Judith Lennox

“In the warm spring of 1928 they lounged on the cushions on the verandah of the winter house, and looked forward to freedom.” (Quotation pos. 152)

Content:
Robin, Helen and Maia are childhood-friends. Yet, they want different things from life. The three of them have to learn during these years during the twenties and thirties of the last century in England, that it is almost impossible for women to lead an independent life, as different there own choices might be. However, they do not know, that the years still to come will ask them decisions that might cost their souls, their self-esteem and probably the most precious thing, their life.

Theme and genre
This novel tales place in England between the two World Wars and is about growing up in a time far away from gender equality. Main topics are friendship, dreams for the future, love, loss and important decisions.

Characters
A different choice of main characters, very well developed, maybe not always believable and sometimes quite annoying in their behavior.

Content and writing
The story is told in four parts, each part leading over a certain period of the years between 1918 and 1938. We follow the main characters in alternating chapters, but without interruptions of a linear storyline. Open questions and own reflections during reading about missing gaps are solved near the end of the story. The language is enjoyable to read and gives a vivid picture of life in the period in which the novel takes place.

Conclusion
A gripping story about three women, growing up in rural England in the years between the two World Wars, searching for a place for their dreams and hopes in a world still dominated by men.… (mere)