Marcia Willett (1945–2022)

The quote on the front cover sort of tipped me off that I wasn't going to enjoy this book too much=="For Rosamunde Pilcher fans" it said. I'm not a big fan of the romance genre and I know that's the type of book Rosamunde Pilcher writes.

Having said that, the fact that it is set in England on Dartmoor makes it a little better than the usual romance novel. I really enjoyed the description of the different seasons on the moor. It's a place I can imagine enjoying myself.

I also liked Perry, show more one of the character's dead husband, who continues to act as a source of support and advice for her. I do hope that we can communicate with our loved ones when they "shuffle off this mortal coil".

I loathed Pippa's husband, Robert, which was just what I was supposed to do so the story worked from that point of view. So glad he got his comeuppance at the end.

One final quibble: I don't think I've ever read a book that used the word "whilst" so often, sometimes even twice on the same page. Whilst is a perfectly acceptable word but there must be other synonyms for describing actions that are going on at the same time. Someone dropped the ball at the editing stage, I say. show less

This novel (also published under the title "Those Who Serve") spans the period from the mid 60s to the mid 80s and follows the lives of Cass and Kate, childhood friends who both marry officers in the British submarine service. Cass is a somewhat spoiled beauty and a free spirit who takes full advantage of the frequent absences of her husband, Tom, and the loosening mores of the 'Swinging Sixties' and beyond. (Not that Tom doesn't as well.) Despite all this, they seem to muddle along in a show more "don't ask, don't tell" and manage to produce four children. Kate, on the other hand, wants a more traditional loving and faithful marriage, but finds that her "strong silent" husband is actually an emotionally remote, self-centered bully. All her hopes that it's the pressure of his career and his youth and that they and their twin sons will grow into a loving family, gradually die.
Yet, despite their great differences, Kate and Cass remain close friends. Kate warns Cass that her free and easy lifestyle is like playing Russian Roulette and that someday she may catch the bullet. And we see it all unfold . . . .

Willett is a skillful writer, much in the style of Maeve Binchy, in a British rather than Irish fashion. This was her first novel, and she has gone a bit overboard in just the sheer amount of drama and infidelity among the naval families. I found it hard to follow sometimes who was mixed up with whom at any given point. Nevertheless, it's a good read, if you have some tissues handy. show less

What a delight this book was! I had never read any Marcia Willett books before but I can see this is a lack I will have to remedy.

There really is no main protagonist but rather 3 main characters. The story starts with Louise taking the train to Devon for a holiday while her husband golfs with buddies (or is he?) She will be staying in a vacation cottage owned by Brigid, a wife of a naval officer who is used to his long absences and rather enjoys her solitary time. For the last little while show more though her mother, Frummie, has been living in one of the guest cottages. Frummie abandoned Brigid and her father when Brigid was quite young and their relationship has never been warm but Frummie had nowhere else to go so Brigid took her in. Brigid's life seems pretty idyllic, especially to her half-sister, Jemima, but she has a big problem that could impact her husband's retirement and she doesn't know how to tell him. Jemima is single and seems to enjoy her lifestyle with occasional visits from her married lover. Then she falls in love and her world is turned upside down. How these three women interact and help solve each other's dilemmas is an intriguing story. It reminded me a lot of the best of Maeve Binchy but I think Willett has even better descriptions of the countryside. I felt like I was on the moors and at the seashore in Devon.

My one quibble with the writing is the overuse of the word "whilst". Sometimes it would appear 2 or 3 times on a page. Maybe English use the word more than North Americans but it seemed excessive to me. But that's a minor problem in an overall great book. Thanks again mississippimom. show less

This book has been on my shelf since 2007, which means it has moved three times with me (apartment in Dallas to house in Dallas to rental in New Jersey to current home). What a waste of space.

It took me a week to get through 382 pages. On paper, it should be a book that I'd really enjoy - Ms. Willett is obviously channeling Maeve Binchy and Rosamund Pilcher, but her style and plotting lack the grace and and natural flow of those two. There are abrupt changes in perspective and timeline that show more jarred me out of the story too often, and the characters and plot were just kind of boring after a while. I probably would have been better served to just DNF it, but here we are.

2.25 stars
(My rating scale translation: between Why DIdn't I DNF it? and Didn't Work For Me) show less