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Wine of Honour
I wonder how many women today are back in their pre-war ruts. For how many was the war merely a temporary disarrangement and for how many others has it meant complete re-adjustment, an entirely new set of circumstances? This is a stupid thought for me to have when, even in my own case, I don’t know the answer. Helen Townsend and neighbour Laura Watson are unlikely friends as a result of serving together in the ATS. Helen is married to the local doctor, but has spent much of the war with her lover Brian, and both men are now due back from active service. Laura, stuck caring for her domineering father, is already missing the freedoms that war offered. They and many others in their village are just beginning to adjust to the unexpected challenges of peace. In Wine of Honour , Barbara Beauchamp seems somehow to have recognized how unique and fleeting were the details of life in the days and weeks just after the end of World War II, and to have set out to carefully document them—with particular focus on the experiences of women. The result is an incomparable, fly-on-the-wall vision of a fascinating time and place.
- GenresFiction
217 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1945
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 1, 2020
Very interesting and perceptive. This 1945 novel take a close, detailed, almost anthropological look at the lives of women (and, tangentially, the men) of one British town over the course of their first post-World War II year.
It's told partially in first-person narrative by Helen Townsend, who is negotiating her relationship with her husband upon his return from the Army; at the same time, her wartime lover wants her to leave with him. Other, third-person narratives are woven into Helen's story, portraying the experiences of the women who served with her in the ATS (the women's branch of the British Army); the mothers and daughters left at home; and the altered, damaged, or now absent husbands and sons. Some flourish, and some falter. Some miss the order, community, opportunities, and meaning that the service brought to their lives. Some of the women married (or not) and are now widows with children. Some are mothers who can't understand the change and distance in their sons' personalities. All of the women and men are facing personal challenges in an unfamiliar postwar landscape in which their roles in society are altered or diminished beyond comfortable recognition.
Another worthy entry in the Dean Street Press/Furrowed Middlebrow series of reissues.
It's told partially in first-person narrative by Helen Townsend, who is negotiating her relationship with her husband upon his return from the Army; at the same time, her wartime lover wants her to leave with him. Other, third-person narratives are woven into Helen's story, portraying the experiences of the women who served with her in the ATS (the women's branch of the British Army); the mothers and daughters left at home; and the altered, damaged, or now absent husbands and sons. Some flourish, and some falter. Some miss the order, community, opportunities, and meaning that the service brought to their lives. Some of the women married (or not) and are now widows with children. Some are mothers who can't understand the change and distance in their sons' personalities. All of the women and men are facing personal challenges in an unfamiliar postwar landscape in which their roles in society are altered or diminished beyond comfortable recognition.
Another worthy entry in the Dean Street Press/Furrowed Middlebrow series of reissues.
September 14, 2023
Interesting look at immediate post-WW2 life in England. But none of the characters are particularly likable. The author chose to tell part of the story 1st person and the other sections omniscient 3rd person, and it just doesn't quite fit together the way it should. Not my favorite of the Dean Street Press reprints, but I don't regret reading it.
October 11, 2023
Barbara Beauchamp's "Wine of Honour", published in 1945, shows the immediate post WW 2 return of the military personnel and also the demobilised civilian forces, especially Helen and Laura's ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) centering on the village of Kirton. The changes in society have an impact on the social makeup that has changed more so since the first World War. Can their lives return to normal or has so much that happened during the war years separate them from their pre 1939 lives?
I found this wonderfully written that insight from an author that had actually experienced those war years was extremely interesting, another great read for those lovers of fictionalized historic stories.
Story in short- Helen and Laura are so different personality wise but the village of Kirton is what keeps them as friendly acquaintances.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
I do remember. Could I ever forget Laura’s leaves, her sleeping out passes, her days off—all arranged to suit Mr. Watson, not Laura or the Unit or the war effort.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
“Not Peter?” I exclaim joyfully and notice the sharp look Laura gives me. Peter is Brian’s elder brother. “Yes, Peter, my dears. All the way from heaven knows where on the other side of the world, and for good!” She sits back, quite deflated after her sensational announcement. Laura and I chorus together, “How lovely for you! Is he well?
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
What a surprise! He must be thrilled!” A shadow crosses Lady Gurney’s face. “As a matter of fact, my dears, he isn’t.” “Not pleased to be home again?” Laura asks, incredulous. “Well, in a way of course he is, but he’s changed somehow. Mind you, he was very tired when he arrived and the silly boy hadn’t eaten anything for twenty-four hours. He’d spent the night
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
in London instead of coming straight down to Kirton; burning his boats or something, he said.” “But he must be glad to be out of uniform,” Laura persists. I wonder whether she emphasizes the point because, subconsciously, she feels Peter ought to be glad; that everyone should be glad to be released. I have a feeling that, already, she is nostalgic for her own discarded khaki. Laura is going to live a great deal in the past, I fear.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
Again my thoughts turn to Brian. It will be his turn next. We’re all back, or on our way back—like Gyp. “Of course,” Lady Gurney is saying, “I think he’d been celebrating. You know what the Navy’s like. But he kept on saying he’d lost his home. ‘I haven’t got a home now, Mother,’ he told me. He said it at least ten times.” “No home?” Laura says, puzzled. “He meant his ship, though I admit we didn’t understand at first,” Lady Gurney explains,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
“I must say that after everything his father and I have gone through these years to keep the home going at all, I think it was a little tactless of him,” she adds with characteristic candour. Laura is full of sympathy which is somewhat wasted since Lady Gurney is not seriously perturbed.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I was happy that Helen had finally decided that she loved Gyp, her husband though while he was serving in the military, she had lived with and had an affair with Brian Gurney for years. She had decided not to tell her husband, I wonder if he had heard rumors and known but didn't bring it up. Brian seemed like the truly immature, self centered one who ends up marrying a beauty that could have been his daughter's age if he had one. Helen will live her life but I am afraid Brian will still have her in his heart. His wife, Serena will do her best and hopefully he will be a good husband, though it might be hard for her with the age difference. I had hoped Laura would find love with Michael Cross but he seems to be looking for older women, in the mold of his mother, it seems strange. Laura's father has not long to live and she might find freedom but even then that might be too late for any changes. The Gurneys had to accept the fate of their social standing is becoming less important, when the money has gone from expenses and the wars' impact. I was happy Lily found love though her brother Dick seems to be uncertain, Elise and the kids might help him. Gyp and Helen's marriage survives and becomes something more solid, especially with the baby on the way, that only they have knowledge of, keeping it a secret for a little longer. Peter seems to have lost his way, not that his gambling days before the war were of account, he seems to not have taken his return well, drinking and not being able to find an occupation, as well as the society changes which have impacted his standing in society. It seems Angela will not settle down and marry but work and try to help someone else.
I found this wonderfully written that insight from an author that had actually experienced those war years was extremely interesting, another great read for those lovers of fictionalized historic stories.
Story in short- Helen and Laura are so different personality wise but the village of Kirton is what keeps them as friendly acquaintances.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 3
I do remember. Could I ever forget Laura’s leaves, her sleeping out passes, her days off—all arranged to suit Mr. Watson, not Laura or the Unit or the war effort.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
“Not Peter?” I exclaim joyfully and notice the sharp look Laura gives me. Peter is Brian’s elder brother. “Yes, Peter, my dears. All the way from heaven knows where on the other side of the world, and for good!” She sits back, quite deflated after her sensational announcement. Laura and I chorus together, “How lovely for you! Is he well?
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
What a surprise! He must be thrilled!” A shadow crosses Lady Gurney’s face. “As a matter of fact, my dears, he isn’t.” “Not pleased to be home again?” Laura asks, incredulous. “Well, in a way of course he is, but he’s changed somehow. Mind you, he was very tired when he arrived and the silly boy hadn’t eaten anything for twenty-four hours. He’d spent the night
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
in London instead of coming straight down to Kirton; burning his boats or something, he said.” “But he must be glad to be out of uniform,” Laura persists. I wonder whether she emphasizes the point because, subconsciously, she feels Peter ought to be glad; that everyone should be glad to be released. I have a feeling that, already, she is nostalgic for her own discarded khaki. Laura is going to live a great deal in the past, I fear.
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
Again my thoughts turn to Brian. It will be his turn next. We’re all back, or on our way back—like Gyp. “Of course,” Lady Gurney is saying, “I think he’d been celebrating. You know what the Navy’s like. But he kept on saying he’d lost his home. ‘I haven’t got a home now, Mother,’ he told me. He said it at least ten times.” “No home?” Laura says, puzzled. “He meant his ship, though I admit we didn’t understand at first,” Lady Gurney explains,
Highlight (Yellow) | Page 7
“I must say that after everything his father and I have gone through these years to keep the home going at all, I think it was a little tactless of him,” she adds with characteristic candour. Laura is full of sympathy which is somewhat wasted since Lady Gurney is not seriously perturbed.
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert
I was happy that Helen had finally decided that she loved Gyp, her husband though while he was serving in the military, she had lived with and had an affair with Brian Gurney for years. She had decided not to tell her husband, I wonder if he had heard rumors and known but didn't bring it up. Brian seemed like the truly immature, self centered one who ends up marrying a beauty that could have been his daughter's age if he had one. Helen will live her life but I am afraid Brian will still have her in his heart. His wife, Serena will do her best and hopefully he will be a good husband, though it might be hard for her with the age difference. I had hoped Laura would find love with Michael Cross but he seems to be looking for older women, in the mold of his mother, it seems strange. Laura's father has not long to live and she might find freedom but even then that might be too late for any changes. The Gurneys had to accept the fate of their social standing is becoming less important, when the money has gone from expenses and the wars' impact. I was happy Lily found love though her brother Dick seems to be uncertain, Elise and the kids might help him. Gyp and Helen's marriage survives and becomes something more solid, especially with the baby on the way, that only they have knowledge of, keeping it a secret for a little longer. Peter seems to have lost his way, not that his gambling days before the war were of account, he seems to not have taken his return well, drinking and not being able to find an occupation, as well as the society changes which have impacted his standing in society. It seems Angela will not settle down and marry but work and try to help someone else.
July 9, 2025
4.25
My Interest
I have yet to find a Dean Street Press/Furrowed Middlebrow book that I didn’t like! Plus, who wouldn’t be interested in a novel of women settling back into normal life after serving in World War II?
The Story
“I want to tear down the smug mask the village has made for me. I want to exhibity myself and let them understand that no one is alone in the problems–the intimate and sometimes debasing problems–which war has bequeathed to those who come back.”
“At one time the thought of [husband] in his bath was exciting and tender; now I only wonder whether he has mussed up the soap or the bath mat….”
“Is our life to be endless evenings of bad radio and indifferent novels?”
“He is the same [husband] and, now that he has been home for a while, he is almost indistinguishable from the man who went away in 1940. He is companionable and secure; but I am married to a stranger.”
Village residents Laura and Helen were both in the Auxilary Transport Service [the part of the British Army women served in. Queen Elizabeth II very briefly served with the ATS]. They have little in common other than their hometown and their service. Laura is back to being her elderly father’s drudge and Helen is back to her marital home–childless with her doctor husband serving she went into uniform. Along the way both women experienced great freedom. Laura escaped the relentless demands of her father, while Helen fell in love. Now both are back trying to make the best of life at home again.
Also enduring the aftermath of the war is the local gentry family. Their large home, meant to be cared for by a team of servants is now beyond affording. Both sons are back but one is making a life and the other is making a mess of things. Times are changing for their local publican’s family as well. Their son didn’t fare as well in the war–he was hurt both by his injury and by being given a commission. Both are making his readjustment difficult.
My Thoughts
Helen, the doctor’s wife, has the biggest adjustment to make due to NO SPOILERS. She gives it her all and makes her peace with her life. I thought of the line in the movie “The Best Years of Our Lives” when Al’s wife, Milly, asks “How many times have I had to fall in love with you all over again?” Like Helen, she did it. I liked Helen very much. I related to this quote more than to any other: “As soon as I reach the sitting room, I feel soothed.” I re-charge at home, alone. I love that Helen did, too.
Laura though, being single, and burdened with her father’s care, struggles. She clings to (invents? embellishes?) her memories of the freedom and fun she had in the A.T.S. While Helen’s memories became dimmer, Laura works to keep it all alive and front and center. She becomes involved in keeping the memories alive with newsetters and a membership oganization. While I have been married, I felt for Laura. I understood her need to stay connected even though I have never sought out an alumni association or Returned Peace Corps group or anything. She needed to cling to those memories to get her through the bleak present. The book Singled Out came to mind, though it was about the WWI single women.
As an American I found the reaction to the local pub keeper’s son being promoted to an officer to be the most interesting of the many interesting storylines. In spite of what we in the USA like to think, we are not a “classless” society. Yes, Bobby and Teddy Kennedy were both enlisted men (JKF and Joe Jr were officers) but no that was more for show than desire. The publican’s son’s identity as working class and of his promotion being “above” him–that’s odd to an American. We’d see that as being self-made, pulling himself up by his bootstraps. There’s always that group that would say he was stupid for taking the promotion, but most would be very proud of him. In the story, his own parents were upset that he was promoted. It would only get him accustomed to a life and status he could not sustain after the war. His injury couldn’t be helped, but that officer’s commission could.
As for the gentry, well….this isn’t the moment in the USA to be terribly teary over the downfall of the rich. They seemed like good people though. And a blacksheep son can happen in any socioeconomic class. It would be very hard for m’lady but I’m sure she was made of stern enough stuff to make the move and find peace.
I loved this book from cover to cover. I thought of “The Best Years of Our Lives” many times. I also thought of my own grandparents. My grandfather was one of the first drafted [though almost at the age limit] and didn’t return home until late in the demobilizaiton. He slept for a day then got up and went to the truck yard and got his job back. That generation was like that.
My Verdict
4.25
Wine of Honour by Barbara Beauchamp
I read the Kindle version of this book.
Brief Afterword–the quote that could be from today
“What chance had science against the complacency of the ignorant.”
My Interest
I have yet to find a Dean Street Press/Furrowed Middlebrow book that I didn’t like! Plus, who wouldn’t be interested in a novel of women settling back into normal life after serving in World War II?
The Story
“I want to tear down the smug mask the village has made for me. I want to exhibity myself and let them understand that no one is alone in the problems–the intimate and sometimes debasing problems–which war has bequeathed to those who come back.”
“At one time the thought of [husband] in his bath was exciting and tender; now I only wonder whether he has mussed up the soap or the bath mat….”
“Is our life to be endless evenings of bad radio and indifferent novels?”
“He is the same [husband] and, now that he has been home for a while, he is almost indistinguishable from the man who went away in 1940. He is companionable and secure; but I am married to a stranger.”
Village residents Laura and Helen were both in the Auxilary Transport Service [the part of the British Army women served in. Queen Elizabeth II very briefly served with the ATS]. They have little in common other than their hometown and their service. Laura is back to being her elderly father’s drudge and Helen is back to her marital home–childless with her doctor husband serving she went into uniform. Along the way both women experienced great freedom. Laura escaped the relentless demands of her father, while Helen fell in love. Now both are back trying to make the best of life at home again.
Also enduring the aftermath of the war is the local gentry family. Their large home, meant to be cared for by a team of servants is now beyond affording. Both sons are back but one is making a life and the other is making a mess of things. Times are changing for their local publican’s family as well. Their son didn’t fare as well in the war–he was hurt both by his injury and by being given a commission. Both are making his readjustment difficult.
My Thoughts
Helen, the doctor’s wife, has the biggest adjustment to make due to NO SPOILERS. She gives it her all and makes her peace with her life. I thought of the line in the movie “The Best Years of Our Lives” when Al’s wife, Milly, asks “How many times have I had to fall in love with you all over again?” Like Helen, she did it. I liked Helen very much. I related to this quote more than to any other: “As soon as I reach the sitting room, I feel soothed.” I re-charge at home, alone. I love that Helen did, too.
Laura though, being single, and burdened with her father’s care, struggles. She clings to (invents? embellishes?) her memories of the freedom and fun she had in the A.T.S. While Helen’s memories became dimmer, Laura works to keep it all alive and front and center. She becomes involved in keeping the memories alive with newsetters and a membership oganization. While I have been married, I felt for Laura. I understood her need to stay connected even though I have never sought out an alumni association or Returned Peace Corps group or anything. She needed to cling to those memories to get her through the bleak present. The book Singled Out came to mind, though it was about the WWI single women.
As an American I found the reaction to the local pub keeper’s son being promoted to an officer to be the most interesting of the many interesting storylines. In spite of what we in the USA like to think, we are not a “classless” society. Yes, Bobby and Teddy Kennedy were both enlisted men (JKF and Joe Jr were officers) but no that was more for show than desire. The publican’s son’s identity as working class and of his promotion being “above” him–that’s odd to an American. We’d see that as being self-made, pulling himself up by his bootstraps. There’s always that group that would say he was stupid for taking the promotion, but most would be very proud of him. In the story, his own parents were upset that he was promoted. It would only get him accustomed to a life and status he could not sustain after the war. His injury couldn’t be helped, but that officer’s commission could.
As for the gentry, well….this isn’t the moment in the USA to be terribly teary over the downfall of the rich. They seemed like good people though. And a blacksheep son can happen in any socioeconomic class. It would be very hard for m’lady but I’m sure she was made of stern enough stuff to make the move and find peace.
I loved this book from cover to cover. I thought of “The Best Years of Our Lives” many times. I also thought of my own grandparents. My grandfather was one of the first drafted [though almost at the age limit] and didn’t return home until late in the demobilizaiton. He slept for a day then got up and went to the truck yard and got his job back. That generation was like that.
My Verdict
4.25
Wine of Honour by Barbara Beauchamp
I read the Kindle version of this book.
Brief Afterword–the quote that could be from today
“What chance had science against the complacency of the ignorant.”
March 22, 2023
#FurrowedMiddlebrowClub on Litsy - March 2023
March 13, 2025
3 Stars
Well written, but most of the characters were such unpleasant people, I soon grew sick of them. Interesting for the fact that it's set in 1945, right after the characters were demobilized.
Well written, but most of the characters were such unpleasant people, I soon grew sick of them. Interesting for the fact that it's set in 1945, right after the characters were demobilized.
April 8, 2023
The inhabitants of the village of Kilton are slowly adapting to peacetime, as the male soldiers return, often with physical and/or mental damage, and the women who joined up to serve on the home front relinquish their military duties and return to the limitations allowed women in mid 20th century English civilian life. This return to “Civvey Street” is smoother for some more so than others.
This was an interesting look at life after wartime in England. It was only published in 1945 and the author had served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during WWII; a real time capsule. Furrowed Middlebrow Club March 2023 read.
This was an interesting look at life after wartime in England. It was only published in 1945 and the author had served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during WWII; a real time capsule. Furrowed Middlebrow Club March 2023 read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews