Experience World War 2 through the eyes of two very different women in this captivating New York Times bestseller by the author of The Guest Book.“A beautifully written, thought-provoking novel.”—Kathryn Stockett, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Help In 1940, Iris James is the postmistress in coastal Franklin, Massachusetts. Iris knows more about the townspeople than she will ever … knows more about the townspeople than she will ever say, and believes her job is to deliver secrets. Yet one day she does the unthinkable: slips a letter into her pocket, reads it, and doesn’t deliver it.
Meanwhile, Frankie Bard broadcasts from overseas with Edward R. Murrow. Her dispatches beg listeners to pay heed as the Nazis bomb London nightly. Most of the townspeople of Franklin think the war can’t touch them. But both Iris and Frankie know better…
The Postmistress is a tale of two worlds-one shattered by violence, the other willfully naïve—and of two women whose job is to deliver the news, yet who find themselves unable to do so. Through their eyes, and the eyes of everyday people caught in history’s tide, it examines how stories are told, and how the fact of war is borne even through everyday life.
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A great story in the WWII time period with a shift of perspective. Lovely connection with the characters and their intertwining lives, the heartbreak and hope this story gives pulls you in and keeps you there
I was thrilled to see the Kindle version of this historical novel as a special deal. I’ve owned the paperback for some time and simply had to buy it for my Kindle. Although I read the book years ago, I still remember it clearly, and that is one of the marks of fine writing–it stays with you. The intriguing premise of the book is that two very different women make a decision to withhold something–one is a letter and one is a news story–and the choice they make will have ramifications neither could have expected. I connected with both characters and love the WWII setting.
So take an unusual premise, great characters, historically appealing setting, and add luscious beautiful language, and I’m a die-hard fan. Just a sample of the compelling prose in this novel:
“Long ago, I believed that, given a choice, people would turn to good as they would to the light. I believed that reporting–honest, unflinching pictures of the truth–could be a beacon to lead us to demand that wrongs be righted, injustices punished, and the weak and the innocent cared for. I must have believed, when I started out, that the shoulder of public opinion could be put up against the door of public indifference and would, when given the proper direction, shove it wide with the power of wanting to stand on the side of angels.”
I’m going to read it again on my Kindle this weekend and savor every word once more. I highly recommend this original read.
WARNING: You better have everything on your to-do list complete before you start this book because once you begin, you won’t be able to put it down!
History of my people! historically correct! Wonderful characters, very realistic.
I’ve owned a paperback copy of The Postmistress for quite some time, but it hadn’t risen into my reading queue. I was searching through my paperbacks trying to find one I could listen to as an audio book. The Postmistress was available so I downloaded it and am so glad I did.
I loved everything about this novel: the setting, the history, the characters (each unique and memorable), the drama, the language, the love.
This novel is so well-written. It pulled me and refused to let me go until The End. It is so visual and compelling, it would make a great movie.
I was totally immersed in this book.
Very well written story that many would not been aware of. There are so many stories from that time true and based on real events that should be told.
Very thoughtful profile of people during the war. Good historical accuracy. I was thinking about the the people days later.
Set in America, London and France this story tells of two completely separate lives that become intertwined against the background of WWII. . It’s a good read but there are some sad moments and some of the scenes set in Europe are achingly difficult to read.
I loved the characters and the twists this book took. It is on my favorites list.
One of the best wwii books have read. Gave a descriptive picture of what life was like here and there. Wow.
This was a pretty decent book. There were a few dull parts, but the the rest of the book made up for those lags. I don’t really know why the book it titled “The Postmistress”. I think a more appropriate title would be “The Reporter”.
I enjoyed this book very much
A good mix of historical fiction, romance and some twists.
This is one of the most extraordinary books I’ve read. It begins as an interesting story and moves into a vivid, riveting, and moving volume. Amazing
Took me a little while to get into it, but enjoyed it once I finally got into the story.
Enjoyed this book because I hadn’t read many books written in this time frame. The characters were likeable too.
just loved the book except did not like husband when he returned. I wanted a happier ending
Interesting characters and interesting read.
Did not like this books