Summer Before the War (Simonson) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
If you’ve been wanting more Downton Abbey, this book is for you. Helen Simonson’s success with Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand continues with her second novel—this one peering into the insular English village of Rye. It is the summer before World War I, and the villagers, ruled over by Lady Marbely, are blissfully ignorant that their lives are about to change, irrevocably, as the world balances on the cusp of a long and brutal war.  READ MORE.
Cara Kless - LitLovers


It is clear from the beginning who the favored characters are, and we can be assured they will end up satisfactorily. The book is prettily written, with charming descriptions and bits of historical detail.... [T]he Latin teacher and her admirer, who prizes her intellect above his ambition, are too self-aware. When they do a good deed, they probe themselves for hidden selfish motives. It is as if Jane Austen’s Emma had kept fretting that perhaps she should mind her own business. Rather than making characters sympathetic, this virtuous quirk prevents the reader from discovering the mild contradictions in human nature. And that is what we travel to social-comedy land to enjoy.
Judith Martin - New York Times Book Review


The Summer Before the War [like Simonson's Major Pettigrew] is also a delightful story about nontraditional romantic relationships, class snobbery and the everybody-knows-everybody complications of living in a small community. The novel’s amusing dialogue enlivens its compelling storyline.... [But d]espite the rib-tickling levity, though, this comedy of manners is also a serious novel about class cruelty on and off the battlefield.
Carol Memmott - Washington Post


[G]ender, class, and social mores...at the dawn of World War I.... Simonson’s writing is restrained but effective, especially when making quiet revelations. A heartbreaking but satisfying ending...about [class systems that] unfairly limit people and their potential.
Publishers Weekly


Simonson's episodic descriptions of life in Rye as the war looms...with a touch of romance. The book falters a bit when it switches away from Rye to cover life in the trenches, and the climax there feels a bit melodramatic, but Simonson's good-hearted, likable characters make up for these weaknesses —Mara Bandy, Champaign P.L., IL
Library Journal


A bright confection of a book morphs into a story of dignity and backbone....another comedy of manners nestled in a British village. This time [Simonson] deepens the gravitas and fattens the story, which begins on the cusp of World War I....beautifully plotted and morally astute.
Kirkus Reviews