The Girl from the War Room by Catherine Law #Review

 

I am delighted to feature an author who is new to me. Catharine Law's Girl from the War Room was published by Boldwood Books on August 19th.

Through the trees in St James's Park she spotted the white facades of the Whitehall offices, and her stomach contracted. But it wasn’t nerves. Fortitude, yes, and a kind of hell-bent willingness. An understanding of the importance of her work; to do something, however small, to help. A privilege.

1941: A world away from idyllic childhood summers spent in Devon, Cassie Marsh steps through the sandbagged entrance to the War Room, determined to do her part for the war effort.

The air crackling with tension, the urgency of whispered conversations, the weight of secrets – nothing in her quiet upbringing has prepared her for this. Here, women like her are expected to work tirelessly, remain composed, even as their homes – and lives – are devastated by the Blitz.

But Cassie’s heart is already divided between love and duty. She dreams of rich summers at Greenaways from a lifetime ago, before her world was torn apart. She dreams of one person… the one she cannot – but must – forget.

And as her family begs her to return to safety, to the soothing, reassuring walls of the country house, Cassie must decide where her heart really lies. In times of war, can you ever afford to question your loyalty?

 

My Thoughts

 I found this a really interesting read. Not only were the characters varied, each coming with their own backstory, but also, the setting in the Second World War was full of period detail and gave a real flavour of the time. Cassie's work in the War Room brings her into contact with some harrowing moments in the war. She proves that she has courage and determination in spades.

    The story is a complicated one in that it features some complex relationships. You see Cassie in her childhood and then as she grows up and has to deal with some difficult situations. Her family are far from simple and you are never quite sure how much each of them is aware of. As time passes, you are drawn into life on the Home Front. Cassie is surrounded by secrecy at home and at work. Your interest never wavers. Full of the flavour of the time, this is quite an engrossing read, written with nuance and feeling.

In short: highly recommended 

About the Author

Catherine Law is the author of several historical novels set in the first half of the 20th century, in and around the First and Second World Wars. Her stories are inspired by the tales our mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers tell us, and the secrets they keep. She lives ten minutes from the sea in Margate, Kent.

You can follow Catherine here: 

Facebook: @catherinelawbooks

Instagram: @catherinelawauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/CatherineLawNews

Bookbub profile: @lawcatherine

Book links 

Thanks to Catherine Law, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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