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The Soldier's Wife
The Soldier's Wife
Author: Margaret Leroy
As World War II draws closer and closer to Guernsey, Vivienne de la Mare knows that there will be sacrifices to be made.  Not just for herself, but for her two young daughters and for her mother in law, for whom she cares while her husband is away fighting.  What she does not expect is that she will fall in love with one of the enigmat...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9781401341701
ISBN-10: 1401341705
Publication Date: 6/28/2011
Pages: 416
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 48

4.1 stars, based on 48 ratings
Publisher: Voice
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

kkowert avatar reviewed The Soldier's Wife on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
In June 1940, the German army decided the island of Guernsey would be strategically important land to occupy for the war effort against England. This left Vivienne de la Mare with a significant decision to make. Should she stay on the island or flee to Londons supposed safety? Vivienne decides to stay on the island and protect her 2 daughters and mother-in-law from the war the best she can. Her husband was away fighting the war and Vivienne struggles to maintain a normal life and to shield her daughters from the war that has come to her shores.

Life is nothing close to normal because German officers have moved in next door to a house that has been abandoned. As the war drags on, the strict rules placed on the islanders along with the shortage of food make everyday life a struggle. At the same time, Vivienne grapples with her complicated love affair and her responsibility to thwart the cruelty of the German army.

The story kept me engaged; however I have some minor complaints with the writing. I didnt feel the chemistry between the 2 lovers and it just didnt seem like the affair was worth risking safety, reputation, etc. for a tepid love. It was also a little too easy to guess some things that were going to happen. I did enjoy the book and the story stayed with me afterwards as I was wondering how much I would put myself and family at risk to do the right thing in the face of a terrifying enemy.
javabeans avatar reviewed The Soldier's Wife on
Helpful Score: 1
It just doesn't rise to the level of 4 stars. There are some beautiful descriptions of the island of Guernsey and I think the author made the sacrifices of war (foot shortages, death, enemy occupation) very real. But it took a lot to get the story off the ground - it just moves so slowly, I almost stopped reading a couple of times. The writing was sort of distant and I felt disconnected from the characters. Some of them are poorly developed, like Gunther (main character's lover). I never quite understood why Vivienne was so taken with him. Their relationship, which is the center of the book, simply confused me.
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reviewed The Soldier's Wife on + 100 more book reviews
I thought this book to be extremely well-written. All the storyline threads interweaved to give a beautiful, lush, dreamy, finished piece of cloth. The only problem I had was the intruding memory that this was the second book I've read recently about the German occupation of Guernsey Island.
reviewed The Soldier's Wife on + 531 more book reviews
What a great novel about love, war, and separation.
The German soldiers enter the picture, and one of the characters is led into choices.... Descriptive writing that keep you reading to the end.


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