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An Island at War
A moving historical novel about the German occupation of the Channel Islands from the bestselling author of The Poppy Field.
While her little sister Rose is sent to the UK to keep her safe from the invading German army, Estelle is left behind on Jersey to help her grandmother run the family farm. When the Germans occupy the island, everything changes and Estelle and the islanders must face the reality of life under Nazi rule.
Interspersed with letters from Rose back in London, the novel is also inspired by the real life stories from the author’s own family who were on the island during the occupation and is a true testament to the courage and bravery of the islanders.
While her little sister Rose is sent to the UK to keep her safe from the invading German army, Estelle is left behind on Jersey to help her grandmother run the family farm. When the Germans occupy the island, everything changes and Estelle and the islanders must face the reality of life under Nazi rule.
Interspersed with letters from Rose back in London, the novel is also inspired by the real life stories from the author’s own family who were on the island during the occupation and is a true testament to the courage and bravery of the islanders.
416 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2021
744 people are currently reading
5062 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Carr
10 books180 followersDeborah Carr a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical fiction and published by HarperCollins One More Chapter division.
She lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is one of The Blonde Plotters writing group.
She lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is one of The Blonde Plotters writing group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 259 reviews
June 25, 2021
Estelle Le Maistre is holding back the tears when she takes her twelve year old sister Rosie to the boat that will take her to safety in England, and she’s one of the lucky ones to leave Jersey. The English government decided the Channel Islands are of no strategic importance, they wouldn’t defend them and the Germans have no idea. Estelle stayed behind to help on her family’s farm, her grandmother Marnie Woods is getting older and they grow vital crops.
When the Germans arrive in Jersey, the locals are terrified and they immediately start enforcing new rules. A strict curfew, all weapons must be handed in, clocks are moved one hour forward, food is rationed and fishing is banned. Estelle and her Gran assume they should be fine on the isolated farm, until they have to billet a German Wehrmacht Officer and Captain Hans Bauer moves in. Now they feel like they can’t relax in their own home, talk freely and it’s odd having a German sleeping under the same roof.
Rosie is living in England with her Aunt Muriel, to cope with her homesickness her Aunt gives her a diary and in this she writes her thoughts and feelings. Muriel is a lovely lady, Rosie finds London big and crowded. The Blitz starts, night after night they endure the terrible bombing, devastation and get no sleep. Rosie misses her family, she just wants the war to end and so she can return home.
As time goes on life in Jersey becomes harder, items like clothes and shoes can’t be replaced and basic necessities are no longer available at the local shops. The German soldiers are everywhere on the island, it’s rather intimidating for the residents and it get worse. People are deported, Russian slaves arrive to help reinforce the defences along the coast, food and firewood become scarce, the locals and the Germans are cold and hungry. You realize the Germans are suffering as well, many are regular men, forced to serve in the army and not career soldiers.
An Island at War is inspired by real stories from author Deborah Carr’s own family who were living on Jersey during the occupation and in London during the Blitz. It’s a story about war, deprivation, brutality, inhumanity, courage and survival. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, a unique WW II story and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
When the Germans arrive in Jersey, the locals are terrified and they immediately start enforcing new rules. A strict curfew, all weapons must be handed in, clocks are moved one hour forward, food is rationed and fishing is banned. Estelle and her Gran assume they should be fine on the isolated farm, until they have to billet a German Wehrmacht Officer and Captain Hans Bauer moves in. Now they feel like they can’t relax in their own home, talk freely and it’s odd having a German sleeping under the same roof.
Rosie is living in England with her Aunt Muriel, to cope with her homesickness her Aunt gives her a diary and in this she writes her thoughts and feelings. Muriel is a lovely lady, Rosie finds London big and crowded. The Blitz starts, night after night they endure the terrible bombing, devastation and get no sleep. Rosie misses her family, she just wants the war to end and so she can return home.
As time goes on life in Jersey becomes harder, items like clothes and shoes can’t be replaced and basic necessities are no longer available at the local shops. The German soldiers are everywhere on the island, it’s rather intimidating for the residents and it get worse. People are deported, Russian slaves arrive to help reinforce the defences along the coast, food and firewood become scarce, the locals and the Germans are cold and hungry. You realize the Germans are suffering as well, many are regular men, forced to serve in the army and not career soldiers.
An Island at War is inspired by real stories from author Deborah Carr’s own family who were living on Jersey during the occupation and in London during the Blitz. It’s a story about war, deprivation, brutality, inhumanity, courage and survival. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, a unique WW II story and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
May 28, 2022
Estelle has sent her younger sister Rosie away from their home just in time, for days later the Germans occupy the Channel Islands. Now both sisters must survive their respective environments as best as they can.
I picked up this book despite the tiring similarity of many WW2 historicals because it had an unusual setting – the Channel Islands, which were occupied by Germans for much of the war. I had hoped that this unique experience would lend itself to a more memorable tale. Unfortunately, it ended up being more run-of-the-mill.
I did like the setting and the way Jersey was depicted, as a pastoral and close-knit community. The author is herself from here and you can tell that she really knows and cares about the island in her writing.
Unfortunately, the characters and situations felt very much like stock WW2 historical characters – the centric girl, some family members, good German, bad German. Issues like the Jewish people being rounded up and the presence of slaves from Russia are touched upon, but nothing really makes an impact. The characters too felt rather lightly sketched, the story plods along without much united plot, and ultimately I just did not find the story engaging.
Overall, I would not recommend this read unless you are a WW2 historical completionist, or conversely have read very few of them.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I picked up this book despite the tiring similarity of many WW2 historicals because it had an unusual setting – the Channel Islands, which were occupied by Germans for much of the war. I had hoped that this unique experience would lend itself to a more memorable tale. Unfortunately, it ended up being more run-of-the-mill.
I did like the setting and the way Jersey was depicted, as a pastoral and close-knit community. The author is herself from here and you can tell that she really knows and cares about the island in her writing.
Unfortunately, the characters and situations felt very much like stock WW2 historical characters – the centric girl, some family members, good German, bad German. Issues like the Jewish people being rounded up and the presence of slaves from Russia are touched upon, but nothing really makes an impact. The characters too felt rather lightly sketched, the story plods along without much united plot, and ultimately I just did not find the story engaging.
Overall, I would not recommend this read unless you are a WW2 historical completionist, or conversely have read very few of them.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 25, 2021
June, 1940: While her little sister Rosie is sent to the UK to keep her safe from the invading German army, Estelle Le Maistre is left behind on Jersey to help her grandmother run the family farm. When the Germans occupy the island, everything changes and Estelle and the islanders must face the reality of the Nazi rule.
This is an emotional story of how life changed for the residents of Jersey during the German occupation in WWII. The chapters alternate between Estelle and her grandmother on Jersey and Estelle's little sister Rosie in London. Rosie's story is told in the form of diary entries. Deborah Carr has written a sensitive story that shows just how the horrors of war devastated family lives. The book is based on true events of Deborah Carr's family. The first couple of chapters will pull at your heartstrings. This is a beautifully written story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMOreChapter and the author #DeborahCarr in exchange for an honest review.
This is an emotional story of how life changed for the residents of Jersey during the German occupation in WWII. The chapters alternate between Estelle and her grandmother on Jersey and Estelle's little sister Rosie in London. Rosie's story is told in the form of diary entries. Deborah Carr has written a sensitive story that shows just how the horrors of war devastated family lives. The book is based on true events of Deborah Carr's family. The first couple of chapters will pull at your heartstrings. This is a beautifully written story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMOreChapter and the author #DeborahCarr in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2025
I really don't know where to begin to write my review. I absolutely loved it!!! 💛
The storyline is well thought out and the characters are very believable and well developed. I don't want to tell the story of the book because so many have already done that. I will tell you that this story pulled me in from the beginning and totally held my attention all the way through this book!
So many emotions came from Estelle, her younger sister, Rosie, Gran and Hans. It's really a gripping and compelling story of love, family, faith and trust and friendship. It made me think about how sweet Hans, the German officer who stayed with Gran and Estelle during the occupation, must have felt when Germany lost the war. That's something I never thought of before. All of these characters are so strong to endure so very much! I was so involved in this book and I really missed it when I was done reading it! I know when I've read a good book when I am still thinking about it days after I read it!
I very highly recommend this one!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
The storyline is well thought out and the characters are very believable and well developed. I don't want to tell the story of the book because so many have already done that. I will tell you that this story pulled me in from the beginning and totally held my attention all the way through this book!
So many emotions came from Estelle, her younger sister, Rosie, Gran and Hans. It's really a gripping and compelling story of love, family, faith and trust and friendship. It made me think about how sweet Hans, the German officer who stayed with Gran and Estelle during the occupation, must have felt when Germany lost the war. That's something I never thought of before. All of these characters are so strong to endure so very much! I was so involved in this book and I really missed it when I was done reading it! I know when I've read a good book when I am still thinking about it days after I read it!
I very highly recommend this one!
Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨
June 23, 2021
I’m a fan of WWII novels and I love reading about the different areas and people that were affected during that time. In this novel, we learn about the channel island of Jersey and their 5 year Nazi occupation. Estelle and her grandmother need to find the courage to withstand the hardships and having a Nazi captain billet with them. You mostly get Estelle’s POV but there are sections with her little sister Rosie’s diary entries. It was a good story that spanned five years but because it did, I felt that you really didn’t get the full story of all that happened. Every WWII novel shocks me in some way and makes me sad. The first two chapters made me cry, which doesn’t surprise me. The only thing I really didn’t like was the ending. I think that could have been done differently and with a lot more emotion than what was delivered.
June 12, 2022
I'm not going to summarise this book, plenty of reviewers have done it already.
The book was enjoyable and I read it in a day. The Occupation of the Channel Islands has long been an interesting topic to me so was looking forward to the read. While I enjoyed it in the main, I thought the history was very understated. I can only imagine the real hardships suffered by the people but it wasn't really communicated here just how severe it was. Too many storylines crammed in.
There was a 'good' German and a 'bad' one. The tension that built up over the bad one just fizzled out into nothing. Also there wasn't enough made of the relationship between Estelle and Hans.
The first part seemed to deal mainly with 1941 and 1942, then the rest of the war was galloped through. I would have liked more and the ending was very abrupt.
Still it will be enjoyable to anyone who likes stories set in this era.
The book was enjoyable and I read it in a day. The Occupation of the Channel Islands has long been an interesting topic to me so was looking forward to the read. While I enjoyed it in the main, I thought the history was very understated. I can only imagine the real hardships suffered by the people but it wasn't really communicated here just how severe it was. Too many storylines crammed in.
There was a 'good' German and a 'bad' one. The tension that built up over the bad one just fizzled out into nothing. Also there wasn't enough made of the relationship between Estelle and Hans.
The first part seemed to deal mainly with 1941 and 1942, then the rest of the war was galloped through. I would have liked more and the ending was very abrupt.
Still it will be enjoyable to anyone who likes stories set in this era.
August 4, 2021
WW2, the Channel Islands were left for the Germans to invade after it was announced that Britain would not be defending the islands.
The first few casualties after the German planes bomb the island include Estelle's father who is killed. Estelle, who has more or less raised her younger sister, their mother dying shortly after giving birth has already dealt with the anguish of parting with Rosie who has been sent to England for safety to stay with their Aunt. Rosie of course isn't safer when the Blitz starts in full earnest and the need to go down to the shelter every night. Her Aunt has given her a diary to write down events, her fears, hopes and memories.
Left to run the farm alone with just her and her grandmother Estelle knows they will struggle. Her grandmother, having gone through WW1, is wise to events that will unravel and in the beginning has to almost stand on Elsie's toes to keep her from saying unwise things. Estelle realises that some areas of the farm will suffer if she can't get help and given that most of the men had already left the island to enlist this would be a difficult task. Estelle's fiancé along with a few other men who left it too late to leave the island, are imprisoned initially and then shipped to France with an unknown future.
The German command orders all weapons and livestock be relinquished by the Islanders, however Estelle manages to miscount her chickens so for awhile they at least have eggs. The farm is pretty well self-sustaining however with more and more food being requisitioned by the Germans, food shortages make life difficult for everyone. (As the Allies thrusted through Europe food supplies were cut off, more and more food was requisitioned by the Germans to the point that the islanders were starving. Finally a Red Cross ship made it to the island bringing food parcels and thereafter made several trips until a normal ferry service was reinstated after the war).
A German Officer, Captain Hans Bauer is billeted at the farm and fortunately for the two women he has empathy for their situation and gives a lot of assistance to them sometimes in a clandestine manner. As a man who came from a farming background he also helps when it comes to harvest time. He is extraordinarily protective of the two women and comes to Estelle's rescue when she is is set upon by another Nazi soldier.
The war ends with Estelle saying goodbye to her German protectorate grateful for all his help. Ships start returning and Rosie returns, now a teenager.
The first few casualties after the German planes bomb the island include Estelle's father who is killed. Estelle, who has more or less raised her younger sister, their mother dying shortly after giving birth has already dealt with the anguish of parting with Rosie who has been sent to England for safety to stay with their Aunt. Rosie of course isn't safer when the Blitz starts in full earnest and the need to go down to the shelter every night. Her Aunt has given her a diary to write down events, her fears, hopes and memories.
Left to run the farm alone with just her and her grandmother Estelle knows they will struggle. Her grandmother, having gone through WW1, is wise to events that will unravel and in the beginning has to almost stand on Elsie's toes to keep her from saying unwise things. Estelle realises that some areas of the farm will suffer if she can't get help and given that most of the men had already left the island to enlist this would be a difficult task. Estelle's fiancé along with a few other men who left it too late to leave the island, are imprisoned initially and then shipped to France with an unknown future.
The German command orders all weapons and livestock be relinquished by the Islanders, however Estelle manages to miscount her chickens so for awhile they at least have eggs. The farm is pretty well self-sustaining however with more and more food being requisitioned by the Germans, food shortages make life difficult for everyone. (As the Allies thrusted through Europe food supplies were cut off, more and more food was requisitioned by the Germans to the point that the islanders were starving. Finally a Red Cross ship made it to the island bringing food parcels and thereafter made several trips until a normal ferry service was reinstated after the war).
A German Officer, Captain Hans Bauer is billeted at the farm and fortunately for the two women he has empathy for their situation and gives a lot of assistance to them sometimes in a clandestine manner. As a man who came from a farming background he also helps when it comes to harvest time. He is extraordinarily protective of the two women and comes to Estelle's rescue when she is is set upon by another Nazi soldier.
The war ends with Estelle saying goodbye to her German protectorate grateful for all his help. Ships start returning and Rosie returns, now a teenager.
June 23, 2021
An Island at War by Deborah Carr is a great WWII-era historical fiction that was gripping, fascinating, and unique. I really enjoyed it.
This book gives the reader a glimpse of what the occupation of Jersey (within theChannel Islands) was like during the years of Nazi occupation. For some reason, I am totally fascinated by the Islands and their respective experiences during WWII. This is the first book that I have read in a while that not only included them, but also was based on true stories of the author’s family.
The book has the traditional narrative of mystery, suspense, romance, and historical facts placed within, yet with the knowledge of the author’s family and inspirations, it makes it even more harrowing and intriguing. I appreciate the Author’s willingness to present her family’s difficulties during wartime.
A great read for anyone that enjoys WWII fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and One More Chapter for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
This book gives the reader a glimpse of what the occupation of Jersey (within theChannel Islands) was like during the years of Nazi occupation. For some reason, I am totally fascinated by the Islands and their respective experiences during WWII. This is the first book that I have read in a while that not only included them, but also was based on true stories of the author’s family.
The book has the traditional narrative of mystery, suspense, romance, and historical facts placed within, yet with the knowledge of the author’s family and inspirations, it makes it even more harrowing and intriguing. I appreciate the Author’s willingness to present her family’s difficulties during wartime.
A great read for anyone that enjoys WWII fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and One More Chapter for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
June 23, 2021
This is a first time read by Deborah Carr new author to this reader. I typically shy away from these types of novels as my emotions get too involved in the content. So once in a while I take the plunge with reading this type of genre. With that being said, I am grateful to experience this wonderfully written story that was very emotional and told a tale of the lives of those who lived in the Channel Islands during WWII.
It is a riveting story of young Estelle and her grandmother who are on the Isle of Jersey and captions of their lives told by her little sister Rosie within her diary from London. This was a well-written story that had many facets of the characters played out on the pages under German rule. It was hard to put down this book as the historical aspect was very enlightening and worth knowing. I can’t say much more on this novel except that is a must read and I highly recommend. Would love to audiobook if this will be an option in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
It is a riveting story of young Estelle and her grandmother who are on the Isle of Jersey and captions of their lives told by her little sister Rosie within her diary from London. This was a well-written story that had many facets of the characters played out on the pages under German rule. It was hard to put down this book as the historical aspect was very enlightening and worth knowing. I can’t say much more on this novel except that is a must read and I highly recommend. Would love to audiobook if this will be an option in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2022
After reading “The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society” (and watching the movie), I was intrigued to read more history about the German take over of the Channel Islands during WWII. It is an emotional story (brought many tears) about this family and the lives of the people on this island and in England during a terrible time in history. The author has lived most her life on this island and did an exceptional job at writing this story, based on many true events.
May 24, 2022
3.5 stars!
I enjoyed reading this story of how WW2 affected the Island of Jersey. If not for this book I would be unaware of how these islands faced the wrath of war too. The beginning of the book is quite gripping and sucks you straight in to the story
The printed version of this book has en epilogue which tied up the story well. Its a more milder version of a WW2 story since the romance in the book takes prominence.
I enjoyed reading this story of how WW2 affected the Island of Jersey. If not for this book I would be unaware of how these islands faced the wrath of war too. The beginning of the book is quite gripping and sucks you straight in to the story
The printed version of this book has en epilogue which tied up the story well. Its a more milder version of a WW2 story since the romance in the book takes prominence.
September 17, 2023
This was a good historical fiction book, though felt a bit slow at times. 3.5 ⭐
June 30, 2021
I feel head over heels in love with this book. The vivid descriptions, the fantastic, deeply thought-out characters, and the fact that it is set on one of the Channel Islands, Jersey, makes it worth the read. My fascination level went up a few notches when I learned that Deborah Carr has lived most of her life on Jersey. You can tell that this island means the world to her by the meaningful way she describes it. You can smell the salt air, see the deeply green fields, hear the crashing waves. Carr also based, An Island At War, on her family members, who lived during the Germany occupation.
The first few chapters you will go through every emotion, sadness, heartbreak, anger, disbelief, terror, and undeniable love. Estelle must say goodbye to her 12-year-old sister, Rosie, who is being sent to London for her safety to live with her Aunt. Her father is shot down and killed by Natis warplanes. Her love is taken as a prisoner of war and marched off before her eyes. Britain abandons the Channel Islands and leaves them to defend for themselves. The final nail is watching boat, upon boat of German soldiers spewing onto their island. Enforcing rules bit by bit, until the people of Jersey feel as though their island is a prison.
Estelle and her grandmother, Marnie, are doing the best they can to keep on top of the family farm. Bringing in the potato harvest, protecting the animals they have, and trying to think ahead. When a German solider, Hans, shows up at their front door saying he has been sent to stay at their home. Two women alone, with one Germany soldier. Estelle is completely taken aback, and has to wrap her mind around it. Hans ends up being a good man, a man who watches out for the both of them, making scarifies that may endanger his own life.
An Island At War is a fascinating, emotional read. You are not only cheering for Estelle and her family, but also for Hans. It brings to light strong female characters, who have bravery and courage to stand up for themselves and for what is right. Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for giving me the chance to review this book. It is a fantastic read, that I highly recommend.
The first few chapters you will go through every emotion, sadness, heartbreak, anger, disbelief, terror, and undeniable love. Estelle must say goodbye to her 12-year-old sister, Rosie, who is being sent to London for her safety to live with her Aunt. Her father is shot down and killed by Natis warplanes. Her love is taken as a prisoner of war and marched off before her eyes. Britain abandons the Channel Islands and leaves them to defend for themselves. The final nail is watching boat, upon boat of German soldiers spewing onto their island. Enforcing rules bit by bit, until the people of Jersey feel as though their island is a prison.
Estelle and her grandmother, Marnie, are doing the best they can to keep on top of the family farm. Bringing in the potato harvest, protecting the animals they have, and trying to think ahead. When a German solider, Hans, shows up at their front door saying he has been sent to stay at their home. Two women alone, with one Germany soldier. Estelle is completely taken aback, and has to wrap her mind around it. Hans ends up being a good man, a man who watches out for the both of them, making scarifies that may endanger his own life.
An Island At War is a fascinating, emotional read. You are not only cheering for Estelle and her family, but also for Hans. It brings to light strong female characters, who have bravery and courage to stand up for themselves and for what is right. Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for giving me the chance to review this book. It is a fantastic read, that I highly recommend.
June 26, 2021
The Occupation
It all begins with German aircraft bombing the harbor and causing the death of Estelle's father. War had been looming and her younger sister Rosie was sent to London to live with her aunt. Estelle stayed on to help on the farm. With the death of her father that left Estelle and her grandmother to survive the five year occupation of the Channel Island of Jersey.
This is the story of how they survived, the German soldier billeted with them on the farm, the rationing , the horrible acts caused by the German's and their fear of them. How they managed to help their friends and a secret that Estelle's grandmother kept from her that could have meant disaster had it been discovered.
The story was much more meaningful knowing it was written by someone that was from the island of Jersey and that some of the story was derived from those she knew of on the island that had lived during the time of the occupation.
War is a terrible thing and to survive under these circumstances is heroic indeed. I can only hope that something like this never happens again.
I enjoyed reading about the beautiful island and the community that stuck together to help each other. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Deborah Carr, Harper Collins U.K., One More Chapter, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for my honest review.
It all begins with German aircraft bombing the harbor and causing the death of Estelle's father. War had been looming and her younger sister Rosie was sent to London to live with her aunt. Estelle stayed on to help on the farm. With the death of her father that left Estelle and her grandmother to survive the five year occupation of the Channel Island of Jersey.
This is the story of how they survived, the German soldier billeted with them on the farm, the rationing , the horrible acts caused by the German's and their fear of them. How they managed to help their friends and a secret that Estelle's grandmother kept from her that could have meant disaster had it been discovered.
The story was much more meaningful knowing it was written by someone that was from the island of Jersey and that some of the story was derived from those she knew of on the island that had lived during the time of the occupation.
War is a terrible thing and to survive under these circumstances is heroic indeed. I can only hope that something like this never happens again.
I enjoyed reading about the beautiful island and the community that stuck together to help each other. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Deborah Carr, Harper Collins U.K., One More Chapter, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for my honest review.
March 14, 2022
The story was engaging and historically accurate, but I didn’t get a strong sense of the uniqueness of the channel island experience. The characters were representative of WW2: young woman, old woman, kind German, mean German, grocer, and so on. The situations were representative as well, the young sister sent to the mainland, hiding escapees, fear of disclosure as Jewish, hunger and deprivation, developing emotional attachments to captors… but no part of the story went deep enough (not even the diary of the young sister in London) to truly convey the depth of grief or loss or hunger or fear or pain or longing that the islanders would really have experienced. The ending was abrupt, diminishing even their happiness on liberation day.
July 16, 2021
A mesmerizing story of a island captured by the Nazi's in World War II and the people who suffered because of the occupation. Estelle and her Gran ran the family farm and did their best to hold out hope to see Rosi her younger sister again. Her dad had sent Rosie away right before the island was captured. The Jersey island was under siege for five long years.
This is just another example why I love historical fiction. There is so much to learn of this time. Each book is just another glimpse into this devastating war. The author talks about the island with authority and you just know its a personal story. This was a great book and I hope others see its magnificent too.
This is just another example why I love historical fiction. There is so much to learn of this time. Each book is just another glimpse into this devastating war. The author talks about the island with authority and you just know its a personal story. This was a great book and I hope others see its magnificent too.
December 26, 2022
A good, gentle book. I was so glad about Rebel not getting eaten, can't imagine eating an Alsatian.
It started as a very sad book. What a lovely gran. There was a lot of faith, on grans part, ( spoiler) in the German officer.
In all the war books I've read through all of lockdown the baddie is always a bad kisser and it's gross.
I thought Estelle and her gran were very lonely, perhaps some more warm family scenes would have been good or even a warming scene with Hans.. This book was more about how Estelle felt about her fiance and the future, which wasn't portrayed as foggy and evil with the war not having a win.
It started as a very sad book. What a lovely gran. There was a lot of faith, on grans part, ( spoiler) in the German officer.
In all the war books I've read through all of lockdown the baddie is always a bad kisser and it's gross.
I thought Estelle and her gran were very lonely, perhaps some more warm family scenes would have been good or even a warming scene with Hans.. This book was more about how Estelle felt about her fiance and the future, which wasn't portrayed as foggy and evil with the war not having a win.
January 10, 2023
Hard to rate this one. It was a good easy read but fairly simplistic. For one with such a high rating and “best seller” credentials, I think I’d have expected a little more?
Having said that, the characters were good and relatable for the most part and the plot seemed realistic. I just got the feeling that not enough happened to them on the island to really create a story from. I’m not saying life was easy for them. There were definite risk and the starvation at the end of the war would have been horrid. The requisitioning causing increased theft with families being in hardship and the fear of the unknown. But for the most part, the true horror of war was a threat waiting to happen for the islanders.
My biggest issues with the book were more in terms of the editing errors. It may only be in the kindle version but there was missing words and punctuation and a blatant naming error which really confused things. At one point, Estelle refers to her Grandmother as Marine Le Maistre. Elsewhere, she refers to Estelle’s father being her son-in-law, meaning she should not have the Le Maistre surname. She is in fact Mrs Wood, a fact which is garnered from the Germans referring to her at Frau Woods throughout.
My other issue was with the writing of Rosie’s letters. She was 12 when she left the island but felt more like an 8 year old in her behaviour on departure and a 10 year old in her writing style. Furthermore, she never really matured despite being 16 or 17 by the end of the war. One particularly jarring sentence was when she was said her Aunt wouldn’t let her wear lipstick because she didn’t have the maturity to look after herself if she received unwanted attention, “whatever that means.” I find it hard to believe that a 16 year old would not have known what was meant by “unwanted attention” no matter how naive she was. She seems very aware of Aunt Muriel’s relationship and feelings so it just doesn’t follow that she could be that oblivious. She’d been living in London for 4 years at this point so was not a sheltered little island girl anymore.
I had another issue with the Rosie letters but can’t express it without spoilers so will let that one slide.
I did wonder, since the author included Pierre’s (the father) & Rosie’s voices and, through Rosie, Aunt Muriel’s story, why she missed the opportunity to share Gerard’s war experience. His inclusion felt little more than a convenience to add angst for Estelle but was never satisfactorily resolved as a character or plot line.
Overall, the story was a good summer read but missed the mark on depth and clarity and I’m not sure successful war fiction should ever really be characterised as a “nice summer read”.
Having said that, the characters were good and relatable for the most part and the plot seemed realistic. I just got the feeling that not enough happened to them on the island to really create a story from. I’m not saying life was easy for them. There were definite risk and the starvation at the end of the war would have been horrid. The requisitioning causing increased theft with families being in hardship and the fear of the unknown. But for the most part, the true horror of war was a threat waiting to happen for the islanders.
My biggest issues with the book were more in terms of the editing errors. It may only be in the kindle version but there was missing words and punctuation and a blatant naming error which really confused things. At one point, Estelle refers to her Grandmother as Marine Le Maistre. Elsewhere, she refers to Estelle’s father being her son-in-law, meaning she should not have the Le Maistre surname. She is in fact Mrs Wood, a fact which is garnered from the Germans referring to her at Frau Woods throughout.
My other issue was with the writing of Rosie’s letters. She was 12 when she left the island but felt more like an 8 year old in her behaviour on departure and a 10 year old in her writing style. Furthermore, she never really matured despite being 16 or 17 by the end of the war. One particularly jarring sentence was when she was said her Aunt wouldn’t let her wear lipstick because she didn’t have the maturity to look after herself if she received unwanted attention, “whatever that means.” I find it hard to believe that a 16 year old would not have known what was meant by “unwanted attention” no matter how naive she was. She seems very aware of Aunt Muriel’s relationship and feelings so it just doesn’t follow that she could be that oblivious. She’d been living in London for 4 years at this point so was not a sheltered little island girl anymore.
I had another issue with the Rosie letters but can’t express it without spoilers so will let that one slide.
I did wonder, since the author included Pierre’s (the father) & Rosie’s voices and, through Rosie, Aunt Muriel’s story, why she missed the opportunity to share Gerard’s war experience. His inclusion felt little more than a convenience to add angst for Estelle but was never satisfactorily resolved as a character or plot line.
Overall, the story was a good summer read but missed the mark on depth and clarity and I’m not sure successful war fiction should ever really be characterised as a “nice summer read”.
June 23, 2021
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: An Island at War
An Island at War
by Deborah Carr
Pub Date: 25 Jun 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 23 Jun 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to Deborah Carr and One chapter for an early copy in return for an honest opinion,
Firstly I would like to say what an amazing journey, what the people of Jersey and Gurnsey went through during the occupation its a harrowing read at times, Esteile has taken on the role looking after herself and her grandmother her sister Rosie is in London staying with her aunt for saftey. life takes on a very different pace food in short supply a German solider living in there house its a book written with feeling and atmosphere you want to hold breath at times and hope the hurt will go away I read this book in one sitting it was totally mesmerising, I can't praise this book enough and highly recommend.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 25 Jun 2021, to post to these retailers.
Member Review
Cover Image: An Island at War
An Island at War
by Deborah Carr
Pub Date: 25 Jun 2021
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 23 Jun 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to Deborah Carr and One chapter for an early copy in return for an honest opinion,
Firstly I would like to say what an amazing journey, what the people of Jersey and Gurnsey went through during the occupation its a harrowing read at times, Esteile has taken on the role looking after herself and her grandmother her sister Rosie is in London staying with her aunt for saftey. life takes on a very different pace food in short supply a German solider living in there house its a book written with feeling and atmosphere you want to hold breath at times and hope the hurt will go away I read this book in one sitting it was totally mesmerising, I can't praise this book enough and highly recommend.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 25 Jun 2021, to post to these retailers.
January 29, 2022
Inspired by true events, Deborah Carr paints a beautiful yet heart-breaking tale of life on the island of Jersey during the Nazi occupation, 1940-1945. Britain all but gave up on the Channel Islands during World War II and the Germans laid claim and helped themselves to everything on the island. The main character, Estelle puts her younger sister Rosie on a ship to England to keep her safe. Poor Rosie, sent to live with an aunt in London, is soon in the thick of it as the Blitz begins.
Meanwhile on Jersey, Estelle and her grandmother work their small farm and are trying to survive on what few rations they have. And, they are also commanded to house a young German soldier, Hans. Even though he's a Nazi, Hans does all he can to help out the two women. Can they all survive this long war?
If you enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you will love this book. I highly recommend - historical fiction at its best!
I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Meanwhile on Jersey, Estelle and her grandmother work their small farm and are trying to survive on what few rations they have. And, they are also commanded to house a young German soldier, Hans. Even though he's a Nazi, Hans does all he can to help out the two women. Can they all survive this long war?
If you enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you will love this book. I highly recommend - historical fiction at its best!
I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 20, 2021
A well written story of occupied Jersey where the islanders had to endure such hardship and were resilient. I liked the fact the story was written as true facts of the family.
Estelle we see what she went through with her Grandmother surviving together on a farm with hardly any help. Hans the German officer who came to live with them was actually a nicer German than what some of the islanders had.
I wonder what happened to the characters in the book would be interesting to read more about them.
Estelle we see what she went through with her Grandmother surviving together on a farm with hardly any help. Hans the German officer who came to live with them was actually a nicer German than what some of the islanders had.
I wonder what happened to the characters in the book would be interesting to read more about them.
June 23, 2021
Estelle's father is killed when the Nazis attack the port on their small island. Her little sister Rosie has been sent to London to live with their aunt in the thinking that it will be safer for her there. Estelle and her grandmother must manage their farm alone and then Hans, a Nazi shows up their door, having been assigned to board with them. Life on the island is balanced with letters from Rosie. If I have a quibble, it's that Rose's prose is far too advanced for someone her age but the letters provide a nice balance to the story. Estelle discovers there's more to Hans than meets the eye and that there's more to Gran than she previously knew. This sweeps from the invasion through the end of the war. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Fans of the WWII novel will appreciate this for it look into a seldom explored part of the WWII homefront. And, don't miss the afterword.
June 24, 2021
An Island at War by Deborah Carr is World War II Historical Fiction. A heartbreaking family story with strong characters set in the channel island of Jersey. It was interesting to read that the first things the Nazi‘s implemented was to disarm the people using various techniques. Typical socialist trademarks of control restricting movement with curfews, taking guns and ammunition and taking custody of anyone who can resist. Various other methods to demoralize and subjugate were also used. I loved this book and hope the author will write more stories about Estelle, Rosie and Hans.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
October 14, 2021
Starting with the positives, I found the main characters well-rounded and really relatable; I liked the fact that I didn’t always know where the plot was taking me; and I found the historical detail of the occupation of the Channel Islands - which I’m afraid I was previously unaware of - educational.
On the negative side, however, the editing is quite simply abysmal. There are so many typos in the e-book that I really don’t know how it got published and I found them very distracting. Then there is the ending - what a damp squib that was! Finally, there’s Rosie, who writes using the same style and complexity of language all the way from being 12-17 and adds zero to the story beyond the fact that it’s difficult for the family to be separated.
On the negative side, however, the editing is quite simply abysmal. There are so many typos in the e-book that I really don’t know how it got published and I found them very distracting. Then there is the ending - what a damp squib that was! Finally, there’s Rosie, who writes using the same style and complexity of language all the way from being 12-17 and adds zero to the story beyond the fact that it’s difficult for the family to be separated.
June 29, 2021
An excellent read.
A very moving story set on the island of Jersey during the Nazi occupation of World War II.
Estelle and her grandmother were trying to run their farm, as well as look after the German officer who was billeted with them. The struggles and shortages they faced during this period were abominable, and how so many survived is a sign of their determination.
I am a huge fan of Deborah Carr's books; this one did not disappoint, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for other fans of WWII fiction.
A very moving story set on the island of Jersey during the Nazi occupation of World War II.
Estelle and her grandmother were trying to run their farm, as well as look after the German officer who was billeted with them. The struggles and shortages they faced during this period were abominable, and how so many survived is a sign of their determination.
I am a huge fan of Deborah Carr's books; this one did not disappoint, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for other fans of WWII fiction.
July 28, 2021
As a Jersey girl I was really looking forward to this book. And I was not disappointed. I learnt about the occupation at school, but this book showed the personal hardships of families and the resilience of the women and men. What I loved most was the relationship with Hans and Estelles conflict between seeing him as a soldier, but also a human being who missed his family.
August 31, 2021
I'm fascinated by the World War II history of the Channel Islands and so I was drawn to this novel. The detail about life on Jersey during the War is absolutely fascinating. The author is an Islander and her knowledge shows. The story is more conventional, although enjoyable. The ending, though, is completely rushed and unsatisfactory. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
October 4, 2021
A great read. Estelle is left to run the family farm during the Nazi occupation in WW2 after an emotional farewell to her younger sister Rosie who is sent to London to keep her safe. The story was partly based on the author’s family experiences which made it seem even more moving.
February 4, 2022
I loved reading An Island at War by Deborah Carr. This novel tells about the Nazi invasion of the Channel Islands that Britain abandoned during the Second World War, as they didn’t have enough men, war machinery, or supplies to be able to defend them. The island of Jersey wan one of these islands.
The Le Maistre family, father, Estelle, and Rosie are residents of this island and are apprehensively awaiting their fate. Rosie is the youngest and along with other children of the island is being sent to relatives in England for her safety.
In anticipation of the invasion, the Luftwaffe bombed and strafed the docks where Estelle’s father was working. He was killed. Wit Rosie in England and her father dead, Estelle and her grandmother had to take control of the farm and its chores. To add insult to injury, a Nazi Captain was billeted in their home, drawing comments from their neighbors as to their collaboration with the enemy.
In reading diaries that Rosie kept while with her aunt in England, we can piece together the peoples’ life in Jersey under occupation and those in England during the Blitz. Having the Captain billeted in Estelle’s home had some compensations, although their lives were under threat constantly.
I found this novel very interesting and full of the story upon story during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands brought to life. I would like to read more books by Ms. Carr because I think she writes so very well and incorporates true happenings with the fiction that she writes.
You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-Es. Reviews of other books can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
The Le Maistre family, father, Estelle, and Rosie are residents of this island and are apprehensively awaiting their fate. Rosie is the youngest and along with other children of the island is being sent to relatives in England for her safety.
In anticipation of the invasion, the Luftwaffe bombed and strafed the docks where Estelle’s father was working. He was killed. Wit Rosie in England and her father dead, Estelle and her grandmother had to take control of the farm and its chores. To add insult to injury, a Nazi Captain was billeted in their home, drawing comments from their neighbors as to their collaboration with the enemy.
In reading diaries that Rosie kept while with her aunt in England, we can piece together the peoples’ life in Jersey under occupation and those in England during the Blitz. Having the Captain billeted in Estelle’s home had some compensations, although their lives were under threat constantly.
I found this novel very interesting and full of the story upon story during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands brought to life. I would like to read more books by Ms. Carr because I think she writes so very well and incorporates true happenings with the fiction that she writes.
You can find this review on my blog at https://wp.me/p2pjIt-Es. Reviews of other books can be found at http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com.
January 28, 2023
Having read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, I knew a bit about the island of Guernsey, another of the Channel Islands. I remember being fascinated by what I learned of life on that island during World War II. So, it was natural for me to want to read about what happened during World War II on another Channel Island, the island of Jersey.
I liked this book a lot! I feel that I was transported both in place and time to Jersey during the war years. The characters of Estelle, Gran, and Hans are very well developed. I understood how their relationships were both close and strained by the complexities of war. I thought it was a real bonus to read young Rosie's diary from her war years spent in London.
The book covers all 5 years of the German occupation but, for me, it didn't drag at all. The only critique that I have of An Island at War is the very poor editing-- there are so many typos! That is not a critique of Deborah Carr's writing, however, but of the editors of a very good read.
I liked this book a lot! I feel that I was transported both in place and time to Jersey during the war years. The characters of Estelle, Gran, and Hans are very well developed. I understood how their relationships were both close and strained by the complexities of war. I thought it was a real bonus to read young Rosie's diary from her war years spent in London.
The book covers all 5 years of the German occupation but, for me, it didn't drag at all. The only critique that I have of An Island at War is the very poor editing-- there are so many typos! That is not a critique of Deborah Carr's writing, however, but of the editors of a very good read.
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