Memorial Day is a day Americans take to remember those who have fought for our country. But there are many other soldiers who have fought for many other countries, that we do not think about, little-know battles in far-away places that have been impacted just as much by war and loss. One of these places is the island of Guernsey, in the Channel Islands. The Soldier’s Wife, by Margaret Leroy, is set on the island during its occupation by the Nazis during World War II. It is the story of Vivienne de la Mare, left alone to provide for her two daughters and her mother-in-law while her husband is away at war.
Guernsey is a quiet, peaceful place, and Vivienne is content in her life there. Until the threat of German occupation becomes very real, and the bombs start falling from the sky. Then she must struggle not only to keep her family fed, but also to keep them safe in this new world that has become her home. When a group of German soldiers commandeer the house next door, her life becomes even more difficult. Though the restrictions placed on the islanders become more severe with every passing day, Vivienne finds herself drawn to one of the German soldiers, who are not as monstrous as she believed.
As she and Gunther fall in love, Vivienne must keep their relationship a secret, for fear of the reactions of her fellow islanders. Amidst her fight to feed her family and to care for her mother-in-law’s growing dementia, Vivienne’s relationship with Gunther grows stronger, and she learns what has been missing from her marriage. But when her youngest daughter makes friends with a work camp prisoner, Vivienne’s life becomes more difficult. Will she be able to keep her family safe, even while keeping this secret from even Gunther?
The Soldier’s Wife is a beautifully written, evocative book that showcases a place unfamiliar to most. The island of Guernsey comes to life on the pages, and the simpler times and strong values of the era twine together to make Vivienne’s life conflicted even amidst the horrors of war and occupation. This fascinating book is a stirring account of a wife and mother forced to make difficult choices while reaching for her own happiness.
(Galley provided by Voice)
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