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OF LOVE AND OTHER WARS
As war breaks out in Europe, two families face their own conflicts. Two Quaker brothers, Paul and Charlie Lamb, sign a pledge of peace. Jewish crystallographer Mrs Morningstar sleeps restlessly, unable to bear the guilt of her work. And her daughter, Miriam, comes home with her stockings inside out but can't confess where she has been.
By the end of the war, they will each have to make impossible choices. Lines will be crossed, secrets will out, and lives will be lost.
'Poignant without ever being sentimental, morally complex and deftly woven – this is a book that gets better and better with every chapter' Gavin Extence
'Tender and absorbing. An intriguing glimpse into the pacifist's world' Esther Freud
By the end of the war, they will each have to make impossible choices. Lines will be crossed, secrets will out, and lives will be lost.
'Poignant without ever being sentimental, morally complex and deftly woven – this is a book that gets better and better with every chapter' Gavin Extence
'Tender and absorbing. An intriguing glimpse into the pacifist's world' Esther Freud
385 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2013
7 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Hardach
7 books38 followersSophie Hardach was born in 1979 and grew up in Germany. She studied economics and political science at Edinburgh University and the National University of Singapore. After graduating, she worked as a correspondent for Reuters news agency in London, Milan, Tokyo and Paris, where she now lives.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 1, 2025
One of the most powerful books about the senselessness of war I've ever read.
November 9, 2021
In spite of me finding it slightly tricky to keep track of the different characters/families, this is an insightful novel about the effects of ww2 on respectively a Quaker family and a Jewish family. For me, the last few chapters did bring the whole novel together.
November 24, 2013
I read Sophie Hardach's first book and really liked that. War isn't something that generally interests me and I rarely read historical fiction. In saying that, there is something about the way Hardach writes that I can't resist. The characters she writes about are interesting, genuine and approachable. With characters like that it moves away from being 'just another book about World War Two'. It took me a little while to get through this and the relatively large cast, long time frame and intertwining stories make it a challenge at times but it keeps you interested and by the end I was left rather satisfied with Hardach' second work and obviously somewhat sad.
April 22, 2014
Hmmmm was enjoyable but I kept forgetting who people were! Maybe it would have been better as a holiday read when you can concentrate for a few days!!
August 18, 2014
Of Love and Other Wars attracted me because of its vibrant cover and the high praise from critics plastered all over the book jacket. I have to admit that it wasn't what I was expecting really as the quoted passage on the back of the book cover does not wholly reflect what this book is all about, despite being one of the most poignant passages from within so in this case, I really wouldn't judge this book solely by its cover. Of Love and Other Wars is made up of three parts, spanning between 1937 and 1945, the time of the Second World War. Whilst the main characters are said to be Paul and Charlie Lamb, I'd say that this book actually has at least six main characters, Paul, Charlie, Miriam, Esther, Max, Grace. The story is written in the third person, however, it alternates between three plot lines, that of Paul, Charlie and Miriam; Esther and Max; and Esther. All of these story lines overlap but at it's most basic level you could split it into three parts in this way. The main theme of Of Love and Other Wars is conscientious objection during World War II which is the refusal to bear arms or to serve in the armed forces during a period of military conflict on moral or religious grounds.
I absolutely flew through Of Love and Other Wars, and not just because it's a great read, there's something about it that makes it very 'readable', which is curious because the language is not simplistic, nor is the plot or the themes discussed. Throughout the first few passages of this book, I actually found myself looking up several words in the dictionary as they were related to either Quakers or diamond cutting, neither of which are topics that I'm particularly familiar with, so this book really is a learning experience right from the beginning to the end. The majority of the book seems more about exploring ideas rather than an unfolding plot, however, everything starts to come together at the end with lots of twists and turns that had me tearing through to the finale. This book isn't what I would call 'exciting', however, it is most certainly gripping and I found myself really connecting with the characters.
What's great about this book is that so many different view points are discussed. Sophie Hardach doesn't impose her own views upon the reader, she merely presents the views of her characters and allows the reader to decide for his or herself at the end of the novel. This book really makes you think about the issues concerning war, but from an angle that not many have explored before. I didn't particularly like all of the characters but seeing their ways of thinking develop throughout the novel as they experience various different things related to growing up and the war around them was still truly fascinating. Were these characters real, I'm not altogether sure that I would friends with many of them, however, I mostly certainly would respect them and their viewpoints a great deal.
It does take some time to wrap your head around all the different characters, plot lines, viewpoints etc but by about a third of the way through, you find yourself settled into the world that the author has created and it's only upwards from there. I did struggle a fair bit in the first few chapters and I couldn't place certain characters as some of them seem to be set in different cities or time periods but as I said, it just takes some getting used to. As the events in this novel almost span over a decade, there are some time jumps in this novel, but miraculously, these are barely noticeable. The author goes into immense amount of detail over seemingly small events that, upon greater reflection, turn out to be rather large events and thus time is not linear, and does not need to be, in this story.
If I could think of one word to describe this novel, difficult though that may be, I'd probably choose the word 'poignant'. Not all passages of this book were that impressive in terms of writing style and prose but every so often, I'd come across some of the most beautiful passages I have ever read. I wouldn't necessarily call this a romance novel despite the fact that a lot of the relationships between characters are of a romantic nature as Hardach manages to talk about love in way that isn't soppy in the slightest, but rather the sort of love that creeps up on, so as a reader you're not even really conscious of it until you're right in the middle of it.
I have to admit that I didn't know that conscientious objection was even a thing before I read this novel. In the back of my edition of this book there was a short interview with the author who stated that one of the reasons that she wrote this novel is because she was fascinated by this idea, one that does not exist in Germany, where she comes from and I think that in itself proves that this is something that *everyone* should read. Although many serious and thought-provoking issues are discussed, this book isn't too heavy so don't shy away from it.
All in all, I'd highly recommend Of Love and Other Wars to everyone. I firmly believe that this is a must-read as it is thought-provoking and moving novel that makes the reader really consider and explore his or her own ideas about war, an important issue at any time, in every country. You don't really feel the full impact of this novel until you've read the very last sentence and you take a second to reflect upon what the author has written. If you'd asked me what I thought of this novel as I was reading, I would've probably given it an average review but upon finishing it, I realised just how special this story is. Hardach mixes a gripping plot with beautiful writing to create a real modern masterpiece and if you haven't already read this book then I would urge you to as soon as possible!
I absolutely flew through Of Love and Other Wars, and not just because it's a great read, there's something about it that makes it very 'readable', which is curious because the language is not simplistic, nor is the plot or the themes discussed. Throughout the first few passages of this book, I actually found myself looking up several words in the dictionary as they were related to either Quakers or diamond cutting, neither of which are topics that I'm particularly familiar with, so this book really is a learning experience right from the beginning to the end. The majority of the book seems more about exploring ideas rather than an unfolding plot, however, everything starts to come together at the end with lots of twists and turns that had me tearing through to the finale. This book isn't what I would call 'exciting', however, it is most certainly gripping and I found myself really connecting with the characters.
What's great about this book is that so many different view points are discussed. Sophie Hardach doesn't impose her own views upon the reader, she merely presents the views of her characters and allows the reader to decide for his or herself at the end of the novel. This book really makes you think about the issues concerning war, but from an angle that not many have explored before. I didn't particularly like all of the characters but seeing their ways of thinking develop throughout the novel as they experience various different things related to growing up and the war around them was still truly fascinating. Were these characters real, I'm not altogether sure that I would friends with many of them, however, I mostly certainly would respect them and their viewpoints a great deal.
It does take some time to wrap your head around all the different characters, plot lines, viewpoints etc but by about a third of the way through, you find yourself settled into the world that the author has created and it's only upwards from there. I did struggle a fair bit in the first few chapters and I couldn't place certain characters as some of them seem to be set in different cities or time periods but as I said, it just takes some getting used to. As the events in this novel almost span over a decade, there are some time jumps in this novel, but miraculously, these are barely noticeable. The author goes into immense amount of detail over seemingly small events that, upon greater reflection, turn out to be rather large events and thus time is not linear, and does not need to be, in this story.
If I could think of one word to describe this novel, difficult though that may be, I'd probably choose the word 'poignant'. Not all passages of this book were that impressive in terms of writing style and prose but every so often, I'd come across some of the most beautiful passages I have ever read. I wouldn't necessarily call this a romance novel despite the fact that a lot of the relationships between characters are of a romantic nature as Hardach manages to talk about love in way that isn't soppy in the slightest, but rather the sort of love that creeps up on, so as a reader you're not even really conscious of it until you're right in the middle of it.
I have to admit that I didn't know that conscientious objection was even a thing before I read this novel. In the back of my edition of this book there was a short interview with the author who stated that one of the reasons that she wrote this novel is because she was fascinated by this idea, one that does not exist in Germany, where she comes from and I think that in itself proves that this is something that *everyone* should read. Although many serious and thought-provoking issues are discussed, this book isn't too heavy so don't shy away from it.
All in all, I'd highly recommend Of Love and Other Wars to everyone. I firmly believe that this is a must-read as it is thought-provoking and moving novel that makes the reader really consider and explore his or her own ideas about war, an important issue at any time, in every country. You don't really feel the full impact of this novel until you've read the very last sentence and you take a second to reflect upon what the author has written. If you'd asked me what I thought of this novel as I was reading, I would've probably given it an average review but upon finishing it, I realised just how special this story is. Hardach mixes a gripping plot with beautiful writing to create a real modern masterpiece and if you haven't already read this book then I would urge you to as soon as possible!
January 30, 2021
Having read and enjoyed Sophie Hardach's first novel, The Registrar's Manual for Detecting Forced Marriages, I was pleased to discover that she had written a second called Of Love and Other Wars.
This one is set just before, and during, the second world war, and through the stories of two families - the Lambs (Quakers) and the Morningstars (Jewish) - it depicts the impacts, the effects and the consequences of the war on individuals and society.
The characters are deftly drawn, and the novel explores the themes of love, faith, conscience, bravery and loss, as well as the sense of "otherness" that religious conviction or exile can confer.
This is a thoughtful and thought provoking read, with characters that live on in your head after you've finished it.
This one is set just before, and during, the second world war, and through the stories of two families - the Lambs (Quakers) and the Morningstars (Jewish) - it depicts the impacts, the effects and the consequences of the war on individuals and society.
The characters are deftly drawn, and the novel explores the themes of love, faith, conscience, bravery and loss, as well as the sense of "otherness" that religious conviction or exile can confer.
This is a thoughtful and thought provoking read, with characters that live on in your head after you've finished it.
July 31, 2021
I read this after reading Hardich's other novel, Confession with Blue Horses, which I admired. Of Love is an earlier work and it shows, although the characters have intriguing lives especially Esther, the only woman in the lab. Primarily this is a WWII book about conscientious objectors, and the love stuff was not too syrupy.
Birmingham library
Birmingham library
December 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. The lives of the central characters are affected by the onset of WW2 in different ways, and their attitudes and needs are challenged as they weave in and out of each other's lives.
July 3, 2019
Great cast of characters.
Interesting exploration of the Pacifist position and the Quaker faith.
If you like a juicy war time saga, this is for you.
Interesting exploration of the Pacifist position and the Quaker faith.
If you like a juicy war time saga, this is for you.
July 12, 2019
You, you, you. I can think of nothing else.
May 18, 2022
Should have been good, the premise was interesting and the characters well written but some how the story telling let it down.
March 3, 2014
"I hope I would have the faith and strength of mind to peacefully resist and dissuade him."
Quaker brothers Charlie and Paul Lamb are caught up in the pacifist movement, then called to account for their actions when they register as conscientious objectors. For Paul's girlfriend Miriam Morningstar, his actions are less palatable - and Miriam's mother has plenty of her own demons to face.
This *really* picked up towards the end. I posted a few weeks ago that I wasn't very enthused about this? Well, by the end it still didn't make my list of favourites but I broke through and finished it. (the fact that I had to break through to finish it is perhaps not the biggest compliment towards the book...) But suddenly it all got much more interesting - the strands started to come together, the end of the war was in sight.
Paul Lamb was by far the more sympathetic brother - Charlie is rambunctious and impetuous and a little too clever for his own good, convinced of his actions to run his life however he likes with little thought for others. Paul is much more gentle, more secure in his faith but less able to articulate it intelligently. Miriam is confident and likeable and impassioned - a pleasant blend of the two brothers. In the alternative timeline, I felt I should like Esther (as a fellow young female physicist from a specific minority religion - or at least I used to match all those adjectives), but she comes across as so hard and with so little love for her husband, so little rationality behind some of her personal interactions, that I found it very hard to support her perspective. I think I'd have enjoyed this a lot more if I had identified with one or more of the characters, but I found them all rather remote.
Obviously I didn't live through WWII London but this felt pretty credibly set - the geography seemed to flow (although they are areas of London that I don't know that well) and the time was vivid - particularly Miriam's experiences in wartime London and Charlie's life on the farm.
This is the first novel I've come across addressing life from either a Quaker or pacifist perspective, and I was quite surprised to find it was written by a German who had little experience of either in her personal life - it's a very unusual perspective to take.
Quaker brothers Charlie and Paul Lamb are caught up in the pacifist movement, then called to account for their actions when they register as conscientious objectors. For Paul's girlfriend Miriam Morningstar, his actions are less palatable - and Miriam's mother has plenty of her own demons to face.
This *really* picked up towards the end. I posted a few weeks ago that I wasn't very enthused about this? Well, by the end it still didn't make my list of favourites but I broke through and finished it. (the fact that I had to break through to finish it is perhaps not the biggest compliment towards the book...) But suddenly it all got much more interesting - the strands started to come together, the end of the war was in sight.
Paul Lamb was by far the more sympathetic brother - Charlie is rambunctious and impetuous and a little too clever for his own good, convinced of his actions to run his life however he likes with little thought for others. Paul is much more gentle, more secure in his faith but less able to articulate it intelligently. Miriam is confident and likeable and impassioned - a pleasant blend of the two brothers. In the alternative timeline, I felt I should like Esther (as a fellow young female physicist from a specific minority religion - or at least I used to match all those adjectives), but she comes across as so hard and with so little love for her husband, so little rationality behind some of her personal interactions, that I found it very hard to support her perspective. I think I'd have enjoyed this a lot more if I had identified with one or more of the characters, but I found them all rather remote.
Obviously I didn't live through WWII London but this felt pretty credibly set - the geography seemed to flow (although they are areas of London that I don't know that well) and the time was vivid - particularly Miriam's experiences in wartime London and Charlie's life on the farm.
This is the first novel I've come across addressing life from either a Quaker or pacifist perspective, and I was quite surprised to find it was written by a German who had little experience of either in her personal life - it's a very unusual perspective to take.
September 6, 2013
A whole new perspective on WW2 told in a unique and compelling voice.
Whilst the book ostensibly follows 2 Quaker brothers and Friends, it also weaves in the beliefs and traditions of the Quaker movement in a sympathetic light. The father had been in jail because of being a Quaker in WW1 and expects his sons to follow suit. We follow their call-up and subsequent tribunals. I won't spoil the story and tell what happens to them.
Beside this we see a cast of characters from the European diamond business who have found refuge in England. A family where the boys are taught the diamond cutting skills but the girls are not.
Between these lynchpins, hang a fascinating cast of characters whose lives we follow through the war right up to the liberation of the death camps. Despite its serious themes there are many humorous moments along with desperately sad pasts and presents.
Beautifully written, easy to read and I feel will long stay in my memory.
Whilst the book ostensibly follows 2 Quaker brothers and Friends, it also weaves in the beliefs and traditions of the Quaker movement in a sympathetic light. The father had been in jail because of being a Quaker in WW1 and expects his sons to follow suit. We follow their call-up and subsequent tribunals. I won't spoil the story and tell what happens to them.
Beside this we see a cast of characters from the European diamond business who have found refuge in England. A family where the boys are taught the diamond cutting skills but the girls are not.
Between these lynchpins, hang a fascinating cast of characters whose lives we follow through the war right up to the liberation of the death camps. Despite its serious themes there are many humorous moments along with desperately sad pasts and presents.
Beautifully written, easy to read and I feel will long stay in my memory.
May 9, 2015
This was a brave effort by Hardach; a very original and thought provoking take on WW2. Sadly (you've guessed) it doesn't quite seem to hit the target.
What went wrong? I'm not sure. There are a rich cast of characters, with complex characters and unique storylines - possibly too many for a fairly short book. I sometimes found it hard to disentangle the very complicated and diverse paths they follow; something with the plot development didn't quite work. A bit like a clunky manual gear shift - the storylines didn't seem to segue. Hardach's prose style also seems a bit clumsy - I didn't notice that in her first book.
It's a pity. I like Hardach's originality and her courage to tackle tough topics. I shall continue to be a fan, and I look forward to her next.
What went wrong? I'm not sure. There are a rich cast of characters, with complex characters and unique storylines - possibly too many for a fairly short book. I sometimes found it hard to disentangle the very complicated and diverse paths they follow; something with the plot development didn't quite work. A bit like a clunky manual gear shift - the storylines didn't seem to segue. Hardach's prose style also seems a bit clumsy - I didn't notice that in her first book.
It's a pity. I like Hardach's originality and her courage to tackle tough topics. I shall continue to be a fan, and I look forward to her next.
February 18, 2014
Not my usual thing but a thought provoking love story which is set in one of the most difficult times in history. Beautifully written although i personally struggled with some of the story due to my dyslexia and lack of understanding about quakers etc. This is still a heartbreaking story which shows the divide of families and what happens when you fall in love with some one who has beliefs you despise.
A story that will certainly make you thick and not one that is a fluffy clouds read, more of one to get your teeth in. .
A story that will certainly make you thick and not one that is a fluffy clouds read, more of one to get your teeth in. .
February 15, 2014
A touching WWII novel told from an unusual perspective. The story follows the experiences of a Quaker family trying to reconcile their religious beliefs with the need to work for the war effort, and a family of European Jews trying to come to terms with the loss and suffering they experienced under the Reich. The characters are quite beautifully written, and there are some very moving passages alongside some rather comic ones.
September 2, 2015
I've read a lot of books set during WWI & II recently. They've all been pretty good and this is another corker. It has a different perspective as the main characters are Quakers and therefore pacifists and conchies. It's a love story too, and there are side stories about women in science, and diamond cutting. You'll have to read it to see how that lot coalesces into a single story.
March 30, 2015
I had much higher hopes for this novel. It had a lot of potential with the topic (conscientious objectors/Quakers, Britain, WWII) but it wasn't a compelling read and didn't keep me turning the pages the way the Registrar's Manual did... It came together in the end but in a somewhat rushed ending.
April 11, 2014
An intelligent and thoughtful romantic drama centering around the motivations of conscientious objectors in WW2. The characters are deftly and sympathetically drawn as some difficult issues are handled with sensitivity and insight.
November 11, 2021
An interesting read but not unfortunately one I would recommend. I found it a little difficult to follow probably due to the large number of characters. However I did enjoy the style of writing and have added her first book to my list of books to read.
August 31, 2023
Absolutely fascinating exploration of concepts about peace and aggression, social pressures and love. Stuck with me for some time- kept bringing into unrelated conversations which is always the best sign.
August 11, 2016
"War will stop when men refuse to fight"
June 17, 2025
i’m unsure if this book is my style of reading. in principle it’s a wonderful plot but i struggled to keep up with it and the many characters
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews