The author of A Fall of Marigolds journeys from the present day to World War II England, as two sisters are separated by the chaos of wartime …She stood at a crossroads, half-aware that her choice would send her down a path from which there could be no turning back. But instead of two choices, she saw only one—because it was all she really wanted to see… Current day, Oxford, England. Young … day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades…beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden–one that will test her convictions and her heart.
1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, hundreds of thousands of children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage, Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed…
From the Trade Paperback edition.
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Historical fiction very realistic
One of my favorites! So sad when it was over and the characters were gone.
My first book by this author. Learned a lot about the bombing of London area and the people affected by it. Especially orphaned children. Tragic, yet they were watched over and cared for by some of those who survived. Really enjoyed reading this!
Great read!
It kept my interest from the first few pages.
It mostly took place just before and during the London blitz in WWII. The characters were memorable and you are drawn to care about what happens to them.
Excellent read! Kept me guessing, and a realistic portrayal of the bombing of England during WWII. I enjoyed this author’s writing style and want to read more of her novels.
It was so good…I couldn’t put it down
Increased my knowledge of the London Blitz of World War II
Excellent read and highly recommend.
Few in America can appreciate the magnitude of the emotional toll the Blitz (of World War II in London), would have on survivors. The PTSD that was not labeled as such in the 1940’s and 50’s, haunted Londoners for life. Children evacuated from London for years, the reuniting of families, and survivors guilt are all weaved into this lovely story. …
Beautifully written and described. Realistic characters.
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I highly recommend it.
Enjoyed the characters and the twists and turns their lives make
Wow! I’m not a big reader of recent history fiction books but this book grabbed my attention early on. I couldn’t not wait to find out the ending.
I had pretty much sworn off historical fiction when I decided to give this one a try — and am so glad I did. While some have criticized the author’s move to using a journal at the end, I fiund it a perfect way to incorporate both sisters’ stories. I don’t feel the author gave a realistic view of the Blitz, it was far worse than she indicates, but …
I loved this book. I was hooked early on and thought the author did a great job in both character development and plotting of storyline. Recommended for sure!
Good historical fiction of WW II London.
Great historical fiction!
Great read. It was a real page turner. It is tragic what these children went through during WWII to be separated from parents that they might never see again.one of the best books I have read in quite some time.