The Art Of Preserving Love

by Ada Langton

From a small Australian country town to the tragic backdrop of World War 1, this is a story of a love that surmounts all odds…

Ballarat, 1905

The gossips call 19-year-old Edie Cottingham the ‘Too Girl’ — too stubborn, too outspoken, and too modern to get a husband. But Edie does not care. She is determined to defy them all and find love with Theo Hooley, the gentle church organist and veteran of the African Boer war.

But just as Theo prepares to ask Edie’s father for her hand, their world is turned upside down. Edie’s mother is gone and she must care for her new baby sister. Gracie is a sickly baby with a special smile that enchants everyone who sees it. How can Edie marry and leave the family home now?

But Theo Hooley is a man who knows how to wait. Every Sunday, Theo walks from his home to woo Edie, rose in hand. Each week Edie refuses him, knowing that he is asking for more than a walk around the lake on a Sunday afternoon. Each week Theo resolves anew to wait for her.

Slowly the town begins to fall under the spell of the romance. Women sigh and men mutter at the challenge Theo presents to their relationships. As the local children create a growing procession that follows Theo each week, the whole community becomes caught up in his display of devotion, until an unexpected event changes all their lives.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical

448 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2018

Reviews

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Love, war, duty and time define the debut novel by Australian author Ada Langton. Behind the romantic, hearts and flowers style cover of this debut, lies a story of great depth. The Art of Preserving Love is a testament to the various forms of love that define our existence. It covers love for our partners, family members, dear friends and even our country. This novel gently reminded me of the all-encompassing nature of one of our core human emotions, love.

Situated in the Victorian town of Ballarat, The Art of Preserving Love is an expansive tale, that travels through the years 1905, through to 1924. In these years, there are many social, political and world changes, as well as the impact of World War I. The novel first introduces the reader to Edie Cottingham, a progressive and headstrong woman, ahead of her time. While Edie’s chances of securing the love of a husband seem remote to many, Edie sets her sights set on Theo. This returned soldier from the Boer War and the local church organist becomes the object of Edie’s affection. However, circumstances get in the way of their courtship and as the couple are about to confirm their intention to marry, a tragedy strikes at the core of Edie’s family. Duty and sacrifice now defines Edie’s life and it is with great regret that Edie chooses not to go ahead with her marriage plans to Theo. Instead, Edie remains at her family’s side, caring for her younger sister, after the absence of their mother. Theo’s resolve to marry Edie doesn’t wane and he continues to petition for her love. Theo’s devotion to Edie reminds the local town of what true romance really means, however, Edie continues to resist Theo’s requests of a formal union. When the unexpected call of war enters the local town, it changes the lives of everyone.

I love the deeply romantic cover of this debut novel, the symbol of the red roses that adorn the front cover of this book definitely attracted this reader to The Art of Preserving Love. The title, The Art of Preserving Love, is a perfect fit, it mirrors the main motifs present in this novel. To love is an art, it is often about sustaining yourself and the leads in this book show us how it is done. I also must mention my immediate liking of the format of this novel. It is presented with great thought. Each chapter opening indicates who is in charge of the chapter’s narration, where it is situated and it begins with a poignant quote. I found myself quickly turning the pages of the novel to find out how each new chapter would begin. Complimenting this are the visually stunning flower motifs that appear as paragraph breaks within each individual chapter.

I loved the colourful personalities that define this novel. There are the leads, Edie and Theo, who immediately drew my sympathies. Theo is a quiet character with such a strong resolve, it made me envious of his ability to be so patient, as well as loving. He does have a heart of gold. Edie, a woman who I felt was harshly labelled, gained my full respect. It was sad to watch on as these two deserving souls let love pass them by. But, The Art of Preserving Love is about much more than Edie and Theo. Linked to this couple’s pathway to love are a wonderful supporting cast that are outlined superbly by Langton. From Edie’s father Paul, dear sister Gracie, Beth, Theo’s mother Lily and later as the book moves on into different territory, Reuben Rosenburg. These characters all contribute a great deal to the novel.

I would describe The Art of Preserving Love as a slow burner, it almost has a simple stroll like quality to the pacing, but for me, this worked well and suited the overall tone of the novel. For those who are not keen on plodding style novels, I would suggest you stick with this novel as it does pick up once the events move to the World War I sequences. This is where Langton shows us what she is made of. I found the World War I scenes to be confronting and gutsy. I am a big fan of this era and I always lap up any form of literature that features an Australian perspective of war. Langton treats these scenes with the respect, obvious attention to historical detail and insight it deserves. I never fail to be moved by the overwhelming sense of sacrifice and loss we suffered during World I. Langton ensures this is felt profoundly by the reader.

Langton draws on numerous themes to tie all the compelling threads of her first novel together. Within this arresting narrative, Langton explores social change, political upheaval, world events, the impact of war, conscription, PTSD, workers rights, the labour moment, faith and the rise in feminism. There is a lot of ground to cover, but each and every topic contained in The Art of Preserving Love has a place to bear in the overall proceedings of the novel.

I love books that closely examine small town settings, especially in times past. The Art of Preserving Love is a novel that carefully provides a sketch of life in a small town life in 1900’s Australia. It is a worthy and fascinating glimpse of the inner working of a town, the mindset, the overall vibe, formative identities and the sense of banding together as a community in times of need. I enjoyed escaping to this unfamiliar part of Australia for the time I spent with The Art of Preserving Love.

The Art of Preserving Love has a keynote address to convey and I took this way from the experience of reading the book. Lessons on the importance of endurance, humility, valour and the sense of yearning that come with all facets of love define this sedate tale. All in all, I loved this alternative take on romance, it satisfied my heart and soul. The ending was deeply satisfying and I am sure this will resonate with other readers of this novel. A simply lovely novel. I am very happy to recommend The Art of Preserving Love to others.

The Art of Preserving Love, is book #104 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge

[Lee at ReadWriteWish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought The Art of Preserving Love was difficult to describe. Then I realised, once I’d finished reading the rich and unique tale, that the book’s title describes it beautifully. Preserving love, eternal love which doesn’t fade no matter the circumstances, is a major theme throughout. And I mean love in all its forms, not just romantic.
There is romance, of course, but it isn’t written in the traditional form. The romance more or less just weaves its way through what I’d probably class as a historical women’s fiction book. At times I was reminded a little of The Dressmaker, only this book isn’t quite as dark as I found that. (I must point out I haven’t read that book, only seen the movie.)

At the beginning of the book we are introduced to 19 year old Edie. In 1905 Ballarat, she is in love with Theo who plays the organ at her church, even though most believe she is too plain to catch his eye. From here, the book covers Edie’s growth from a spoilt self absorbed girl whose only care is the length of her skirt, to 1924 when Edie is a self assured independent woman who has sacrificed much for love.

Langton doesn’t centre completely on Edie and Theo, however. She introduces seemingly random characters and focuses on their stories intently until she manages to pull the threads together and we eventually understand each individual’s inclusion and impact upon the novel’s plot.

I liked all the female characters, especially Edie’s maid, Beth, and Theo’s mother, Lilly. However, I didn’t feel I became as attached to the male characters. In fact, if there is one flaw in the book it would be that I’m not sure if I was ever particularly fond of Theo. There was something about him I found quite often unappealing.

Many historical events are covered within the 1905 to 1924 timeframe – the most obvious
being WW1. I thought Langton was strongest when describing the war and its lasting effects. This not only included the returning soldiers and their shellshock/PTSD but the way the war changed society in general, the political climate and such things as the feminist movement.

The institution of marriage is comprehensively studied also. Divorce, sex before marriage, forced marriages, marriage for convenience or religious reasons, de facto relationships, extramarital affairs, and same sex marriages/relationships are all brought up at some stage. It’s interesting how some ideas have changed considerably and yet some are still exactly as they were in the early 20th century.

Another interesting subject Langton included was the medical advice given at the time. True story: My great aunt had a (slight) birth defect and was basically left for dead by the medical profession around the same time this novel started, so the idea of the character Gracie being written off by the doctors is not unrealistic and extremely frustrating.

And sadly, the medical profession and society’s ignorance when it comes to dealing with mental health has probably only improved by a fraction. However, I’m happy to announce that no one suggests drinking a wine laced with cocaine anymore. I’m sure it sounded like a good idea at the time… And I won’t mention what they wanted to feed a newborn baby instead of a mother’s breast milk!

Being set in Ballarat gave Langton the chance to also focus on Australia’s early struggles when it came to workers’ rights. I’m not sure if Langton lives in the area or has just researched it thoroughly but she certainly made the large country town come alive. In fact, the book has a very Australian feel to it. Perfect for an Australia Day weekend.

Highly recommend.

4 ½ out of 5

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Edie had a plan. She’d written it in her notebook and once something was written in her notebook, Edie knew it would happen.’

This novel opens in Ballarat, on Sunday 5 November 1905. Edie Cottingham is 19 years old, living with her parents. While some of the local gossips consider Edie too outspoken, too modern and too stubborn to get a husband, Edie’s plan is to marry Theo Hooley. Theo plays the organ at the church Edie and her family attend. He’s a quiet man, a veteran of the Boer War. Edie and Theo form an understanding, and Theo will visit the Cottingham home to ask Paul Cottingham for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Theo’s mother, Lilly, is delighted.

But Edie’s mother dies, leaving Paul with a new daughter, Gracie, and Edie with a new set of responsibilities. How can Edie marry Theo, and leave?

Theo is patient. He’s prepared to wait for Edie. Every Sunday at three, he calls on Edie, with a rose. Every Sunday, Edie refuse to walk around the lake with him. Every Sunday, Theo decides to wait longer. Many in the town are fascinated. How long will Theo wait? Will Edie change her mind as Gracie becomes older? It seems like Theo is prepared to wait for ever. But Theo and Edie are not the only characters in this novel and theirs are not the only stories to be told. Lives are about to be changed, first by an unexpected event and then by the onset of the Great War.

This novel spans the period from 1905 to 1924, and the story will take some unexpected turns. Beth, the Cottingham’s maidservant will make several critical decisions, and Gracie will continue to charm everyone with her delightful smile. Theo will leave Australia to fight in the Great War, other characters will enter the story.

This is not a typical romance, although there are certainly romantic elements. Patience is a central theme, as is a sense of duty and family obligation. The world changes in many ways during and after the Great War and people change as well.

‘A week could be a very long time. It could take from one Sunday afternoon to the following Saturday and a whole life could be lived in the middle.’

There are so many components to this story, so many pieces that fit together. I’m finding it difficult to assemble the right words to do the novel justice. At times I was frustrated by decisions made, by inaction (so often followed by dutiful reaction) that I thought I’d stop reading. Then an image would take and hold my attention, or there’d be a reminder of life in regional centres when two of my grandparents were of a similar age to Edie. And once again I’d be swept up in the novel. Just when I thought I’d worked it out, there’s be another twist to negotiate.

This is by no means a straightforward romance, but it is an interesting (if at times frustrating) and ultimately rewarding read.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Kali Napier]

I like discovering historical fiction set in places I haven't encountered yet, such as Ballarat, especially within my favourite time period. This story starts in 1905 with Edie setting her heart's desire on the local church organist, Theo Hooley. Throughout the course of this novel, Edie writes her plans in her journal, and ensures they come to pass. She just doesn't have control over the timing. Time is a recurrent motif throughout this story, especially 3pm on a Sunday afternoon. Theo Hooley is good at waiting. He learnt it from his mother, and he has patience more than I could ever have. Interwoven with the stories of Edie and Theo, are Edie's father Paul, a political progressive, and Edie's sister Gracie, whose entry into the world alters everyone's lives. We also follow the storyline of the maid, Beth, who bides her own time, but who, ultimately, finds she is a modern woman ahead of the Edwardian period.
The title is very fitting. Cooking runs a seam throughout the novel, and all the baking made me quite hungry. Through food we see the impact of war, of love, of changes in relationships. To preserve love, we learn, we must nourish and feed it.
As a reader, there were times I continued reading this book in faith, as it is slow-going at times. But faith is significant to the characters, where one who appears late in the piece converts to the Baptist church and brings the story full circle. And having faith in people and in love is ultimately rewarding.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an unusual book which I ultimately enjoyed after thinking of not finishing it a few times.

[Alicia Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable story with a fresh voice.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful love story set in Ballarat at the turn of the century following the Boer War through to the aftermath of WWI. In the tradition of UK author, Jennifer Ryan's best-selling title - Chilbury Ladies' Choir - we now have an Australian author who writes equally well about war, the loss of an entire generation of men, the destruction of love and lives and the emergence of fierce, independent women. Follow the life of Edie and her peers with their fierce determination to stick by their convictions and accept both the good and bad with both composure and resolve.

When tragedy strikes on the day thoroughly-modern Edie Cottingham was expecting ex-soldier and church organist, Theo Hooley, to ask for her hand in marriage no-one could have predicted how long he might ultimately wait and to what lengths he would go. Once Edie embraces her role of being Gracie's mother she quickly dispels all thoughts of marrying and accepts dedicating her life to nurturing the life of her beautiful, delicate and cheerful younger sister. Their housemaid, Beth, watches on longingly as she answers the door each Sunday afternoon for Theo as he attempts to woo Edie and make her change her mind. But she won't be swayed and Beth sees her opportunity offering Theo her hand in marriage instead. A marriage of compromise results but the call of duty is too strong and Theo leaves promptly for foreign shores to fight for his country. He leaves his beloved mother, Lilly, and his confused wife, Beth, and sweet Gracie too but he’s confident he will survive.

Reuben Rosenburg, however, is none too sure of T M Hooley’s chances as he assists move him from the trenches, hallucinogenic with fever and uncontrollable chills. The successful English fighter pilot, the war’s perfect pin-up boy, is blessed with bucket loads of charm and charisma but in this dreadful moment when he is assisting transport the dead and dying it is his melodic and soothing voice that calms Theo and hopefully, Reuben hopes, offers him solace in his final minutes of life.

Reuben returns to Britain but can’t forget Theo’s passing words to send his love to Edie and Gracie. And these words and the words of many others he also comforted continue to haunt him after the war ends. Langton gives us a perceptive insight into the condition we now know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its devastating impact on soldiers’ abilities to comfortably return to civilian life.

She also gives us some great insight into the social history of this period – the rise in outspoken women determined to fight for their right to work and have a say in the direction of their lives; the right of women to decide to live independently, to choose their companions and also decide whether the institution of marriage is right for them; the acknowledgement of workers’ rights to have a safe workplace and work reasonable hours and the industrial advances in society with the introduction of the automobile providing everyone with greater independence and freedom.

I found this book delightfully predictable. Any novel written against the backdrop of war will always have heartache and courage as essential ingredients. As Booker prize-winning novelist, Penelope Fitzgerald wrote in The Bookshop “Courage and endurance are useless if they are never tested”. And this is what Langton accomplishes effortlessly here with The Art of Preserving Love. If you are looking to escape to another time and place, a war novel with a uniquely Australian country town setting and the pleasure that a novel about love - simple and pure - can evoke then I highly recommend this novel to you.

[Deanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ada Langton’s ‘The Art Of Preserving Love’ is set in Ballarat and spans the period of The Boer War until the end of World War One and is in essence an enduring and poignant love story but also so much more. Evie is the main protagonist and as the story begins, we learn that she is regarded as a headstrong nineteen year old referred to by the community as the ‘Too Girl - “Too stubborn, too outspoken, too liberal”.
Evie keeps a notebook with her in which she writes down all her life goals.
Her diary entry of 5 November 1905 which provides the pivotal theme of the book is
Fifth November Five
I am nineteen years old
Plan - Marry (try to make it Theo Hooley)
Theo does indeed fall deeply in love with Edie but due to family circumstances Edie does not pursue the relationship. Theo is a gentle man who has learnt all about patience and so he decides to wait until Evie is ready. So for years he knocks on her door every Sunday at 3pm bringing with him a rose.
All the characters in this novel are richly and interestingly drawn and Langton is able to create a real sense of the era of the early 1900’s in Ballarat.
This is a wonderfully told novel about life long love, family, patience and responsibility -a terrifically enjoyable novel and highly recommended.
Thank you Moreton Bay Library for the advance copy.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the first 40% of this novel, I really wasn't sure whether I was going to continue, it was very different, both in the way it was written and the story itself, I am so glad I did continue because it really was a lovely love story and the ending was perfect. The story follows the lives of Edie and Theo, along with several other key characters in the years encompassing 1905 through 1924 in Ballarat. It is a different time to now and it was a time of change and a time of war. A lovely story, that seems to meander it's way along, never in a hurry, as is mentioned in the story, these characters are used to waiting.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin (Australia), TEEN / MIRA for a copy in return for an honest review

[Gillian Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally enjoyed this book, and I certainly enjoyed the plot and the glimpse into life in Ballarat in the early 20th century. What I didn't like so much was the extravagant and overblown descriptions. Some of it sounded like a schoolgirl writing with a sometimes clumsy OTT style, and this made the pace a bit slow and longwinded. And it needed some better editing. There were parts made out to be significant that didn't lead anywhere (eg the " Too girl" bit, which featured once or twice and was then never referred to again) and this was a little annoying. That said, I read till the end and liked how the tale resolved

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edie and Theo are in love and destined to spend their lives together. Tragedy intervenes and Theo decides to wait for until Edie is ready to marry him. A basic enough storyline but the book is much more than basic. A lovely romance intertwined with the horrors of WWI, the lifestyle of early 20th century Ballarat and a really lovely link between roses and hope.

[Rebecca Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender, poignant book, with beautiful writing and a story that's infused with humour, compassion and whimsy. Langton's observations of the world, as seen through her characters, are astute and yet at the same time moving, gentle and forgiving. This is a book about love in all its forms, and it is told, always, with love.

[liv young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first romance book I ever read. I loved this book with all my heart. I read it 2 years ago and still stay up thinking about it. About how perfect it is. I love the way everything is set up, the plot, the characters, everything is perfect. Still one of my favourite books today and started my whole love for romance books.

[Jessica Fealy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a bit of a slow burn but I enjoyed persevering with it - think I had gotten a bit lazy in my reading and it was good to invest the time in a slow, but beautiful read like this. Loved that it was an Aussie story set in Ballarat. A beautiful love story.

[Lj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read all the way to the end. Enjoyed the characters and what they all brought to the story.

[Alison Hydes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read about a family,love, decisions we make, tied in with world war 1.

[Padgett Ratings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the detail when describing the settings and the history behind the motivations of the characters.

[Jill Shortt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, beautifully written with many twists.

[Jocelyn.C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish, story developed far too slowly.
Too much “local detail” which seemed to be included to pad out an uninteresting story.

[Danielle Bizjak]

Dnf at 150 page of the paperback. I don't care.

[Jan Toy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story, although it was a bit drawn out at times. I enjoy reading books work Australia as a back drop.

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not what I expected from the title, actually turned out a lot better than I thought. An enjoyable storyline.