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If You Go Away
The glorious and sweeping historical epic from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks. .
The war brought them together. And will tear them apart...
Let No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, Adele Parks, author of Lies, Lies, Lies , sweep you away into a world of glamorous debutantes, heartbreak and discovering just what is worth fighting for in her stunning historical epic, If You Go Away .
Don't miss Adele's gripping new novel, the No. 1 bestseller Just My Luck , out now!
'A real emotional treat' Daily Mail
'Epic, romantic, devastating ' Heat
'Beautifully and surprisingly gritty' Red
Daring debutante Vivian Foster has London society at her feet - all she needs is a proposal to complete her triumphant season. A moment's indiscretion causes her world to crumble, just as the country around her erupts into a devastating war. Everything seems bleak. Until she meets Howard.
Celebrated playwright Howard Henderson wants no part in the killing of a faceless enemy, but refusing to fight will lead to imprisonment, even death. He wishes he could convey the depth of inhumanity he witnessed at the Front but the words won't come. Until he meets Vivian.
Now they've found each other - and something worth fighting for.
But will the war demand that sacrificing their future together is the only way to honour their love?
What readers are saying about If You Go Away :
'I was moved to tears repeatedly as this novel worked its magic on me. The writing is beautiful , deceptively light in places, harrowing and tragic in others. Adele Parks is a stunning storyteller '
'A must read and a truly wonderful tribute to war heroes and their wives '
496 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2015
75 people are currently reading
1318 people want to read
About the author
Adele Parks
57 books3,361 followersAdele Parks MBE is one of the most-loved and biggest-selling women's fiction writers in the UK. She has sold over 4 million books and her work has been translated into 30 different languages.
She has published 21 novels, all of which have been London Times bestsellers.
Adele has written 19 contemporary novels and 2 historical ones, Spare Brides and If You Go Away, which are set during and after WW1. Her latest novels, Both of You, Just My Luck, Lies Lies Lies, I Invited Her In, The Image of You and The Stranger in My Home are twisty, domestic noirs. Adele likes to scrutinize our concepts of family, our theories on love, parenting and fidelity.
During her career Adele has lived in Italy, Botswana and London. Now she lives happily in Surrey, UK with her husband, son and cat.
If you want to stay in touch you can find Adele on Twitter @AdeleParks, Instagram @Adele_Parks or Facebook @OfficialAdeleParks. You can sign up to her newsletter at eepurl.com/cI0l and there’s lots more info about Adele and her books on www.adeleparks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
February 3, 2022
Another historical stunner from Adele Parks. I loved it.
October 30, 2016
Vivian is loving the season, she has a great man on the hook, but things change and she marries Aubrey. Who is really dull. But then she was just a pretty face anyway, before her marriage that really was all she was.
Marriage. World War 1, and her being sent to live alone in the country. This is where the book started to remind me of another book *checks old review* Ok not that similar, just the bad marriage, alone and was going on part, and the new guy *ahem*.
Vivian really grows as a person. She learns that there is more than pretty dresses and dances. You have to work hard, war takes a lot, and she forms opinions of her own.
And Aubrey was a bore.
Then there is Howard, he and Vivian has alternate chapters, I did find his chapters boring until they met. He was just boring. He goes to report on the war. He sees that it's hell. He decides not to join, and he is sent to prison to get executed cos that is what they do with cowards. But he was no coward, he just found it stupid that hundreds of thousands are sent to be cannon fodder.
Anyone who reads the blurb gets that they will meet and something will happen.....
It was a good book, sure some Howard chapters were a bit meh, but read them fast and get to the good bits.
Marriage. World War 1, and her being sent to live alone in the country. This is where the book started to remind me of another book *checks old review* Ok not that similar, just the bad marriage, alone and was going on part, and the new guy *ahem*.
Vivian really grows as a person. She learns that there is more than pretty dresses and dances. You have to work hard, war takes a lot, and she forms opinions of her own.
And Aubrey was a bore.
Then there is Howard, he and Vivian has alternate chapters, I did find his chapters boring until they met. He was just boring. He goes to report on the war. He sees that it's hell. He decides not to join, and he is sent to prison to get executed cos that is what they do with cowards. But he was no coward, he just found it stupid that hundreds of thousands are sent to be cannon fodder.
Anyone who reads the blurb gets that they will meet and something will happen.....
It was a good book, sure some Howard chapters were a bit meh, but read them fast and get to the good bits.
July 24, 2015
I loved this. A brilliant story from a totally original angle. Characters were three dimensional and totally believable. Hooked from the first page and yet it didn't go at all how I Was expecting. Excellent read 5*
March 28, 2016
I really enjoyed this and totally different from what she usually writes but I loved it
June 7, 2015
If You Go Away is the second historical fiction novel by Adele Parks. Having enjoyed this book I hope she stays writing in this genre as she has an exceptionally, skilful way with words which combined to tell an absorbing story of love during World War One. I will admit it was a slow burner and only really took off over halfway through but when it did there was no stopping the story unfolding and all the setting up really paid off. The author is adept at getting inside the head of her characters expressing all their thoughts, feelings and viewpoints. She really needed to be able to do this as initially some of the characters actions had me confused and I couldn't warm to them. But it is the mark of a talented author who can strongly justify what was happening within the story through their use of beautiful expressive language and descriptions.
Set just before and during World War One, we are introduced to 18 year old débutante Vivian Foster. She lives in London and is set upon finding a handsome man to marry. Nathaniel Thorpe is within her sights but an incident at a society event leaves her dreams in tatters. At first I found Vivian (even though I knew she was so young) to really have her head in the clouds and was not very aware of what was going on around her. She had been brought up in a certain manner and expected everything to go her way and for life to be easy and all the pieces of her story would slot into place. Her plans were rigid marry, children etc. all done step by step and by the book. I felt she was a snob and very up herself with her one sided opinions. 'Vivian liked rich people, properly rich'. But soon she finds herself married off in haste (to avoid further social upheaval) to Aubrey Owens. Her aspirations are shattered but at this stage I had no sympathy for her as she really had brought this marriage on herself through her reckless actions. On the day of her marriage Germany declares war on Russia and France in August of 1944. Soon Vivian finds herself moved to the small country village of Blackwell, far from everything she has known she feels isolated and cut off from her family even though Aubrey believes she will be safe here. Why she wonders should her husband be free to fight for his country and Vivian left alone and separated from her own family?
Chapters alternated between Vivian and our male protagonist - Howard Henderson, a playwright trying to produce the ultimate play which will catapult him onto the world wide stage. He seemed to be the man about town having any woman he wanted treating them mean and keeping them keen. But when war is announced he travels with a Daily Mail reporter to write articles and convey what is happening in France back to the people of England. Howard is deeply affected by what he witness' and cannot stand such pain and suffering. He understandably cannot see any justification for such bloody merciless killing and torture. Here we see a profound change in Howard and my opinion changed to. He became a strong man determined to stand up for what he believed in not giving into convention even though the ramifications would have huge, dangerous consequences. When Howard returns to England he is haunted by what everything that has unfolded before his eyes. Soon conscription is introduced and here is where I felt Howard really changed and came into his own. He stands firm and refuses to enlist. Reading this it made me realise I have never given much thought to men who had not entered the war. They are rarely mentioned and in this novel Adele Parks has given them a voice and you can fully comprehend the internal struggle Howard was going through. It certainly opened my eyes to an aspect of the war and this storyline enriched the book.
Only when Howard and Vivian finally meet in Blackwell (after she decides to employ him) did I feel the book really come into its own. Vivian is slowly coming to terms with the path now set out for her and Howard's mother Mrs. Henderson has done her best to help her acclimatise to such a different way of life. But when she sets eyes on Howard you literally see the sparks fly and Vivian must struggle with her emotions and what she feels is the correct thing to do. I can honestly say both the main characters go through such transformations and an epic love story unfolds before the readers eyes. Even though you may not approve of what Howard and Vivian do, I still felt they were far nicer characters in the later half of the book more so than when we first encountered them. I really was rooting for them and there were numerous twists and turns in the last few chapters some that had you literally gasping out loud. This is a remarkable story that has elevated Adele Parks to new heights and fans of historical fiction will soak this up for what it is an engaging, thought provoking, emotive love story set against the backdrop of one of the most horrifying events in world history. It delves deep into the hearts and minds of the people at the time and explores relationships and friendships in an extraordinary way. Make sure this takes centre stage in your reading piles this summer.
October 30, 2016
England, 1914: Young and somewhat naive debutante Vivian is bundled off into marriage to a man she barely knows to prevent a scandal that would ruin her completely in the eyes of society. On the very day of her wedding, war breaks out across Europe and men from all walks of life rush to sign up. Among them is Vivian's new and fairly disappointing (at least to the hopes and dreams of a young bride) husband, sending her off to his country estate in his absence. Isolated, lonely and with little idea of how one would go about managing a country household and farm, Vivian nevertheless takes on the management of the place and slowly finds a place for herself in this new environment. Enter Howard Henderson: Having been to the front accompanying a reporter, the young playwright has seen all the horrors of the trenches and no intention of joining the madness that is the Great War. When conscription becomes law in 1916, he registers as a conscientious objector, ending up in prison for his convictions. His mother begs the young lady who has become her dearest friend since she came to Blackwell for help to prevent a worse fate befalling her only remaining child. Once Howard comes to Vivian's farm to work, both their lives change forever.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book a lot, althought it took me a while to get past Vivian's debutante silliness and Howard's casual and rather uncaring attitude towards the women of his aquaintance at the beginning. Eventually, both characters grew on me, though the one I loved most was Howard's mother Enid. The historical setting is well realized and easy to immerse oneself in. I didn't much care for the last part of the book. It all worked out terribly conveniently in the end, of course, but I still would have preferred things to go differently. 3.5/5
For the most part, I enjoyed this book a lot, althought it took me a while to get past Vivian's debutante silliness and Howard's casual and rather uncaring attitude towards the women of his aquaintance at the beginning. Eventually, both characters grew on me, though the one I loved most was Howard's mother Enid. The historical setting is well realized and easy to immerse oneself in. I didn't much care for the last part of the book. It all worked out terribly conveniently in the end, of course, but I still would have preferred things to go differently. 3.5/5
September 10, 2015
A very captivating story set during World War I. The characters are totally convincing and the description meticulous in it's detail. The horror of war combines with the heat of passion. A couple of twists towards the end too!
Really enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed it!
January 30, 2021
Found the characters extremely unlikeable, hence could not engage with the story at all.
A little bit lame for my liking.
A little bit lame for my liking.
June 4, 2015
If You Go Away is Adele Parks' 15th novel. Her first foray into historical fiction resulted in one of my favourite novels of last year; Spare Brides. I wasn't sure that this could be improved upon, but If You Go Away is quite possibly Adele's best work yet.
Vivian (our main protagonist) is brilliant, but naive, beautiful but headstrong. She is wealthy and used to getting her own way when we meet her, but when WW1 breaks out on her wedding day she is forced to revaluate the planned life ahead of her. She moves away from London to be with her husband in the country, but it is a lonely place for Vivian and she does not settle immediately.
Aubrey is not the husband that Vivian wanted, the one that everyone told her she deserved. But he is the one that society has said she must have, after a terrible misjudgment on her behalf. It is inevitable that he will go away to War and Vivian cannot help but be thankful for that.
Howard is determined, determined not to go away to fight, and cannot be dissuaded once he has set his mind on something. He is not (at least in my mind) as Society would have him labelled 'a Conchie' (A conscientious objector). He is most definitely not a coward, and he will not be the first man to suffer for standing up for his beliefs.
When Vivian struggling with the loneliness of unfamiliar surroundings, befriends Enid, she has no idea that Enid's suggestion for her to become involved in the day to day running of her own land will set her on a collison course with Howard, Enid's son. After a eye opening stint on the front working with a newspaper reporter Howard returns home to his Mother, to the country, more determined than ever not to fight.
Vivian and Howard come from very different backgrounds. Previously a playwright in London, Howard has seen both sides of the war; back home and on the front. But it is the troubles of the homefront that bring them together when Vivian employs Howard to help with her land whilst her husband is away. The events that follow undoubtedly change both of their lives beyond recognition.
Few female writers I have come across are prepared to write about the brutality and horror of War as honestly as Adele has done with this novel and I hope that she is recognised for this. Her characters go on some remarkable journeys through this novel and emerge at the end infinitely better human beings although their situations have changed dramatically.
A beautifully written passionate, love story laced with tragedy, and Parks' trademark honesty; If You Go Away is a novel of epic proportions. And the ending? Well it is a glorious finish to the perfect novel. I can't recommend it highly enough.
I might be biased as a huge fan of Adele's work, but this is 100% my favourite novel of this year so far, and will probably be my stand out novel of 2015. I'm not sure if she has any more historical work up her sleeve- but I am quietly hoping that she does.
Vivian (our main protagonist) is brilliant, but naive, beautiful but headstrong. She is wealthy and used to getting her own way when we meet her, but when WW1 breaks out on her wedding day she is forced to revaluate the planned life ahead of her. She moves away from London to be with her husband in the country, but it is a lonely place for Vivian and she does not settle immediately.
Aubrey is not the husband that Vivian wanted, the one that everyone told her she deserved. But he is the one that society has said she must have, after a terrible misjudgment on her behalf. It is inevitable that he will go away to War and Vivian cannot help but be thankful for that.
Howard is determined, determined not to go away to fight, and cannot be dissuaded once he has set his mind on something. He is not (at least in my mind) as Society would have him labelled 'a Conchie' (A conscientious objector). He is most definitely not a coward, and he will not be the first man to suffer for standing up for his beliefs.
When Vivian struggling with the loneliness of unfamiliar surroundings, befriends Enid, she has no idea that Enid's suggestion for her to become involved in the day to day running of her own land will set her on a collison course with Howard, Enid's son. After a eye opening stint on the front working with a newspaper reporter Howard returns home to his Mother, to the country, more determined than ever not to fight.
Vivian and Howard come from very different backgrounds. Previously a playwright in London, Howard has seen both sides of the war; back home and on the front. But it is the troubles of the homefront that bring them together when Vivian employs Howard to help with her land whilst her husband is away. The events that follow undoubtedly change both of their lives beyond recognition.
Few female writers I have come across are prepared to write about the brutality and horror of War as honestly as Adele has done with this novel and I hope that she is recognised for this. Her characters go on some remarkable journeys through this novel and emerge at the end infinitely better human beings although their situations have changed dramatically.
A beautifully written passionate, love story laced with tragedy, and Parks' trademark honesty; If You Go Away is a novel of epic proportions. And the ending? Well it is a glorious finish to the perfect novel. I can't recommend it highly enough.
I might be biased as a huge fan of Adele's work, but this is 100% my favourite novel of this year so far, and will probably be my stand out novel of 2015. I'm not sure if she has any more historical work up her sleeve- but I am quietly hoping that she does.
July 5, 2015
Settling down to read this I was, like quite a lot of readers, irritated by the situation that Vivian was placed in at the start of the novel. She could seem unlikeable, but I felt desperately sorry for this passionate and loving woman and how she was constrained by her time. The interweaving of historical detail was skilful, and I was absorbed by this once it all got going. The relationship between Howard and Vivian, though 'wrong' felt so right. Loved it!
July 11, 2015
I love Adele Parks' novels,but her recent foray into historical fiction just hasn't hit the mark for me. Just a bit too slow paced,I found I wasn't wanting to pick up the book as I usually do with her novels. I much prefer her contemporary novels.
January 30, 2017
A beautiful book that keeps you wanting more. I'm a big fan of historical fiction and I can't recommend this enough for a wonderful love story with the right amount of teaching in it. It's an absolute rollercoaster ride reading it, especially towards the end!
November 21, 2020
I really didn’t enjoy this book, I have to admit I stopped halfway and left it. It was a hard read, not a lot going on. I just couldn’t see where it was going. I do live Adele’s books but this one wasn’t for me.
April 18, 2015
What. A. Book. Slow to start but the last two hundred pages are amazing.
Publication date is June 4th 2015. My full review will be up around then.
Publication date is June 4th 2015. My full review will be up around then.
February 1, 2016
Readable - just!
September 28, 2017
An enjoyable read. A very strong character in Vivian, her change of lifestyle in marrying Aubrey helps her blossom so well.
I'm glad she got the ending that ste did and happiness .
The war time life was an interesting setting For the novel.
I'm glad she got the ending that ste did and happiness .
The war time life was an interesting setting For the novel.
May 26, 2020
It wasn't one of those books that you simply can't put down for me but it did leave me wondering about morals, love and society classes. What would I do in that time / situ? Purely because it did leave me thinking about it a number of hours after I finished it, and because I've been brought up in a family which looks into family history and we have spent many hours abroad visiting war graves, landing beaches, trenches etc it just held my interest long enough to enable me to finish the book - I have given it the extra star. Otherwise would be a 3.
October 8, 2020
Very slow, read to the last 100 pages before it became really good and felt as though I couldn't put it down.
December 13, 2015
IF YOU GO AWAY BY ADELE PARKS
The new novel from Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks, set during the outbreak of the First World War
WHAT I SAY
I really enjoyed this book I'm read in 2 days it is not like her normal Books Adele writes she normally write in a more click lit style but this is an historical fiction novel and it is brilliant please check it out you will love it I did
It had my attention right up to the last word I was so caught up in the story that it became a real page turner for me
. It is very beautifully written it is got a lot of Tragedy in there too the characters you could relate to them so easily you could tell that Adela had done a lot of research into this book
I did find the start a bit slow and I was not sure what to make of the story but I soon became hooked on the story it's a wonderful story of love during the World War 1 why was it slow because it was building up the tension in the characters to make you understand them more I loved them all but one I bet your guess who by the end
Vivian the main character I did not like her that much to start with then I soon love her as she seem to grow up as a story unfolds she seem to have no idea about life she married to Aubrey
on the day that they married the war broke out now her life was changed forever she finds herself in a small village she feel isolated and cut off she's got no friends there no one to talk to
Audrey go to war she's got no one
to look after now only herself
How will she cope?
I was so hooked on her story I like it was told from her point of view and then Howard her life was so tough I like hearing about her life
Howard was a brilliant character I love him he was a man about town who a bit of a player but he also hated the war which was going to be problem
He was a wonderful warm man
He got roped into helping the Daily Mail reporter writing articles about the war we get to feel all his pain and suffering he was going through it was good that it was told from his point of view he was so determined to stand up to his point of view sometimes I've believed this put into danger I really got to understand what was going on in the war and what it was like some of the men it a very in depth account of the war i was so caught up with the plot my heart when out to them all life was tough
When Howard and Vivian meet wow what a brilliant tale of forbidden love I love their relationship it was so full on I want you to read for yourself thier wonderful heart breaking love story it will pull at your heart strings I was totally pulled into all the horrors of the war if it was put across so well I enjoyed that this book the men and women's point of view of The War was so hard to read in places the pain they when though but i also found it very interesting story what I did not want the book to end
It like how all the women cope in there story it shows you there points of view and what life was like for them with there men away at war
This story is a very thought-provoking book and it is very interesting and different book to read
please check it out I'm sure you will love it I recommend you will read it
One of my favourite books of the year
It show us a very different style to Adela Adele is a very talented author with a few very different and unique writing styles I really can not praise this book enough
5 dolls
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adele Parks worked in advertising until she published her first novel in 2000. Since then, her many Sunday Times bestsellers have been translated into twenty-six different languages. Adele spent her adult life in Italy, Botswana and London until 2005 when she moved to Guildford, where she now lives with her husband and son. Adele believes reading is a basic human right, so she works closely with The Reading Agency as an Ambassador for Reading Ahead, a programme designed to encourage adult literacy.
THE AMAZON LINK
If You Go Away https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00N...
The new novel from Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks, set during the outbreak of the First World War
WHAT I SAY
I really enjoyed this book I'm read in 2 days it is not like her normal Books Adele writes she normally write in a more click lit style but this is an historical fiction novel and it is brilliant please check it out you will love it I did
It had my attention right up to the last word I was so caught up in the story that it became a real page turner for me
. It is very beautifully written it is got a lot of Tragedy in there too the characters you could relate to them so easily you could tell that Adela had done a lot of research into this book
I did find the start a bit slow and I was not sure what to make of the story but I soon became hooked on the story it's a wonderful story of love during the World War 1 why was it slow because it was building up the tension in the characters to make you understand them more I loved them all but one I bet your guess who by the end
Vivian the main character I did not like her that much to start with then I soon love her as she seem to grow up as a story unfolds she seem to have no idea about life she married to Aubrey
on the day that they married the war broke out now her life was changed forever she finds herself in a small village she feel isolated and cut off she's got no friends there no one to talk to
Audrey go to war she's got no one
to look after now only herself
How will she cope?
I was so hooked on her story I like it was told from her point of view and then Howard her life was so tough I like hearing about her life
Howard was a brilliant character I love him he was a man about town who a bit of a player but he also hated the war which was going to be problem
He was a wonderful warm man
He got roped into helping the Daily Mail reporter writing articles about the war we get to feel all his pain and suffering he was going through it was good that it was told from his point of view he was so determined to stand up to his point of view sometimes I've believed this put into danger I really got to understand what was going on in the war and what it was like some of the men it a very in depth account of the war i was so caught up with the plot my heart when out to them all life was tough
When Howard and Vivian meet wow what a brilliant tale of forbidden love I love their relationship it was so full on I want you to read for yourself thier wonderful heart breaking love story it will pull at your heart strings I was totally pulled into all the horrors of the war if it was put across so well I enjoyed that this book the men and women's point of view of The War was so hard to read in places the pain they when though but i also found it very interesting story what I did not want the book to end
It like how all the women cope in there story it shows you there points of view and what life was like for them with there men away at war
This story is a very thought-provoking book and it is very interesting and different book to read
please check it out I'm sure you will love it I recommend you will read it
One of my favourite books of the year
It show us a very different style to Adela Adele is a very talented author with a few very different and unique writing styles I really can not praise this book enough
5 dolls
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adele Parks worked in advertising until she published her first novel in 2000. Since then, her many Sunday Times bestsellers have been translated into twenty-six different languages. Adele spent her adult life in Italy, Botswana and London until 2005 when she moved to Guildford, where she now lives with her husband and son. Adele believes reading is a basic human right, so she works closely with The Reading Agency as an Ambassador for Reading Ahead, a programme designed to encourage adult literacy.
THE AMAZON LINK
If You Go Away https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00N...
September 3, 2017
Interesting depiction of events, issues, class, and characters during WWI in England.
June 4, 2015
Vivian Foster's hurriedly put together wedding day coincides with the outbreak of the First World War. Neither of these momentous events, in Vivian's mind, are happy and yet, even as her circumstances change forever, you can't help but wonder what life will hold for this unhappy young woman. Trapped by necessity into an ill-matched and loveless marriage, Vivian, at first appears to be vague and vacuous. However, as time progresses, we see a distinct change in her outlook, and as the balance of her life shifts and alters ,so the horror of living during wartime starts to have a profound effect.
Aubrey Owens, whilst married to Vivian, is not the man of Vivian's dreams , not does it appear that Vivian is the woman of his wildest desires. However, the war, untimely as it appears, offers an element of escape for both of them and for Aubrey it's also a chance for him to succeed by his own merits.
Howard Henderson is a talented young playwright who has no stomach for war. During some unofficial time at the front line, both the horror and trauma he witnessed on the WW1 battlefields have left such a devastating impression on him that rather than enlist, Howard's chooses to become a conscientious objector.
On the surface, Vivian, Aubrey and Howard's lives should never have intertwined, and yet war makes strange bedfellows, and what then follows is a poignant and sympathetically drawn story, which tells of the danger of indifference, the power of overwhelming sexual attraction and the added danger of an illicit love affair.
The book gets off to a slow start. At first, I wasn't altogether sure that I even liked Vivian. She seemed flighty and inconsequential but once the story moves to the picturesque village of Blackwell, Vivian's personality starts to shine through and I began to feel more at ease in her company. Aubrey at first, appears of little consequence and yet his presence tends to dominate the narrative and I grew to have enormous sympathy for him. I found Howard to be a strange enigma, sure, he was a man of conscience, but there was also something about his character in the early part of the story which, at times, left me feeling quite unsure of him.
I loved the way the book gave both Vivian's and Howard's perspective, and the well divided sections gave a good impression of how time moved on. The consequence of war is well thought out and the stark description of life in the trenches is made all the more poignant by the loss of so many brave young men, juxtaposed against the day to day account of everyday life in a country village.The last two hundred or so pages are real page turners and by far, for me, contain some of the best writing in the book.
Historical fiction seems to be quite a departure for novelist, Adele Parks, whose more contemporary style of chick-lit romance is altogether lighter. I have enjoyed her chick lit books enormously but I am altogether more impressed with this new style of writing. This historical fiction is stronger and more compelling and certainly holds my attention. I look forward to seeing what this talented author does next.
Aubrey Owens, whilst married to Vivian, is not the man of Vivian's dreams , not does it appear that Vivian is the woman of his wildest desires. However, the war, untimely as it appears, offers an element of escape for both of them and for Aubrey it's also a chance for him to succeed by his own merits.
Howard Henderson is a talented young playwright who has no stomach for war. During some unofficial time at the front line, both the horror and trauma he witnessed on the WW1 battlefields have left such a devastating impression on him that rather than enlist, Howard's chooses to become a conscientious objector.
On the surface, Vivian, Aubrey and Howard's lives should never have intertwined, and yet war makes strange bedfellows, and what then follows is a poignant and sympathetically drawn story, which tells of the danger of indifference, the power of overwhelming sexual attraction and the added danger of an illicit love affair.
The book gets off to a slow start. At first, I wasn't altogether sure that I even liked Vivian. She seemed flighty and inconsequential but once the story moves to the picturesque village of Blackwell, Vivian's personality starts to shine through and I began to feel more at ease in her company. Aubrey at first, appears of little consequence and yet his presence tends to dominate the narrative and I grew to have enormous sympathy for him. I found Howard to be a strange enigma, sure, he was a man of conscience, but there was also something about his character in the early part of the story which, at times, left me feeling quite unsure of him.
I loved the way the book gave both Vivian's and Howard's perspective, and the well divided sections gave a good impression of how time moved on. The consequence of war is well thought out and the stark description of life in the trenches is made all the more poignant by the loss of so many brave young men, juxtaposed against the day to day account of everyday life in a country village.The last two hundred or so pages are real page turners and by far, for me, contain some of the best writing in the book.
Historical fiction seems to be quite a departure for novelist, Adele Parks, whose more contemporary style of chick-lit romance is altogether lighter. I have enjoyed her chick lit books enormously but I am altogether more impressed with this new style of writing. This historical fiction is stronger and more compelling and certainly holds my attention. I look forward to seeing what this talented author does next.
June 6, 2017
Review originally posted on Imogen’s Typewriter.
Set during the first world war, If You Go Away follows two characters over 9 years. This was, by far, one of the most beautiful books I've ever had the good fortune of reading. As a reader, I'm a liberal user of sticky notes. When I like a section of writing, I put a sticky note next to it and at the end of the month when I usually write up reviews, I read over these sticky noted sections and write down my favourites in an inspiration journal. Normally books have three or four quotes. If You Go Away had seventeen.
With Howard being a writer, his thoughts are full of beautiful prose, "He wasn't a soldier; his pen was his weapon." And while I don't think you can tell the difference between the characters chapters that explicitly, it's third person so I'm not particularly bothered. The subject matter is so different because men and women lived such different lives back then, that it's easy to tell when you're reading about Howard or about Vivian.
As a conscientious objector, Howard Henderson makes a lot of brilliant points about the nature of war and how unnecessary it is. To borrow his words; "Why would the biggest and bloodiest war turn out to be the one that stops it all?" I do love a logical character. And again, I think it is still relevant today, there are only 10 countries in the world not currently 'in conflict'. I've already said that this is one of my favourite books, but I'll add to that and say Howard is one of my favourite male characters.
The other character that this book focuses on is Vivian, and she grows so much in this book. From being a spoilt, vapid girl to an inspirational woman, she is possibly one of my favourite female characters! I'm a broken record about this book but it's the truth. This is a surprisingly hard review to write because of how much I loved it.
Both main characters feel the effect of their morals on their social standing, and I think the reason that I connected so deeply with both of them is that my morals matched theirs. I was inspired by them. Enid Henderson too, she's a social pariah. Kind, but on the outskirts of the town because her husband left and she kept on going as an independent mother. Comparing her to Vivian's own mother is like chalk and cheese.
And the love story. Oh, the love story. My heart hurt in the best way as I read through the years. If the insta-love you see in a lot of books these days is wearing you down, If You Go Away will be the hearty meal you need to build yourself back up.
There was no such thing; for a writer it was impossible to overthink. That was his oxygen; to foresee, to second-guess, to imagine.
This was more of a rave, then a review as I just can't think of anything remotely bad about this book. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more Adele Parks books in the future.
Set during the first world war, If You Go Away follows two characters over 9 years. This was, by far, one of the most beautiful books I've ever had the good fortune of reading. As a reader, I'm a liberal user of sticky notes. When I like a section of writing, I put a sticky note next to it and at the end of the month when I usually write up reviews, I read over these sticky noted sections and write down my favourites in an inspiration journal. Normally books have three or four quotes. If You Go Away had seventeen.
With Howard being a writer, his thoughts are full of beautiful prose, "He wasn't a soldier; his pen was his weapon." And while I don't think you can tell the difference between the characters chapters that explicitly, it's third person so I'm not particularly bothered. The subject matter is so different because men and women lived such different lives back then, that it's easy to tell when you're reading about Howard or about Vivian.
As a conscientious objector, Howard Henderson makes a lot of brilliant points about the nature of war and how unnecessary it is. To borrow his words; "Why would the biggest and bloodiest war turn out to be the one that stops it all?" I do love a logical character. And again, I think it is still relevant today, there are only 10 countries in the world not currently 'in conflict'. I've already said that this is one of my favourite books, but I'll add to that and say Howard is one of my favourite male characters.
The other character that this book focuses on is Vivian, and she grows so much in this book. From being a spoilt, vapid girl to an inspirational woman, she is possibly one of my favourite female characters! I'm a broken record about this book but it's the truth. This is a surprisingly hard review to write because of how much I loved it.
Both main characters feel the effect of their morals on their social standing, and I think the reason that I connected so deeply with both of them is that my morals matched theirs. I was inspired by them. Enid Henderson too, she's a social pariah. Kind, but on the outskirts of the town because her husband left and she kept on going as an independent mother. Comparing her to Vivian's own mother is like chalk and cheese.
And the love story. Oh, the love story. My heart hurt in the best way as I read through the years. If the insta-love you see in a lot of books these days is wearing you down, If You Go Away will be the hearty meal you need to build yourself back up.
There was no such thing; for a writer it was impossible to overthink. That was his oxygen; to foresee, to second-guess, to imagine.
This was more of a rave, then a review as I just can't think of anything remotely bad about this book. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more Adele Parks books in the future.
June 1, 2015
If You Go Away, by Adele Parks, is a romance set in England during the First World War. Its protagonist, Vivian, is a society beauty whose sole ambition at the beginning of the tale is to marry a young, handsome and above all wealthy gentleman in order that she may live a life of comfort and ease. Due to a miscalculation on her part things do not go to plan.
When war breaks out her husband enlists immediately. Vivian is required to leave her family and friends, the glitz of the London which she loves, to take up residence in her husband’s country home in the north. Bored and lonely she befriends a local woman, Enid, whom her husband regards as below their station in life. Enid suggests to Vivian that she become involved in the day to day running of the land, doing tasks that are neglected as all the regular workers have left to fight for their country. The work gives Vivian a purpose and she grows to appreciate her new surroundings.
In parallel with Vivian’s story is that of Howard, Enid’s elder son. Before the war he was a playwright in London. He travels to France with a journalist friend and is traumatised by the brutality and pointlessness of what he sees. He risks his life by refusing to enlist.
As the plot develops the reader comes to appreciate how little autonomy women had at this time. Vivian recognises that she is property, first of her father and then her husband. If she goes against their will then she risks being thrown out, abandoned to poverty with no means of earning a living or even worse, being incarcerated as insane. She would not be allowed to care for her child.
Howard’s decisions make him contemptible in the eyes of society, the results of his actions rippling out to affect his mother. As a man though he retains more control over his destiny. His choices may risk his life but he retains the choice. Through his tale there are attempts to evoke the abject horror of the war and the mindlessness with which it had to be fought in order to survive.
The romance elements revolve around sex which is described in some detail. There are friendships, both genuine and self serving, amongst the women, but the lovers spend more time getting to know each other’s bodies than their characters.
I felt saddened by Vivian’s treatment of her husband. They were both products of their upbringing yet she did not offer him the courtesy of honesty as she did her lover, expecting him to understand her needs without being told. He earned the respect of his soldiers but not of his wife, mainly it seemed because of his failure to excite her in bed.
This is a nicely written romance with its fill of beautiful women and brave young men battling situations beyond their control in order to be together and find happiness. I do not wish to denigrate it in any way when I admit that it is simply not my sort of book.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Headline.
When war breaks out her husband enlists immediately. Vivian is required to leave her family and friends, the glitz of the London which she loves, to take up residence in her husband’s country home in the north. Bored and lonely she befriends a local woman, Enid, whom her husband regards as below their station in life. Enid suggests to Vivian that she become involved in the day to day running of the land, doing tasks that are neglected as all the regular workers have left to fight for their country. The work gives Vivian a purpose and she grows to appreciate her new surroundings.
In parallel with Vivian’s story is that of Howard, Enid’s elder son. Before the war he was a playwright in London. He travels to France with a journalist friend and is traumatised by the brutality and pointlessness of what he sees. He risks his life by refusing to enlist.
As the plot develops the reader comes to appreciate how little autonomy women had at this time. Vivian recognises that she is property, first of her father and then her husband. If she goes against their will then she risks being thrown out, abandoned to poverty with no means of earning a living or even worse, being incarcerated as insane. She would not be allowed to care for her child.
Howard’s decisions make him contemptible in the eyes of society, the results of his actions rippling out to affect his mother. As a man though he retains more control over his destiny. His choices may risk his life but he retains the choice. Through his tale there are attempts to evoke the abject horror of the war and the mindlessness with which it had to be fought in order to survive.
The romance elements revolve around sex which is described in some detail. There are friendships, both genuine and self serving, amongst the women, but the lovers spend more time getting to know each other’s bodies than their characters.
I felt saddened by Vivian’s treatment of her husband. They were both products of their upbringing yet she did not offer him the courtesy of honesty as she did her lover, expecting him to understand her needs without being told. He earned the respect of his soldiers but not of his wife, mainly it seemed because of his failure to excite her in bed.
This is a nicely written romance with its fill of beautiful women and brave young men battling situations beyond their control in order to be together and find happiness. I do not wish to denigrate it in any way when I admit that it is simply not my sort of book.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Headline.
October 31, 2018
If You Go Away is Adele Parks’ second historical fiction book after Spare Bides, and it focuses on two characters named Howard Henderson and Vivian Owens just before and during WWI.
Vivian is initially a superficial and materialistic young woman, but she evokes enough sympathy to stop readers from turning against her. She lives in London and must find a husband; Nathaniel Thorpe is viewed as the ideal catch by both her and her mother. All this changes, however, after an incident at a society event crushes her dreams, and leads to a hasty marriage to Aubrey Owens.
Howard is a young playwright, who is trying to write the one play that will win him a spot on the world stage.
World War I breaks out on Vivian’s wedding day and changes the world forever.
While Vivian is moved to the countryside for her safety, Howard joins a Daily Mail reporter to write articles about the battles for the British people to read. This experience changes him: he sees his friends die repeatedly in gruesome ways, in a war he comes to view as senseless.
As a result, he refuses to enlist. War naturally amplifies the patriotism of a country, and popular opinion was against him for showing cowardice and refusing to fight “for King and country”. However, he stands to his position, even as he is put on trial that is almost certainly going to end with a death sentence.
Parks should be applauded for writing this book, because rarely do books focus on the men who didn’t want to go to war.
We are usually given the impression that men rushed to enlist, to do their duty and fight for their country. This is partly true, because the beginning of World War I certainly created a storm of men eager to head to war. But the truth is that most of these men were seeking the glory that they had heard about, the parades and medals. Others were seeking the money offered to soldiers, others an adventure. Some were drafted. This was the same case in WWII, although it must be said that most of the soldiers had to be drafted. In fact, Canada went through a crisis near the later years of the second world war because we didn’t have enough men willingly signing up. Does this mean that Canadian men were cowards?
This book does not condemn or condone the men who refused to enlist, but rather gives us a valuable insight into their thoughts. Many refused to engage in killing and destruction, and though their stance may be understandable from people who are looking back through history, at the time it was a deeply unpopular opinion. Called “conchies”, accused of being unpatriotic, and put on trial, their lives were made hard by those who could not understand their actions. This book ensures everyone will understand.
Vivian is initially a superficial and materialistic young woman, but she evokes enough sympathy to stop readers from turning against her. She lives in London and must find a husband; Nathaniel Thorpe is viewed as the ideal catch by both her and her mother. All this changes, however, after an incident at a society event crushes her dreams, and leads to a hasty marriage to Aubrey Owens.
Howard is a young playwright, who is trying to write the one play that will win him a spot on the world stage.
World War I breaks out on Vivian’s wedding day and changes the world forever.
While Vivian is moved to the countryside for her safety, Howard joins a Daily Mail reporter to write articles about the battles for the British people to read. This experience changes him: he sees his friends die repeatedly in gruesome ways, in a war he comes to view as senseless.
As a result, he refuses to enlist. War naturally amplifies the patriotism of a country, and popular opinion was against him for showing cowardice and refusing to fight “for King and country”. However, he stands to his position, even as he is put on trial that is almost certainly going to end with a death sentence.
Parks should be applauded for writing this book, because rarely do books focus on the men who didn’t want to go to war.
We are usually given the impression that men rushed to enlist, to do their duty and fight for their country. This is partly true, because the beginning of World War I certainly created a storm of men eager to head to war. But the truth is that most of these men were seeking the glory that they had heard about, the parades and medals. Others were seeking the money offered to soldiers, others an adventure. Some were drafted. This was the same case in WWII, although it must be said that most of the soldiers had to be drafted. In fact, Canada went through a crisis near the later years of the second world war because we didn’t have enough men willingly signing up. Does this mean that Canadian men were cowards?
This book does not condemn or condone the men who refused to enlist, but rather gives us a valuable insight into their thoughts. Many refused to engage in killing and destruction, and though their stance may be understandable from people who are looking back through history, at the time it was a deeply unpopular opinion. Called “conchies”, accused of being unpatriotic, and put on trial, their lives were made hard by those who could not understand their actions. This book ensures everyone will understand.
April 30, 2015
This was different from the Adele Parks novels I have read before in that it wasn’t contemporary fiction. It is set just before and during The Great War, a time period I am very interested in. Initially I didn’t warm to the character of Vivian, finding her a bit irritating, empty headed and too concerned with finding a husband during her debutante season. However, a bad decision means she had to grow up rather quickly. She is rushed into a marriage to avoid scandal but the marriage has an inauspicious start: war is about to be declared, the glamourous European honeymoon she expected is cancelled, the wedding night is not exactly a success and her new husband soon enlists in the army. Howard, is a successful, handsome young playwright, popular with the ladies. After seeing the horrors of war while travelling with a journalist, he refuses to enlist and is imprisoned as a conscientious objector. Adele Parks writes vividly about some of the horrific scenes that Howard sees. I felt that she also depicted really well the way in which conscientious objectors were viewed by serving soldiers, family members, people in the community and total strangers. Far from being cowards, it took a lot of courage to stand up and refuse to fight.
The novel really became compelling for me when Vivian and Howard meet, after his mother persuades Vivian to take him on for farm work, saving him from a court martial. The growing attraction between them is evident and is not surprising given Vivian’s disappointing and loveless marriage. Unable to resist their growing desire, they become reckless and impulsive. I felt conflicting emotions while reading. Vivian and Howard are so obviously passionate about each other and yet she is a married woman in a time when divorce was a scandal. “They had stepped outside society. People in love did.” I almost found myself (like Vivian) wishing her husband some harm! It is so tense waiting for their relationship to be revealed as you feel it inevitably must.
This book is perhaps a slowburner to start with but is definitely worth persevering with. Adele Parks writes so well about friendships and relationships. To paraphrase, she has really captured ‘the love, the passion, the power and the accompanying anguish that escorts love throughout a war’.
The novel really became compelling for me when Vivian and Howard meet, after his mother persuades Vivian to take him on for farm work, saving him from a court martial. The growing attraction between them is evident and is not surprising given Vivian’s disappointing and loveless marriage. Unable to resist their growing desire, they become reckless and impulsive. I felt conflicting emotions while reading. Vivian and Howard are so obviously passionate about each other and yet she is a married woman in a time when divorce was a scandal. “They had stepped outside society. People in love did.” I almost found myself (like Vivian) wishing her husband some harm! It is so tense waiting for their relationship to be revealed as you feel it inevitably must.
This book is perhaps a slowburner to start with but is definitely worth persevering with. Adele Parks writes so well about friendships and relationships. To paraphrase, she has really captured ‘the love, the passion, the power and the accompanying anguish that escorts love throughout a war’.
September 18, 2015
If You Go Away is a historical novel, set just before the outbreak of, and during WW1. We are introduced to the main protagonist Vivian Foster, a young naive débutante. Very much the product of her rich, snobbish upbringing, attracted to old money and the perks that it will bring. After a misguided decision she is practically shunned from her family and forced into a marriage deemed acceptable by society. The wedding is a rushed affair taking place on the outbreak of WW1. A bad omen for what is already a loveless marriage.
Through alternating chapters we read about Howard Henderson, a young playwright living in London. Beautiful, brilliant, and with a choice of young ladies at his feet. As war breaks out he follows a journalist to France to report from the front. Unable to comprehend the horrors of war, he returns to England wanting nothing to do with it.
The story starts off slowly as the characters are richly developed. Although some may prefer a faster pace of reading, I personally enjoyed taking the time to get to know these well written characters and understand the constraints of society at this time, and the horrors of WW1. Through the strength of Adele Parks writing and strong story telling, I was able to become fully absorbed into Vivian's world.
The story starts to pick up the pace as Vivian and Howard's worlds collide, and they become acquainted with one another. There is a change in dynamic, the characters that initially started off as naive, selfish and foolish start to mature under the shadow of war, and become very likeable. Not all the characters go through such transformation's with many of them remaining less than likeable, due to the social constraints of the time. I have a lot of sympathy for Vivian's husband Aubrey, depicted as somewhat of a cold fish, I think he is as equally trapped as Vivian by societal pressures.
If I could, I would give this book 4.5*. It is the first book I have read by Adele Parks, I am looking forward to reading other books of hers. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction and romance. I would like to thank goodreads and Headline for giving me a free copy of this book to review.
Through alternating chapters we read about Howard Henderson, a young playwright living in London. Beautiful, brilliant, and with a choice of young ladies at his feet. As war breaks out he follows a journalist to France to report from the front. Unable to comprehend the horrors of war, he returns to England wanting nothing to do with it.
The story starts off slowly as the characters are richly developed. Although some may prefer a faster pace of reading, I personally enjoyed taking the time to get to know these well written characters and understand the constraints of society at this time, and the horrors of WW1. Through the strength of Adele Parks writing and strong story telling, I was able to become fully absorbed into Vivian's world.
The story starts to pick up the pace as Vivian and Howard's worlds collide, and they become acquainted with one another. There is a change in dynamic, the characters that initially started off as naive, selfish and foolish start to mature under the shadow of war, and become very likeable. Not all the characters go through such transformation's with many of them remaining less than likeable, due to the social constraints of the time. I have a lot of sympathy for Vivian's husband Aubrey, depicted as somewhat of a cold fish, I think he is as equally trapped as Vivian by societal pressures.
If I could, I would give this book 4.5*. It is the first book I have read by Adele Parks, I am looking forward to reading other books of hers. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction and romance. I would like to thank goodreads and Headline for giving me a free copy of this book to review.
October 27, 2015
3.5
I love Adele Parks - she's a good Northern Lass (like me!) and I've enjoyed some of her books in the past. After hearing her speak at the Guildford Book Festival I was really excited about this book.
I DID enjoy it, but for some reason I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I anticipated, which is why I don't feel I can give it the full 4 stars.
It's a long book, and takes quite a while to get going. The early section which gave the backstory to Vivian's marriage seemed overly long and a little dull. Similarly with Howard's background - there seemed an awful lot of detail.
Once it moved into the war period the pace quickened and the story became much more interesting. The wartime detail about life both at home and in France added depth and credibility.
There is some lovely characterisation and I particularly liked the development of Vivian's character once she moved to the country. Also the friendship between Enid and Vivian was beautifully expressed.
This clearly wasn't going to be an easy story to end and as a result I felt rather sad for one of the characters by the final chapter!
The only other comment I'd make is that I listened to some of the book as an audiobook. I think this perhaps contributed to my sense of the book feeling rather long. Also the voice of Vivian was presented in a rather girlish way which could also have influenced my feelings about it.
Definitely worth a read - especially if you like historical fiction of this era, but I'd recommend the book and not the audio version.
I love Adele Parks - she's a good Northern Lass (like me!) and I've enjoyed some of her books in the past. After hearing her speak at the Guildford Book Festival I was really excited about this book.
I DID enjoy it, but for some reason I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I anticipated, which is why I don't feel I can give it the full 4 stars.
It's a long book, and takes quite a while to get going. The early section which gave the backstory to Vivian's marriage seemed overly long and a little dull. Similarly with Howard's background - there seemed an awful lot of detail.
Once it moved into the war period the pace quickened and the story became much more interesting. The wartime detail about life both at home and in France added depth and credibility.
There is some lovely characterisation and I particularly liked the development of Vivian's character once she moved to the country. Also the friendship between Enid and Vivian was beautifully expressed.
This clearly wasn't going to be an easy story to end and as a result I felt rather sad for one of the characters by the final chapter!
The only other comment I'd make is that I listened to some of the book as an audiobook. I think this perhaps contributed to my sense of the book feeling rather long. Also the voice of Vivian was presented in a rather girlish way which could also have influenced my feelings about it.
Definitely worth a read - especially if you like historical fiction of this era, but I'd recommend the book and not the audio version.
July 22, 2015
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I could not believe my luck when a couple of months ago a beautiful signed proof (number 30 of 100!!) of Adele Parks’ upcoming novel, If You Go Away, came flying through my letter box!
I’ve been a huge fan of Adele’s work for many years and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Spare Brides last year. The same definitely goes for her latest novel, If You Go Away.
There is absolutely no doubt that If You Go Away is beautifully written. It is descriptive, expressive and the characters are thoroughly developed. The meticulous detail of the war is raw, brutal and harrowing and definitely demonstrates the fine writing technique of the author. The plot is a little slow to get going and early on I really wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. But I must urge you to stick with it as all the detail and description is placed perfectly for the later story when it really kick starts. I loved the atmosphere that the author created and it felt very authentic, echoing the period brilliantly particularly in relation to gender roles and expectations.
I have now very much enjoyed both occasions where we have seen Adele departing from her usual “chick lit” genre towards historical based fiction and I certainly hope there is more to come!
I could not believe my luck when a couple of months ago a beautiful signed proof (number 30 of 100!!) of Adele Parks’ upcoming novel, If You Go Away, came flying through my letter box!
I’ve been a huge fan of Adele’s work for many years and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Spare Brides last year. The same definitely goes for her latest novel, If You Go Away.
There is absolutely no doubt that If You Go Away is beautifully written. It is descriptive, expressive and the characters are thoroughly developed. The meticulous detail of the war is raw, brutal and harrowing and definitely demonstrates the fine writing technique of the author. The plot is a little slow to get going and early on I really wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. But I must urge you to stick with it as all the detail and description is placed perfectly for the later story when it really kick starts. I loved the atmosphere that the author created and it felt very authentic, echoing the period brilliantly particularly in relation to gender roles and expectations.
I have now very much enjoyed both occasions where we have seen Adele departing from her usual “chick lit” genre towards historical based fiction and I certainly hope there is more to come!
June 8, 2015
I feel a little bit like I've grown up with Adele Parks, from reading her first novel when I was expecting my first baby, right the way through til now - and her writing really reflects how she has grown from her first novel to this novel.
A different style of story from your usual chick-lit, Adele has created characters that you can relate to - whether you want to or not. I'll confess that I was not overly fond of Vivien in the beginning, but as she grows through the story, she changes with the things life throws at her, and by the end I really did like her. There are, of course, characters that you really don't like, and there were some that I still didn't like at the end, but there are other, properly delicious hero-types, that are completely swoon-worthy that I loved from start to finish. I loved the historical side to it, and there are little details dotted through out that show the reader that Adele has reeeeeeeeally done her research. Also, if you loved Spare Brides, Adele's previous historical novel, you should know that a certain character pops her heading here every now and again ;).This is just a lovely, lovely read, complete with a 100% bona fide swoon-worthy hero - definitely one you won't want to miss.
A different style of story from your usual chick-lit, Adele has created characters that you can relate to - whether you want to or not. I'll confess that I was not overly fond of Vivien in the beginning, but as she grows through the story, she changes with the things life throws at her, and by the end I really did like her. There are, of course, characters that you really don't like, and there were some that I still didn't like at the end, but there are other, properly delicious hero-types, that are completely swoon-worthy that I loved from start to finish. I loved the historical side to it, and there are little details dotted through out that show the reader that Adele has reeeeeeeeally done her research. Also, if you loved Spare Brides, Adele's previous historical novel, you should know that a certain character pops her heading here every now and again ;).This is just a lovely, lovely read, complete with a 100% bona fide swoon-worthy hero - definitely one you won't want to miss.
September 13, 2016
I didn't enjoy this book as much as others by Adele Parks. The historical setting was quite different to the majority of her books but this was not the issue, as I do enjoy novels set in the early twentieth century or around the first or second world wars.
However, I did find the plot less engaging than some of her other novels and found the actions of the hero quite confusing when
I think that the historical period was portrayed well and we saw Vivian grow as a character as she lived an independent life away from her family and husband. I was however disappointed with the end of the book - it felt very Hollywood and was almost a twist too far! Overall I didn't really relate to any of the characters and whilst it was entertaining enough I think this book could have done a lot more.
However, I did find the plot less engaging than some of her other novels and found the actions of the hero quite confusing when
I think that the historical period was portrayed well and we saw Vivian grow as a character as she lived an independent life away from her family and husband. I was however disappointed with the end of the book - it felt very Hollywood and was almost a twist too far! Overall I didn't really relate to any of the characters and whilst it was entertaining enough I think this book could have done a lot more.
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