I read this book in a single day in September because every time I set it down I couldn't stop thinking about it. I think the atmosphere was done incredibly well; it is probably the thing I've thought about the most since reading it. I found the plot predictable but everything else about the book was so well done I didn't care that I predicted most of the major events. I'll be watching for her next novel for sure, something about her writing really captivated me.
This has become one of my favourite books ever instantly. I loved Gaunt and Elly and their relationship as well as that this novel manages to be about romance and about war at the same time, without sacrificing anything for both sides. The War is a character of its own in this book. I am sure this novel is here to stay for generations to come.
A good review there Willow. You are right that if you'd attended a private, or grammar school, you'd be selected for a commission ie to be a officer. Officer ranks in the field would be: Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel. It would have been highly unusual for a middle or upper class person to have been a private. They would have to actively want that for it to happen.
I am so glad you recommended this. I agree…not a complicated book, but it slowly unwinds and allows you to truly feel and know these characters. The story is buoyant…..keeps you engaged and rooting for those you have come to know. I could not put it down. And, although I typically tend to read classics, this book truly gave me joy.
My partner loves historical fiction and romance. I love horror and thrillers. Your channel is THE place for us because we can get the best recommendations, the tidiest reviews, and get to watch your lovely content!
Fantastic review of one of my favorite books of the year, all while looking fantastic (then again, I expect nothing less from you 😉). Not sure if you've already found this out but I believe it was Wilfred Owen's lover, Siegfried Sassoon, who served as inspiration for Ellwood (in addition to writing poetry about WW1 and being involved with men throughout his life, he was also part Jewish, like Elly). Can't wait for you to upload more!
I’ve read it twice this year, I loved it so much. The first time through was an audio read and it haunted me for months after. The second time I read the physical book and finished it in less than 48 hours. Far and away my favorite from this year.
It doesn't look like this was answered yet, but RE: the question you had about the realism of them all being in the same battalion together that did happen a lot! They were called Pals Battalions en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pals_battalion (some of the examples given there seem to line up with what you mentioned was in the book, too).
I just finished it last night (after devouring it over two days) and am now speeding through reviews because I need to talk about it more...I completely agree with every word of this, right down to the unpredictable predictability of it. It has immediately founds its place among my top 10 favorite books I've read, but I think it's easily the best debut. Imagine having this be your very first novel. How can she possibly top it? I can't wait to see her try.
I loved the relationship with the characters in the story of the friendship. I have always go to the acknowledgements page n the back of books to understand the story and where it comes out of. Am a straight person, and I love others you would love to meet in a comfortable place without judgement thrown as a part of a normal way. I'm a person who knows of love in big ways in my in my own families of husbands and wife/ mom partners with each other. Thank you, for your review of this book. There's a lot of books out there that get overlooked by the readers. This book will be really nice in my own library a lot.
Oh totally agree with your thoughts here! I've been trying to explain this novel to my partner and I found that almost every part of this book is a gut punch. Even the happy or romantic bits don't quite hit the way you'd hope.
You're looking so beautiful in this video. 😌 I placed a library hold for this before it was even over. Thanks to you I've managed to regain my interest (and become more interested than before) in historical novels. And regarding language, I recently read an indie book titled The Strange Story of Stanley Suspect by JC Compton. It's a fun and good book and I really enjoyed it, but at times the language felt very modern for something that is supposed to take place around the 19th century. 😅
I devoured this book, I think it's the only book I read this year that I literally couldn't put down. It's an excellent book although I do agree with your criticism. I felt a rollercoaster of emotions reading this one. I loved every page!
This is one of the reviews where I have to stop watching the video after five minutes because I'm like, "Oh my god I need to go read this NOW!" I'll loop back here when I get to my turn in the library hold line if I remember. That's 10 weeks from now, though, so 😬
I loved this book. It was beautiful. My only complaint is that I don't think some parts were truly accurate. I'm specifically referring to how others reacted to finding out about Gaunt & Elwood's relationship. It didn't seem to be an issue for anyone and would that really have been true in the early 1900's? It didn't matter to me because I was so invested in the story and the characters. I was able to read and love the story despite that probable inaccuracy. This is one of my favorite books of the year.
That actually struck me as well, and I had two thoughts about it. First is that they all have bigger worries right now, and the second is that, even if it isn’t accurate, I’m okay with suspending my disbelief to avoid reading bigotry for the sake of historical accuracy.
@@WillowTalksBooks plus: Ellewood doesn’t exactly hide it very well, or much at all, and his friends are all already pretty charmed by him. Seems like something that’s just….oh, that’s just Ellewood, you know? He’s all right, even if he does enjoy a bit of buggery now and again. And once you’re okay with Ellewood, well, who else in the friend group could possibly be in love with him? Gaunt, obvs. I also think the boys learn to value happiness in their friends where it can be found, given the truly awful circumstances. Like, you aren’t dead, who cares what you do with your penis?!?
I read this book in a single day in September because every time I set it down I couldn't stop thinking about it. I think the atmosphere was done incredibly well; it is probably the thing I've thought about the most since reading it. I found the plot predictable but everything else about the book was so well done I didn't care that I predicted most of the major events. I'll be watching for her next novel for sure, something about her writing really captivated me.
This has become one of my favourite books ever instantly. I loved Gaunt and Elly and their relationship as well as that this novel manages to be about romance and about war at the same time, without sacrificing anything for both sides. The War is a character of its own in this book. I am sure this novel is here to stay for generations to come.
A good review there Willow.
You are right that if you'd attended a private, or grammar school, you'd be selected for a commission ie to be a officer. Officer ranks in the field would be: Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel.
It would have been highly unusual for a middle or upper class person to have been a private. They would have to actively want that for it to happen.
I am so glad you recommended this. I agree…not a complicated book, but it slowly unwinds and allows you to truly feel and know these characters. The story is buoyant…..keeps you engaged and rooting for those you have come to know. I could not put it down. And, although I typically tend to read classics, this book truly gave me joy.
My partner loves historical fiction and romance. I love horror and thrillers. Your channel is THE place for us because we can get the best recommendations, the tidiest reviews, and get to watch your lovely content!
🥹🥹🥹
It’s absolutely incredible how each time I am debating buying a book you post a video about it within the month. Added to cart!
Fantastic review of one of my favorite books of the year, all while looking fantastic (then again, I expect nothing less from you 😉). Not sure if you've already found this out but I believe it was Wilfred Owen's lover, Siegfried Sassoon, who served as inspiration for Ellwood (in addition to writing poetry about WW1 and being involved with men throughout his life, he was also part Jewish, like Elly). Can't wait for you to upload more!
I’ve read it twice this year, I loved it so much. The first time through was an audio read and it haunted me for months after. The second time I read the physical book and finished it in less than 48 hours. Far and away my favorite from this year.
It doesn't look like this was answered yet, but RE: the question you had about the realism of them all being in the same battalion together that did happen a lot! They were called Pals Battalions en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pals_battalion (some of the examples given there seem to line up with what you mentioned was in the book, too).
This is 100% in my favourites of the year. Such an amazing book. I loved the characterisation and the pace of the plot.
Bought it because of your recommendation and cannot put it down. I love it. Thank you
I just finished it last night (after devouring it over two days) and am now speeding through reviews because I need to talk about it more...I completely agree with every word of this, right down to the unpredictable predictability of it. It has immediately founds its place among my top 10 favorite books I've read, but I think it's easily the best debut. Imagine having this be your very first novel. How can she possibly top it? I can't wait to see her try.
I loved the relationship with the characters in the story of the friendship. I have always go to the acknowledgements page n the back of books to understand the story and where it comes out of. Am a straight person, and I love others you would love to meet in a comfortable place without judgement thrown as a part of a normal way. I'm a person who knows of love in big ways in my in my own families of husbands and wife/ mom partners with each other. Thank you, for your review of this book. There's a lot of books out there that get overlooked by the readers. This book will be really nice in my own library a lot.
so excited for your favourite books of the year videos!!!
I just filmed them today 😇
this book was amazing! when i saw that it was on ur TBR, i was so excited to hear your opinions.
So great to hear your review Willow, thank you for sharing it with us ❤
Oh totally agree with your thoughts here! I've been trying to explain this novel to my partner and I found that almost every part of this book is a gut punch. Even the happy or romantic bits don't quite hit the way you'd hope.
You're looking so beautiful in this video. 😌
I placed a library hold for this before it was even over. Thanks to you I've managed to regain my interest (and become more interested than before) in historical novels. And regarding language, I recently read an indie book titled The Strange Story of Stanley Suspect by JC Compton. It's a fun and good book and I really enjoyed it, but at times the language felt very modern for something that is supposed to take place around the 19th century. 😅
Read it in April and loved it!
Just last night I was thinking about rereading this book.. I will take this as a sign 😊
I devoured this book, I think it's the only book I read this year that I literally couldn't put down. It's an excellent book although I do agree with your criticism. I felt a rollercoaster of emotions reading this one. I loved every page!
Only 2 minutes in and you convinced me to read this! 😄
Willow, you look gorgeous in this video. I want to read this book after listening to you speak about it so enthusiastically :)
This is one of the reviews where I have to stop watching the video after five minutes because I'm like, "Oh my god I need to go read this NOW!" I'll loop back here when I get to my turn in the library hold line if I remember. That's 10 weeks from now, though, so 😬
Was looking for a good review of this, I open youtube and you’ve posted a review!!!!🥰🥰
I've just added this to book club
I loved this book. It was beautiful. My only complaint is that I don't think some parts were truly accurate. I'm specifically referring to how others reacted to finding out about Gaunt & Elwood's relationship. It didn't seem to be an issue for anyone and would that really have been true in the early 1900's? It didn't matter to me because I was so invested in the story and the characters. I was able to read and love the story despite that probable inaccuracy. This is one of my favorite books of the year.
That actually struck me as well, and I had two thoughts about it. First is that they all have bigger worries right now, and the second is that, even if it isn’t accurate, I’m okay with suspending my disbelief to avoid reading bigotry for the sake of historical accuracy.
@@WillowTalksBooks So true! Great points.
@@WillowTalksBooks
plus: Ellewood doesn’t exactly hide it very well, or much at all, and his friends are all already pretty charmed by him.
Seems like something that’s just….oh, that’s just Ellewood, you know? He’s all right, even if he does enjoy a bit of buggery now and again.
And once you’re okay with Ellewood, well, who else in the friend group could possibly be in love with him? Gaunt, obvs.
I also think the boys learn to value happiness in their friends where it can be found, given the truly awful circumstances. Like, you aren’t dead, who cares what you do with your penis?!?
This book intrigues me, but I’m not into novels centring romance.
Oh my god, you're frankenstein teddy bear is so cute! Where did you buy it? btw I love you book selections.
I got it at The House of Frankenstein in Bath :)
A great review by you and lots of positive replies in the comments… guess it’s going on my Santa list!
I read this book in 2 days and don't know what to do with myself right now - too many emotions for any rational thoughts or actions.
📖