After the War

After the War by Anita Frank is an uncommon sort of love story that takes place before and after World War II. For those historical fiction fans that are looking for something that takes place during the war, this is not that sort of story, however, the way the author crafted the story of Gwen and Jack is very interesting and still gave off the vibe of being a wartime story.

Gwen finds herself in an unfortunate predicament due to her reckless and naïve decision making. On a whim, she marries Jack, for safety and security instead of love. Jack promises to keep her most darkest secret, in exchange for a few letters throughout the war and a picture to remember Gwen by. Jack also promises to never come back for Gwen, but as the bells ring throughout the world signaling the end of a war, Jack breaks his promise and he comes home, and although Gwen is initially angered by this, she realizes she needs Jack more than ever. Will Jack remain true as Gwen's darkest secrets start to unravel?

I found the authors writing style to be very descriptive, which helps gives the reader a clear visual, but the first half of the book is definitely slow to start and does not pick up the pace or become very interesting until the second half, but once it picks up, it's hard to put down. I found myself hating Gwen for about 95% of the book because of her arrogance, stubbornness and poor decision making, but that's also what made the second half of the book so well! This is a unique WWII historical fiction novel, but well-worth the read!

After the War by Anita Frank was a wonderful story. At first, I was not that interested, but after the second chapter, I was definitely into the story. This is a story of secrets, many secrets. Gwen’s story is heartbreaking, at least for her. Jack is on the run from an imagined law-breaking. They meet at Gen’s father’s farm after he saves Gwen from a fall from a horse. He helps her back to her home and after speaking with her father is offered a job since Gwen is unable to help out.

Even though he knows nothing about farming, he soon realizes that he enjoys the work. Gwen is not keen on him staying though. She has a secret that will eventually lead her to have to make a difficult decision. To that end, she and Jack marry, and Jack joins the war. He promises never to return because Gwen marries him to protect her secret.

I loved this book! Although it was hard to read at times because of the difference between the English colloquial speech and what I am used to. The story was not a new one, but the approach to telling it caught me in and held me to the end. I will be looking for other books by Ms. Frank because I like her style of writing and know that her books will be some of my favorites.

Great historical fiction novel!

This book was a bit different than other WW2 books in the market today. It does take place before, during and (yes, the title) after the war, but the main focus isn't about the war itself, but some specific people: Gwen, her father Jim, neighbor Ted, land girl Nora, housekeeper Muriel, Gwen's son Tom and riveter-turned farmhand-turned soldier-turned back to farmhand Jack. Throw in an entitled wealthy landholder, Gordon and you've got a story.

I found this story to be true to the time period. Morals and reputations were held in very high regard, and women who "got in trouble" were often ostracized. In this case, young Gwen falls in love with Gordon, thinking they have a future and what she winds up with is a baby and a difficult decision to make. Jack is running from his past and finds his place on the farm, helping Jim and Gwen maintain the acreage and animals. He knows he is going to enlist as soon as war is declared, and he does.

I enjoyed the strong emotions running as undercurrent through this book. Gwen was a strong woman, as many were forced to be in those days, with the able-bodied men off to fight for their country. She also had strong beliefs and an even fiercer protection for her son, Tom, and would defend him to the end. She held her head high throughout, didn't bow to the rumors and innuendos.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

After the War is a very interesting World War Two story centering around Gwen, a farmer's daughter and Jack, a man on the run. Through these characters, the reader is given a peak into what life was like in a small farming village as they struggle during wartime.

After the War is a book of fiction, but the situations within the book gave me a great starting point to research the war, to gain detail on the truths weaved within the pages. The story became a great conversation starter with family members that lived through it. As they get older; it becomes even more important to ask them what it was like in order to remind us not to ever let it happen again.

Jack flees Newcastle with the help of a friend. He is running from the law, but why? I delved deep into the story searching for details. The author is a master of the tease, giving just enough to hold my interest. What could he have done to make such a drastic decision? Jack's ride ends "somewhere in Berkshire" leaving him doubting his decision. Has he gone far enough? Will he keep going, or can he get lost in a small village?

Fate has him rescuing Gwen from a runaway horse. For him everything changes in that moment. His decision to stay for awhile opens up so many storylines. I was given glimpses into class divides. I actually gained understanding of my own granddad, a crotchety old man whose opinions were never kept quiet. Total respect needs to be given to those that put food on the tables. The author's descriptions of farming during that time period were mind-blowing. WarAg made it even more difficult.

Jack's solution to his past and he desire to help Gwen is to volunteer before he is conscripted. He didn't plan on coming back. He didn't believe he would survive. His death wish made for a few detailed, action packed battles.

During Jack's time at war, Gwen continues to work the farm. The reader learns of struggles. The reader learns of ways the war changes the way farming is done. There is so much more detail than any textbook I have read.

The way the story is written kept me invested in the characters. The "I didn't see it coming" moments had me excited to see what happened next. When fate intercedes yet again I was giddy to see how the story would end. I can honestly say "I didn't see it coming."

"After the War" is a remarkable historical fiction novel that distinguishes itself from other World War II books on the market. While it does cover the period before, during, and after the war, the primary focus is on a group of individuals, including Gwen, her father Jim, neighbor Ted, land girl Nora, housekeeper Muriel, Gwen's son Tom, and the riveter-turned farmhand-turned soldier-turned back to farmhand, Jack. Adding an air of tension and conflict, there's also the entitled wealthy landholder, Gordon.

This story immerses the reader in the authentic ethos of the time, where values, morals, and reputations held immense significance. It paints a vivid picture of the societal norms, particularly the ostracization of women who found themselves facing unplanned pregnancies. Gwen, in this case, experiences a poignant love story that leads to an unexpected pregnancy and forces her to make a difficult decision. Jack, on the other hand, seeks refuge from his past and finds purpose on the farm, supporting Jim and Gwen in their efforts to maintain the land and animals. He's well aware that his duty lies in enlisting as soon as the war is declared, which he eventually does.

The novel excels at portraying the strong emotions that ran as an undercurrent throughout this era. Gwen emerges as a resilient and formidable woman, embodying the strength that many women were compelled to exhibit during those times when able-bodied men were away at war. She steadfastly defends her son, Tom, and upholds her convictions, standing tall in the face of rumors and innuendos.

I'd like to express my gratitude to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read and review this book. Please note that my opinions are entirely my own.