie agrees to take part in a comfort scheme sending photos of home to the troops.
Edie's new venture throws her into the path of the family secrets, scandals and class complexities of her new town - and a handsome, exasperating man her father would never approve of. With each new encounter, her world gets bigger and more complex, until Edie's asked to make choices that could turn her cautious life upside down - and change the very course of history.
Drawn from the true stories of Australians during WW1, this is historical fiction at its best. Charming and heartfelt, Snapshots from Home is perfect for fans of Fiona McIntosh, Joy Rhoades and anyone who loved The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
An absolutely brilliant read that I could not put down! I always enjoy reading a book where I learn something new. The “Snapshots from Home” set up by the YMCA for our troops off fighting in both WW1 & WW2 was something that I had never heard off. I love the way that Sasha told the story through the eyes of both Edie and Kitty. The stories behind the photo requests, the families and the heartbreak of war for the families and loved ones left behind. This was Sasha’s first foray into historical novels and I really hope that it will not be last! This is a book that will not disappoint from page to page and chapter to chapter. Highly recommended
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 22, 2023
I have been a huge fan of Sasha’s books since inception, I just know if Sasha’s written it, I will love it. I immediately gravitate to Sasha’s books on the bookstore shelves, I don’t even turn the book over to read the blurb, and ‘Snapshots from Home’ has well and truly delivered this time in spades. I cannot recall of any books I’ve read recently where I’ve used a dictionary more throughout, than this story, I can honestly say my vocabulary has increased somewhat substantially since starting this story.
This tale had me reflecting on the inequality’s these women faced not only in their working careers but also in their home lives. I absolutely loved Edie and Teddy’s robust debates, and Teddy’s adorably smart and intelligent little sister Kitty. I was brought to tears a couple of times reading Sasha’s extremely well researched book, imaging the soldiers seeing the photos from home of their loved ones, especially those lucky enough to have had Edie take the photos with her remarkable eye for catching the light just right and then with Edie going that extra mile with her exceptional artistic flair. Then again, when Teddy, Edie and Kitty were in the sulky, and encountered a young man on horseback cantering past them at break-neck speed.
I also really enjoyed reading about historic York Western Australia’s oldest inland town, which I visited just recently, and I took a stroll across the Swing Bridge, and, yes, it does actually swing.
Thank you, so much Beauty and Lace and Pantera Press Australia for allowing me to be totally immersed in Edie and Teddy’s world, through the re-telling of this fascinating historical Aussie wartime pursuit to bring a little piece of home into the lives of our soldiers on the other side of the world.
This tale had me reflecting on the inequality’s these women faced not only in their working careers but also in their home lives. I absolutely loved Edie and Teddy’s robust debates, and Teddy’s adorably smart and intelligent little sister Kitty. I was brought to tears a couple of times reading Sasha’s extremely well researched book, imaging the soldiers seeing the photos from home of their loved ones, especially those lucky enough to have had Edie take the photos with her remarkable eye for catching the light just right and then with Edie going that extra mile with her exceptional artistic flair. Then again, when Teddy, Edie and Kitty were in the sulky, and encountered a young man on horseback cantering past them at break-neck speed.
I also really enjoyed reading about historic York Western Australia’s oldest inland town, which I visited just recently, and I took a stroll across the Swing Bridge, and, yes, it does actually swing.
Thank you, so much Beauty and Lace and Pantera Press Australia for allowing me to be totally immersed in Edie and Teddy’s world, through the re-telling of this fascinating historical Aussie wartime pursuit to bring a little piece of home into the lives of our soldiers on the other side of the world.
April 29, 2023
What a wonderful read! The book is set during the period of WWI. Edie and her brother Aubrey Stark live with their father Frederick in Guildford, WA. Fredrick is a cruel miserly, angry man and Edie is eager to escape the household. Aubrey has enlisted but sadly is killed in action leaving poor Edie alone and at home with her father until he finally allows her to become a teacher. At last Edie can escape and is soon hired at the York’s Girls School.
Edie and Aubrey loved photography and Edie is soon convinced to become part of the ‘Snapshots from Home Program’ while she is out of her fathers strict supervision. Edie loves teaching and loves being able to help the war effort by taking requests from serviceman, through the program, for a snapshot of their family or home. Edie meets Teddy Macmillan a conscientious objector to the war and the owner of Macmillans Portrait Gallery while in York and his sister Kitty becomes Edie’s assistant. There are debates and arguments about Teddy’s choice but it opens Edie’s eyes to a world, she as a women has not been privy to. Edie begins to see and think of life like she has never done before. Then there are family secrets that change everything.
There is so much to love about this book, the characters, life during WWI, the politics of the time, the treatment of women and the unfair work practices that existed. I can only imagine the amount of research the author undertook to bring all the facets together to make a truly engaging historical fiction read. A definite 5/5
Edie and Aubrey loved photography and Edie is soon convinced to become part of the ‘Snapshots from Home Program’ while she is out of her fathers strict supervision. Edie loves teaching and loves being able to help the war effort by taking requests from serviceman, through the program, for a snapshot of their family or home. Edie meets Teddy Macmillan a conscientious objector to the war and the owner of Macmillans Portrait Gallery while in York and his sister Kitty becomes Edie’s assistant. There are debates and arguments about Teddy’s choice but it opens Edie’s eyes to a world, she as a women has not been privy to. Edie begins to see and think of life like she has never done before. Then there are family secrets that change everything.
There is so much to love about this book, the characters, life during WWI, the politics of the time, the treatment of women and the unfair work practices that existed. I can only imagine the amount of research the author undertook to bring all the facets together to make a truly engaging historical fiction read. A definite 5/5
July 10, 2023
Snapshots From Home is a departure for Sasha Wasley, whose previous genres were Rural Fiction & Women's Fiction plus fantasy. How good is it that an author can pivot successfully from one genre to another!
This book tells the true story of a program that was set up during the first world war for photographs to be sent to the diggers fighting in the war to give them some pleasure and remind them of their loved ones at home in Australia.
Edie is a school teacher who is teaching away from her home where her father treats her terribly. At the school she meets Kitty one of her students who helps her when she joins in the Snapshots from Home league. Photography has always been her passion but her father thought it a frivolous occupation and forced her to take a suitable occupation that would stand her in good stead to attract a husband. There she meets Kitty's brother who runs the local photography studio and is classed as a troublemaker and is anti-conscription. Edie's father is cruel and wants to marry her off to a local businessman he thinks is suitable, but her father has secrets that will eventually come out.
I really enjoyed reading this novel, and I always enjoy learning something about history whilst reading a good story.
Thank you to Net Galley and Pantera Press for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells the true story of a program that was set up during the first world war for photographs to be sent to the diggers fighting in the war to give them some pleasure and remind them of their loved ones at home in Australia.
Edie is a school teacher who is teaching away from her home where her father treats her terribly. At the school she meets Kitty one of her students who helps her when she joins in the Snapshots from Home league. Photography has always been her passion but her father thought it a frivolous occupation and forced her to take a suitable occupation that would stand her in good stead to attract a husband. There she meets Kitty's brother who runs the local photography studio and is classed as a troublemaker and is anti-conscription. Edie's father is cruel and wants to marry her off to a local businessman he thinks is suitable, but her father has secrets that will eventually come out.
I really enjoyed reading this novel, and I always enjoy learning something about history whilst reading a good story.
Thank you to Net Galley and Pantera Press for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2023
This beautifully told story set in Western Australia, covers a short period during World War 1.
Edie accepts a teaching position in York enabling her to escape her controlling, nasty father and easing the pain of the lost of her brother who was killed on active service.
Her friend Florrie knows Edie’s love of photography which she shared with her brother and involves her in a scheme run by YMCA called Snapshots from Home League whereby soldiers request photos from home.
With the help of one of her students Kitty, they visit many families in the area and are confronted by many different situations. Edie finds Kitty’s brother a difficult character because of his strong political views but cannot avoid him as he runs the gallery where her films are developed but also, he is able to take her and Kitty to visit more distant families to take photos.
Frederick has plans for his daughter to a marry a very unsuitable character, but Edie knows that this is not what she wants and is now able to stand up for herself.
I found the characters all very believable and enjoyed their development throughout the story.
This book is full of wonderful surprises which I did not see coming and made this my favourite book of the year.
Thank you Better Reading for an advanced copy.
Edie accepts a teaching position in York enabling her to escape her controlling, nasty father and easing the pain of the lost of her brother who was killed on active service.
Her friend Florrie knows Edie’s love of photography which she shared with her brother and involves her in a scheme run by YMCA called Snapshots from Home League whereby soldiers request photos from home.
With the help of one of her students Kitty, they visit many families in the area and are confronted by many different situations. Edie finds Kitty’s brother a difficult character because of his strong political views but cannot avoid him as he runs the gallery where her films are developed but also, he is able to take her and Kitty to visit more distant families to take photos.
Frederick has plans for his daughter to a marry a very unsuitable character, but Edie knows that this is not what she wants and is now able to stand up for herself.
I found the characters all very believable and enjoyed their development throughout the story.
This book is full of wonderful surprises which I did not see coming and made this my favourite book of the year.
Thank you Better Reading for an advanced copy.
June 26, 2023
York, WA 1917: Edie Stark leaves her home town of Guildford, and her dominant and overbearing father, to take up a teaching position in the small country town of York. Her father would prefer that Edie find a husband rather than follow a career of her own interest.
She is excited to hear, as she is a keen amateur photographer, that the YMCA has requested photographers from all parts of Australia to volunteer to take part in the Snapshots from Home scheme. Here is her chance to do something for the war effort.
As she becomes more involved in Snapshots from Home, Edie also involves one of her very keen students, Kitty Macmillan as her assistant, thereby involving Kitty's mother and her brother Teddy. In the small township of York, Kitty knows everyone and quickly volunteers Teddy as driver of the horse and cart on their trips to the countryside for photos of families for the boys fighting overseas,.
Greiving the loss of her own brother in France in 1915, Edie is stunned to find that Teddy Macmillan is a conscientious objector.
I must congratulate Author Sasha Wasley. This story is not only about Snapshots from Home, but, as the story evolves, becomes so very much more. I loved this story and highly recommend it to other readers.
She is excited to hear, as she is a keen amateur photographer, that the YMCA has requested photographers from all parts of Australia to volunteer to take part in the Snapshots from Home scheme. Here is her chance to do something for the war effort.
As she becomes more involved in Snapshots from Home, Edie also involves one of her very keen students, Kitty Macmillan as her assistant, thereby involving Kitty's mother and her brother Teddy. In the small township of York, Kitty knows everyone and quickly volunteers Teddy as driver of the horse and cart on their trips to the countryside for photos of families for the boys fighting overseas,.
Greiving the loss of her own brother in France in 1915, Edie is stunned to find that Teddy Macmillan is a conscientious objector.
I must congratulate Author Sasha Wasley. This story is not only about Snapshots from Home, but, as the story evolves, becomes so very much more. I loved this story and highly recommend it to other readers.
August 11, 2023
A captivating historical fiction story set in Western Australia during 1917. Edie (Edith) Stark is mourning the loss of her brother, Aubrey, a soldier killed in France. Edie lives with her tyrannical, miserly father, Frederick, in the town of Guildford, near Perth. Edie and her brother shared a passion for photography, unbeknownst to their father, who is a stickler for propriety and social conventions. Since Aubrey’s death Edie has lost her pleasure in photography, but this all changes through the machinations of her late brother’s fiancée, Florence, who underhandedly has given her name to the YMCA’s Snapshots From Home programme. Edie has become a teacher and moves to York to teach science at an all girls’ school. Her outlook on society and politics changes profoundly when she meets Teddy Macmillan, the outspoken brother of Kitty, a pupil and her eager assistant. Of particular enjoyment is the author prefacing each chapter with a heading covering the main topic of that chapter. Many events of that particular time in Australian history are highlighted, including conscription, worker’s rights and women’s place in society. Some aspects of life in Albany are also touched upon. Book Club questions are included as well as the author’s historical sources. Absolutely riveting.
May 2, 2023
Thank you #betterreading for this book.
I really enjoyed it ,another story set in WW 2 but this was written at a different angle and was absorbing and interesting.
Edie lives at home with her very horrid sarcastic Father. Her beloved brother Aubrey had just died at the war front overseas.
Edie has just started to teach at a private girls school away from home and felt relieved to be away from her Father.
Times were certainly different in those days,as rules went and Edie felt so threatened to do anything that her Father didn’t approve of. But she loved photography and an opportunity came for her to take photos for soldiers overseas of their families living in her area ,these were then sent off over to the soldiers.
A local photographer Ted Macmillan developed the photos for her. They didn’t get off to a very good start and her local headmistress was aghast that she would mix with this conscientious objector and forbade her to see him.
Edie discover many family secrets, scandals,class differences and she got involved in the town more and more.
This is a really good book and happily recommend ..
I really enjoyed it ,another story set in WW 2 but this was written at a different angle and was absorbing and interesting.
Edie lives at home with her very horrid sarcastic Father. Her beloved brother Aubrey had just died at the war front overseas.
Edie has just started to teach at a private girls school away from home and felt relieved to be away from her Father.
Times were certainly different in those days,as rules went and Edie felt so threatened to do anything that her Father didn’t approve of. But she loved photography and an opportunity came for her to take photos for soldiers overseas of their families living in her area ,these were then sent off over to the soldiers.
A local photographer Ted Macmillan developed the photos for her. They didn’t get off to a very good start and her local headmistress was aghast that she would mix with this conscientious objector and forbade her to see him.
Edie discover many family secrets, scandals,class differences and she got involved in the town more and more.
This is a really good book and happily recommend ..
June 5, 2023
A fabulous story of how receiving photos of something or someone you love by people who want to be part of helping the soldiers who are fighting in WW1.
Edie is a teacher who lost her brother in the war. She arrives in York, begins work at a school for girls and is taking photos for soldiers. Along the way, Edie meets one of her students Mother and brother and is brought into the world of anti war arguments with the brother.
When this friendship causes Edie to have to go home to her Father, she finds out he is insisting of her to marry someone who he deems warranted to her fathers happiness, not hers.
She ventures off to take a photo of her brothers friend, who she finds out more than she expected when she arrives.
This in turn, allows her to question her Father and become who she wants to be. Edie is told to leave her Fathers house, as he is not happy with her, so she goes to her old school student and her family, who is currently in Perth. There, Edie and Teddy realise what they truely want in life.
A story that had me captivated from the moment I opened the book.
Thanks to #NetGalley for allowing me to receive a copy of this book as an ARC.
Edie is a teacher who lost her brother in the war. She arrives in York, begins work at a school for girls and is taking photos for soldiers. Along the way, Edie meets one of her students Mother and brother and is brought into the world of anti war arguments with the brother.
When this friendship causes Edie to have to go home to her Father, she finds out he is insisting of her to marry someone who he deems warranted to her fathers happiness, not hers.
She ventures off to take a photo of her brothers friend, who she finds out more than she expected when she arrives.
This in turn, allows her to question her Father and become who she wants to be. Edie is told to leave her Fathers house, as he is not happy with her, so she goes to her old school student and her family, who is currently in Perth. There, Edie and Teddy realise what they truely want in life.
A story that had me captivated from the moment I opened the book.
Thanks to #NetGalley for allowing me to receive a copy of this book as an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2023
What genre can’t Sasha Wasley write?! Romance, children’s fiction, contemporary womens fiction and now historical fiction.
All of which she has succeeded at.
Snapshots from Home is a story set in WWI Western Australia and centres around Edith Stark. I love her strength and courage of her convictions.
This is the second book this year that has mentioned the Snapshots from the Home League, such a fantastic initiative. I can just imagine how the soldiers felt receiving photos of loved ones during some of the hardest times of their lives.
I really loved the photography element of this story, I have had a strong interest in photography having studying it at College and then at the Hobart Art School in the late 90’s. In college I used to hand colour black and white photos and found such joy in it. It’s funny how over the years I’d forgotten about it until I read this book. Funny how I forgot about doing this.
I loved this book for so many reasons, it’s hard to put into words, but I do know it gave me all the feels and left me completely satisfied by the time I turned the last page.
All of which she has succeeded at.
Snapshots from Home is a story set in WWI Western Australia and centres around Edith Stark. I love her strength and courage of her convictions.
This is the second book this year that has mentioned the Snapshots from the Home League, such a fantastic initiative. I can just imagine how the soldiers felt receiving photos of loved ones during some of the hardest times of their lives.
I really loved the photography element of this story, I have had a strong interest in photography having studying it at College and then at the Hobart Art School in the late 90’s. In college I used to hand colour black and white photos and found such joy in it. It’s funny how over the years I’d forgotten about it until I read this book. Funny how I forgot about doing this.
I loved this book for so many reasons, it’s hard to put into words, but I do know it gave me all the feels and left me completely satisfied by the time I turned the last page.
July 9, 2023
I'm a big fan of Sasha Wasley's books and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Not to mention the stunning cover!
The book is set during WW1 – it’s 1917 and Edith Stark (Edie) is mourning the loss of her brother Aubrey from the frontline. Edie lives with her father who is keen to see her marry the ‘right’ man. Edie is fortunate to receive a teaching position in the small Australian town of York at the Miss Raison’s School for Girls. While she is there, she’s given the opportunity to take part in a photography scheme, taking and sending photos of families to troops. Her new past time opens doors and her mind to new people, scandals and the complexities of war.
This book explores a range of themes from complex families to status differences, grief and loss all the way through to romance and friendship. I also learnt so many things about WW1 which I didn’t know – the Snapshots from Home program being one of them! What a great initiative of the YMCA at the time.
It was a page turning enjoyable ready. Thanks to Pantera Press and NetGalley who provided an electronic copy of Snapshots from Home by Sasha Wasley in exchange for an honest review.
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The book is set during WW1 – it’s 1917 and Edith Stark (Edie) is mourning the loss of her brother Aubrey from the frontline. Edie lives with her father who is keen to see her marry the ‘right’ man. Edie is fortunate to receive a teaching position in the small Australian town of York at the Miss Raison’s School for Girls. While she is there, she’s given the opportunity to take part in a photography scheme, taking and sending photos of families to troops. Her new past time opens doors and her mind to new people, scandals and the complexities of war.
This book explores a range of themes from complex families to status differences, grief and loss all the way through to romance and friendship. I also learnt so many things about WW1 which I didn’t know – the Snapshots from Home program being one of them! What a great initiative of the YMCA at the time.
It was a page turning enjoyable ready. Thanks to Pantera Press and NetGalley who provided an electronic copy of Snapshots from Home by Sasha Wasley in exchange for an honest review.
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October 3, 2023
Before reading this book, I hadn't heard of the Snapshots From Home League, nor had I heard of Sasha Wasley! This is an excellent book, incredibly well researched and planned out, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I did get exasperated at Edie's horrid father, and wonder why she just didn't take off and leave him to it. But then back in the day, women didn't do that, as there was no such thing as financial independence for women! Yikes!
I loved how we got to meet all the different families in the WA town of York who'd surrendered their sons to the war effort, including that heart-breaking scene with an indigenous family. I found it really interesting how Edie basically went from a young woman with no particular political views, to attending rallies and getting fully immersed in the political controversies of the day.
With a respectful nod to this amazing war time effort to keep the boys on the front from getting 'heart sick', by sending photos of their beloved families at home, Sasha has written a great story, one that I look forward to reading again and again.
I did get exasperated at Edie's horrid father, and wonder why she just didn't take off and leave him to it. But then back in the day, women didn't do that, as there was no such thing as financial independence for women! Yikes!
I loved how we got to meet all the different families in the WA town of York who'd surrendered their sons to the war effort, including that heart-breaking scene with an indigenous family. I found it really interesting how Edie basically went from a young woman with no particular political views, to attending rallies and getting fully immersed in the political controversies of the day.
With a respectful nod to this amazing war time effort to keep the boys on the front from getting 'heart sick', by sending photos of their beloved families at home, Sasha has written a great story, one that I look forward to reading again and again.
May 16, 2023
Despite being a departure from Wasley’s past two contemporary novels, this gorgeous historical story is just as heartfelt and compelling.
Inspired by WWII’s Snapshots from Home League, this is an impeccably researched novel which lends it evocative settings and nuanced characters. From precocious school girls and conscientious objectors to the suppressed young Eddie, who yearns to break free of her father’s iron grip to discover her own potential in the world.
There’s a sense of wonder and expansion that pervades each page as Edie challenges herself and her beliefs while discovering the stories behind the portraits she’s shooting to send back to the soldiers on the frontlines.
Brimming with grief, hope, budding love, and the search for ones purpose, Snapshots From Home is a beautiful novel with twists and turns that kept me turning the pages long into the night.
Thanks Better Reading Preview and Pantera Press for the chance to review this uncorrected proof copy.
Inspired by WWII’s Snapshots from Home League, this is an impeccably researched novel which lends it evocative settings and nuanced characters. From precocious school girls and conscientious objectors to the suppressed young Eddie, who yearns to break free of her father’s iron grip to discover her own potential in the world.
There’s a sense of wonder and expansion that pervades each page as Edie challenges herself and her beliefs while discovering the stories behind the portraits she’s shooting to send back to the soldiers on the frontlines.
Brimming with grief, hope, budding love, and the search for ones purpose, Snapshots From Home is a beautiful novel with twists and turns that kept me turning the pages long into the night.
Thanks Better Reading Preview and Pantera Press for the chance to review this uncorrected proof copy.
September 5, 2023
I've read and enjoyed all of Sasha Wasley's books and 'Snapshots From Home' is the best yet. Reading of the inequality women of my grandmother's generation suffered at home and in the workplace makes me appreciate the improved conditions of my own generation; even though the battle for gender equity is still far from over.
Edie and Teddy are wonderfully relatable characters whom the reader grows to love. I felt like cheering when Edie found the courage to face down her demons and be her true self. Although fictional, their struggle is a story deeply bedded in the truth of their time.
I'm so glad Sasha decided to write in an historical setting, and I hope she follows Snapshots with more in this genre. Perhaps Kitty has a story for us? If you haven't read 'Snapshots From Home' yet, go out and get a copy. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did. This is a book I can't recommend too highly.
Edie and Teddy are wonderfully relatable characters whom the reader grows to love. I felt like cheering when Edie found the courage to face down her demons and be her true self. Although fictional, their struggle is a story deeply bedded in the truth of their time.
I'm so glad Sasha decided to write in an historical setting, and I hope she follows Snapshots with more in this genre. Perhaps Kitty has a story for us? If you haven't read 'Snapshots From Home' yet, go out and get a copy. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did. This is a book I can't recommend too highly.
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