Sarah Blake (1) (1960–)

I think my expectations were a little high. I generally like stories set during WWII but I can't tell if I wasn't giving this book my full attention or if it was just a little slow all on its own. I wasn't as fond of the characters as I expected either. By contrast, I loved the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and The Postmistress didn't measure up in my mind. If anyone else reads it, I'll be curious to see what you think. I don't mean to totally pan it (even if it sounds like I am). It was ok...and maybe you'll like it more than I did.… (more)

This is very much a muted book where stories are interwoven to create a neat, soft story with a lot of emotional depth. While it requires sustained attention to carry the reader through the slow rhythm, she is rewarded for her patience in uncovering heart-felt stories and reflections.
Only the ending was, to my eyes, superfluous and I'm not sure how I feel about the focus on the postmistress although the symbolism she brings is certainly interesting.

A unique and emotionally charged look at WWII.… (more)

There are so many beautiful facets to this fascinating story. I loved the prose, the atmosphere, the very complicated but gripping story. About half way through, I wanted to message the author and tell her how absolutely touching this story is. Very thoughtful, very philosophical.

This author reminds me of Kate Morton---but better. A fourth Bronte sister, maybe. The only not-so-great reaction I had to the book was that the dialogue was a little hokey and melodramatic, at times, and I'm still not so sure how I feel about the ending. Though I had the "main thing" figured out by page 78, and reaffirmed my suspicions by page 101, I still very much enjoyed reading how everything played out and will admit there were one or two things that surprised me later---but still before they were actually revealed.

I loved how the author used imagery and dichotomies in so many ways. Maisie's story is a definite "coming of age", though the aforementioned hokey dialogue proves things are happening way too fast for her to process.

The younger Nell expressed many of my thoughts and desires as a writer. There is so much I want to express with my writing...so much of it is inexpressible until I see it there on the page before me.

Grange House is definitely one of my new all-time favorite novels. I want to go back and reread it all now!… (more)