The Making of Marigold McGrath: A Novel of London in the Second World War

by Carrie Hayes

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2026

Reviews

[Eva Natiello · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart breaks for the children and teens of WWII — or any war for that matter. They only want to be kids, or in Marigold’s case, a young woman preoccupied with all that youth has to offer: young love, parties, frivolity, friendships, and the freedom to make her own choices. But soon after Marigold arrives in London from New York City, the Blitz beings, and she is forced to shift her focus. Naturally, this does not come easily to her, and she resists for as long as she can.

As readers, we are taken on Marigold's journey from idealism and denial to devastation from loss and heartbreak, while also witnessing the tender moments of courtship with her beloved Joop as well as her burgeoning skills as a photographer. And in the end, the agency, strength, and purpose she discovers within herself. All of this is beautifully rendered through vivid imagery, a deep and intelligent understanding of this historical period across a vast landscape, and a clear love for these characters. I highly recommend this book to fans of WWII historical fiction.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was good enough to keep my attention, but the paragraphs sometimes ended abruptly and the chapters went from one thing to the next with no rhyme or reason. There were also a lot of words in other languages thrown in that were sometimes translated and others not, which made it hard to follow and confusing to read/understand.

The war aspect was good and seemed believable. For much of the book Marigold, the main character, was a very selfish person who thought only of herself. Being in the middle of a war changed that and it was nice to see her character evolve. There were a few on page descriptions of intimate relationships with a few male companions that I feel should have been left out.

As expected from a war book, there was loss and heartache. It was bittersweet, but mostly sad. I didn't care for the ending as it was very abrupt and without closure.

Overall, I would not recommend this book, but definitely not to anyone who isn't an adult.

Content:
Language: 2/5
Violence: 2/5
Sex: 3/5

[Jackie Pick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction set during World War II is something I tend to approach with high expectations and a ready-to-go side-eye, but The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes won me over with its intelligence, its restraint, and its refreshing perspective on what it means to come of age while the world is unraveling. Hayes gifts us a story about what it means to live inside and bear witness to a moment that has not yet resolved into history.

We meet teenage photographer Marigold in 1937. She is grappling with loss, a father whose politics are concerning to say the least, and some complicated relationship dynamics as she begins college life. After a few missteps, she starts anew in London. Mentored by professional photographers, journalists, and humanitarian workers, she begins a kind of self-reinvention in pre-war Europe as her photography skills are recognized and honed. She also volunteers to help relocate émigrés and falls into a sweeping, complicated love affair (the heart wants what it wants and tends to be committed to terrible timing). Eventually, the war begins in earnest, and Marigold is uncertain of what the moment demands of her.

Hayes’s writing is cinematic, with carefully composed scenes. (Truly, someone should adapt this for screen!) Her research is meticulous, grounding everything from dialogue and fashion to the technical and emotional nuances of photography in wartime. The world of The Making of Marigold McGrath is rich without tipping into “look how much I researched this!”

One of the pleasures in reading this novel is that Hayes doesn’t rush Marigold toward wisdom. Marigold doesn’t instantly become brave or selfless or particularly clear-headed. She is a young adult, porous and unfinished, trying to understand what it means to see clearly. She is taught to use photography as a practice of attention as she documents the far-reaching effects of war.

I loved the focus on young adults grappling with fear, contradiction, and the inconvenience of falling in love while the world implodes. Marigold’s development unfolds gradually. Hayes wisely resists overworking her central photography-as-seeing metaphor. Marigold’s evolving “eye” emerges organically, shaped by experience rather than hammered into place.

This is a thoughtful, immersive novel for readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories of artistic awakening. Hayes writes beautifully about talented, unconventional women who are figuring out how to live (and work and love) within the constraints of their time. The Making of Marigold McGrath is a lovely read, and one I happily recommend!

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit it took me awhile to finish The Making Marigold McGrath. There was so much going on in the book. There were so many things mentioned that I needed to research and learn about. The author's glimpses into the history of World War Two were fascinating and emotionally heartbreaking. I closed the book in awe of the many that survived and crying for those that did not.

Marigold is an adventurous American. When she gets into a bit of trouble in New York City the solution is to send her to England. With her camera in hand she will show the reading audience how London and other places change as Europe turns into a warzone. We may not have had the pictures but the author's words paint a very vivid picture.

Marigold's adventures take the readers through the war, from before Britain declares war until after VE day. Marigold's days helping with the evacuation of children from mainland Europe was heart wrenching. My emotions were all over the place. There were so many challenges.

The reader doesn't just see the war through Marigold's eyes, but through those she knew as well. Friends lost their homes, some lost their lives. The man she cared most for, Joop, took the reader on a powerful journey with his reistance work. I couldn't help but become invested with is dedication. His time as a POW had me screaming for all of those like him that experienced the horrors.

I was reminded time and time again of atrocities of the Nazi regime. I was reminded of the strength of the victims of bombs, cruelty and the challenges forced upon them. The Making of Marigold MacGrath is a wonderful reminder of why we can not let what happened in WW2 ever happen again.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Making of Marigold McGrath” was a good book. I will admit that I was somewhat disappointed that for a significant portion of the story, Marigold was willfully ignorant of what was happening around her even though she was repeatedly in situations where her illusions should have been shattered. That being said, once she finally awakens to the horrors of the Nazis and the experience of being in England during WWII, she acquits herself fairly well, especially with her photography skills.

The author does a good job of capturing the reality of wartime England, as well as life in occupied Netherlands, the resistance movements (and the dangers involved), and German prisons and concentration camps. I liked the evolution of Joop; while he did not lose his playfulness entirely, he became more serious and more mature/responsible.

I would have liked Trude to play a more prominent role during the war years; especially as her close friendship with Marigold would have enabled her to help Marigold face reality sooner. I also would have liked to have seen Trude achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer and being involved in postwar efforts to bring Nazi officials to justice.

The story was fully of interesting characters and factoids. I enjoyed the movie quotes/dialogue and the use of film characters, plots and dialogue to compare and contrast with real world events.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I plan to reread and introduce to several of my bookclubs. This is a view of WWII from a different perspective.
Marigold is a young New Yorker. Her mother was a Belgian refugee who met her husband in England during WWI. After she died Marigold was raised by her father, a Nazi sympathizer in NY in the 1930's. He did encourage her interest in photography, but his view on Germans and Jews caused her to leave NY and move to London, where she found her mother's old friends.
Marigold was quite naive in the beginning, until she started working in a relief agency trying to help Jews escape Germany, starting in 1939.
Reading about London during the blitz never gets easier. So many killed, so many buildings destroyed, and yet we never seem to learn.
We meet many historical characters such as Edward R. Murrow, Winston Churchill, Queen Wilhelmina and others, who help bring the book to life.
There is a parallel story about Joop, Marigolds great love. We learn about the Nazi's in Holland, how the Dutch believed the Nazi's would honor their neutrality. He was a brave, selfless person and I found his story so difficult to read. War is hell, and yet here we are in 2026, at war for absolutely no reason, which makes this book even more heartbreaking.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review. I highly recommend this book.

[Soha Amer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical atmosphere, emotional depth, and character development. The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes is a moving historical novel that captures the emotional weight of wartime London through themes of resilience, identity, love, and survival.

Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the story immerses readers in a city shaped by uncertainty, fear, and sacrifice while still holding onto moments of humanity and hope. The historical atmosphere feels rich and carefully detailed, making London itself feel like a living part of the story.

Marigold’s journey is especially compelling because it focuses not only on surviving the war, but also on becoming herself within it. Her emotional growth, personal struggles, and changing understanding of the world around her give the novel a deeply human core.

What stands out most:

* immersive WWII London setting
* emotionally driven historical fiction
* strong female protagonist
* themes of resilience and self-discovery
* layered relationships and emotional growth
* bittersweet wartime atmosphere

The novel balances historical tension with emotional intimacy, creating a story that feels reflective, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.

⚠️ Content Warnings

* War-related themes and danger
* Grief and loss
* Emotional trauma
* Historical violence and fear
* Family separation themes

[Sharyn Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginning in London, in the Second World War.

NYC 1936-
Winter
Marigold and Trude are
2 happy friends and as the story begins they are skipping classes and
enjoying life.
As Trude leaves for a new life in a different city, Marigold’s mother has shockingly died and her father and grandmother are uncaring.
Marigold leaves home with tears and finds the 2 things she needs: further education becoming a photographer and Alan, a teaching assistant.
Their story continues throughout the book-places where they meet and those separated -with no knowledge of where the those they love are dead or alive in this world of insanity, reputation, dissension and loss.
The days of Marigold, Alan, Trude and millions of others are set into VII sections, each with a mix of place, time or season.
This is an entrancing, loving, distressing, hellish, historic story, taking place in WW2 from 1937 to 1946.
Author Carrie Hayes begins in New York and you continue following through London, Amsterdam, Sussex, Holland, back and forth throughout.
This is a book you should read slowly or straight through depending on your emotions and time used to reflect on that period.
Ask ourselves: where are we now?
Sharyn M. Educator

[Jenni Ogden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first part of this novel interesting, especially Marigold’s love of photography and the role it played in her efforts to do her bit as an American living in wartime England, but as a character she was hard to believe in, or if she was a ‘realistic’ character, that is a rather shallow young woman, she was hard to have empathy for. The glimpses we got of secondary characters, especially Trude, were more promising but they were fleeting and not developed at all, and thus added to my disappointment with much of the story. Joop, Marigold’s lover, was given a more interesting part to play but his rapid development into a Resistance hero and the rather slap dash ways he took on the Nazis also seemed unlikely. The historic aspects of the role making bank notes as a prisoner in Sachsenhausen were interesting but again seemed rather unrelated to Marigold’s story. Overall it was a light read, which seems inappropriate for the subject matter. Also the structure of the story where Joop’s narrative seems to rather randomly take over, was not well thought out. Perhaps a very solid developmental edit could turn this potentially good story into a much better one. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for a digital advance reader copy.

[John Szalasny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.

This captures the true spirit of a young American caught up in WWII before the American's decided to join the party. Some readers may dismiss the attitude of Marigold McGrath as being naive and dismissive, not paying attention to the news of the day. But the reality of the times was that she came from a world that told her it would never happen again, certainly not to her homeland, and author Carrie Hayes did a great job at keeping her heroine true to her age.

That comes through as Marigold moves through three unrelated work positions, each a noteworthy wartime life changer for others she was able to impact on their own, as she struggles with her feelings: long-distance love and not seeing she was making the change she wanted to make.

In each setting, her camera is part of the agency of change. Her photos capture scared Jewish youth before being resettled with British families, doing scenic reconnaissance work for none other than the wartime correspondent Edward R. Murrow, and snatch moments of joy as the children of London move towards their wartime protection in the countryside.

[Kathleen Murtha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've come across a book I couldn't put down. It was only "life events" that prevented me from consuming this in one sitting. The Making of Marigold McGrath drew me in from the beginning.

Marigold keeps discovering who she wants to be and remaking herself. The moment I became frustrated with her naivety, she opens her eyes and shows her mettle. While I wouldn't classify this as a "coming of age" novel, you definitely see Marigold grow and mature as the war progresses and she finds herself more deeply involved.

There are many powerfully written scenes of the Blitz and Hayes forces you to hear and see and smell every bit of it. The book was excellently researched and the dispatches from CBS news lends credibility to it all. The news items also provide a different point of view from the main characters'.

I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.

[Gwyneth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Net Galley Review

The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes

I was disappointed in the character of Marigold. She did not seem true to her age or the times. She was amazingly naïve and oblivious to the world around her. Rather than the age of eighteen when we first met her, she came across as a young fifteen year old. Her relationships were shallow and minimally developed. The role of photography at the time was interesting, but Marigold’s immature outlook on the life around her led me to dismiss her talent, which seemed limited.

On the other hand, some of the scenes of World War II and resistance were well described. Joop, in the Netherlands, and his experiences seemed believable. Unfortunately Marigold’s immaturity and impulsive actions did not make for a very believable relationship with Joop. Although the ending was sad, it was realistic.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Set in historical WWII, Marigold is a young woman/teenager not unlike teens of today. While she appeared woefully ignorant and pretty self centered, I can't fathom my own 18 year old being any different. This book had so many highs and so many lows which was probably truly reminiscent of the time period. When Marigold finally awoke to the true horrors of the war, I loved how she stepped up.
The only happy ending here was for Kit. Even though I know good and well most young lovers during the war probably didn't see each other again, I was still very disappointed in how her love story ended.

All in all, a great read but not a light read!

[Maryka Biaggio · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we first meet Marigold she’s a relative innocent, enjoying Hollywood movies with her friend and snapping photos around New York. But it’s 1938, and the world around her is changing. Then her mother dies, leaving her with a stern father with Nazi sympathies. After a failed attempt at college, she runs away to London and is taken under the wing of a friend of her mother. As Germany begins its march of conquest, she is swept up in the political winds and pledges to use her photography for the cause, under the stewardship of Edward R. Murrow. Where would her wartime assignments take her, and could she keep her Jewish friends out of harm’s way? This novel is at once a coming of age story and chilling wartime drama.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes takes place mostly in London England during WWII. I felt that this book kept the historical aspects of that time period. It also captures the emotions and hardships of people. The war, the atrocities of Hitler and the Nazis are realistically described as well as the heroics of the civilian resistance trying to stop Hitler from taking over the world and the genocide of millions of people because of their heritage.

This book will keep you turning pages because you will become emotionally attached to Marigold and her story. The plot and characters are well developed. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com and Book Whisperer and I always review every book that I read. This is a book that you must read.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Making of Marigold McGrath is the story of a somewhat insipid girl who seems more than a bit spoiled, raised by a Nazi-leaning father and a Belgian mother in New York City during the late 1930s. The book takes us all the way through 1945 and moves over to Europe, ending in London. Marigold gets herself in trouble with a ne'er-do-well college boy and is sent away from NYC to England, She gets caught up in the prelude to WWII and finds herself learning a lot about the world and herself. There is no happy ending in this book. There is also more spice than I prefer.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to assign a rating to…
The three stars is for the historical parts. Any book with details about the Blitz gets my attention. This one had the added intrigue of a young woman’s capturing the war on film, with the intent of making sure history was recorded.
There were “spicy” scenes between the protagonist Marigold and several male companions. They were graphic in detail, enough to make me uncomfortable reading them. This is not a novel I would recommend for those other than adult readers.

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Darlene Golbitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courtesy of The Book Whisperer and Netgalley, I received the ARC of The. Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes. This WWII historical novel follows seventeen year old Marigold as she travels from NYC to London and becomes immersed in documenting the war through her photography skills. With guidance from mentors, including Edward R. Murrow, her point of view becomes focused, as her friendships develop and romance blossoms. The horrors of wartime Britain and Amsterdam are well portrayed, as well as experiences at concentration camps. I loved the references to types of cameras as well as movie films and music of the era!

[Micah Thorp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Making of Marigold McGrath by Carrie Hayes is the tale of a well to do American seventeen year old sent to Europe just prior to World War II. In Europe her photographic skills enable her adventures and ground level view of the War in London.

The book is exquisitely written with a well paced dialogue. The characters are well formed and interesting. Sprinkled throughout the book are bits from news outlets that help set the larger context for the reader - they are well timed and helpful. Great read, well worth it!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marigold McGrath is a young and naive New Yorker who moves to London in the late 1930s. Marigold's obliviousness to the larger geo-political situation early in the novel was frustrating, but perhaps the more realistic for it. Marigold spends most of her time in London and grows into a strong and accomplished young woman with a big heart. War - even from the sidelines - changes people.

Most of the book is told from Marigolds POV. There are also sections from the POV of one her friends/lover - some of these are difficult to read.

Recommended.

[Brittaney Crider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The Niche Reader for this ARC.

Marigold McGrath is looking for a fresh start in London. As a budding photographer, she lands on her feet and is loving life. That is, until the war she never thought would come becomes very real and threatens everything and everyone she loves, including Joop, a young man she falls head over heels in love with.

A coming of age story in an unimaginable time for both Marigold and Joop. The relationship between Marigold and Joop felt a bit repetitive at times, especially with the same hang up of him going off to serve in the war. What was happening to Joop was actually really interesting, and at times I found myself more invested in his story than Marigold’s.

Overall a good read with some slow parts.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I chose to read this story because of was intrigued by the storyline. I enjoy World War II fiction.
I loved Carrie Hayes' writing. She created unique characters. I thoroughly enjoy Marigold. I think that she had spunk. She was a strong character. I think she is memorable. She will stay in my mind for a long time.
All in all, I was entertained by the author's story. It was different and I was able to escape reality for a while, which I am grateful for.
I received a complimentary copy of this story.

[Howard Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this novel easy reading and a vivid description of a teenager in London during the early years leading up to and during World War II. Marigold, the heroine, is the offspring of an English mother (deceased) and a father—- a Nazi sympathizer living in New York City. Her ambition is to be a famous photographer and finds an outlet for her goals photographing children and locations in London and eventually working for Edward R. Murrow. The book is somewhat interesting and I thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

[Andrea A · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Net Galley, Book Whisperer, and the personal invitation I received to review this book.

I really enjoyed this read. Very well written. Marigold McGrath, an aspiring photographer, gets in a "predicament " and is sent to Europe by her Nazi supporting father. There she hones her photography skills, gets hired by Edward R Murrow and receives praise and allows her to grow while falling in love.

My only complaint. Left hanging in the end with Marigold and Joop.

[Debra Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Making of Marigold McGrath explores a rarely examined aspect of WWII: the complex journeys to maturity of young adults in war-torn Europe as they seek human connection and meaning. Marigold finds both, using her skills as a photographer to document the stories of refugee children. With gobs of historical references and vivid imagery, interlaced with intrigue and romance, The Making of Marigold McGrath is a great read!

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moving Historical Read

The Making of Marigold McGrath is a beautifully written story with heart, strength, and unforgettable characters. Marigold’s journey is compelling from the first page, and the wartime setting adds real depth and emotion. A captivating read that stays with you long after finishing. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a coming of age story about an American girl who is sent to England after she gets into a little bit of trouble, just before WW2 starts. It follows her adventures with her camera, honing her skills and documenting the war and the people it affects. I thoroughly enjoyed the glimpses of life during the war and the blitz in London and I also really enjoyed reading about Joop and the work he does for the resistance.

I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

An naive American girl finds her way to London during the Blitz. Blessed with intelligence, a camera and an eagle eye, she gets an education in life, love, war and the meaning of integrity. I loved the journey we take the Marigold as her understanding of the world expands and her depth of character grows. Kudus to Carrie Hayes on a great book.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅I enjoyed this book.
It was very well written.
The story revolves around Marigold McGrath, an aspiring photographer.
Early on Marigold gets herself into a bit of trouble.
Her father(a supporter of the Nazi’s) sends her away where she eventually ends up in London.
She becomes more engrossed in her photography. She is fortunate to be hired by Edward R Murrow, a celebrated photographer.
She begins documenting aspects of the war.

[Kresha Warnock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author created appealing characters, several of whom will stay with me. The evolution of Marigold from a naive, rich American girl made sense. The setting, the obvious copious research brought the reader into the heart of wartime London, the devastation and cruelty of the Third Reich as it swept across the Netherlands and Northern Europe.