NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A novel to cure your Downton Abbey withdrawal . . . a delightful story about nontraditional romantic relationships, class snobbery and the everybody-knows-everybody complications of living in a small community.”—The Washington PostThe bestselling author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand returns with a breathtaking novel of love on the eve of World War I that reaches far … of love on the eve of World War I that reaches far beyond the small English town in which it is set.
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST AND NPR
East Sussex, 1914. It is the end of England’s brief Edwardian summer, and everyone agrees that the weather has never been so beautiful. Hugh Grange, down from his medical studies, is visiting his Aunt Agatha, who lives with her husband in the small, idyllic coastal town of Rye. Agatha’s husband works in the Foreign Office, and she is certain he will ensure that the recent saber rattling over the Balkans won’t come to anything. And Agatha has more immediate concerns; she has just risked her carefully built reputation by pushing for the appointment of a woman to replace the Latin master.
When Beatrice Nash arrives with one trunk and several large crates of books, it is clear she is significantly more freethinking—and attractive—than anyone believes a Latin teacher should be. For her part, mourning the death of her beloved father, who has left her penniless, Beatrice simply wants to be left alone to pursue her teaching and writing.
But just as Beatrice comes alive to the beauty of the Sussex landscape and the colorful characters who populate Rye, the perfect summer is about to end. For despite Agatha’s reassurances, the unimaginable is coming. Soon the limits of progress, and the old ways, will be tested as this small Sussex town and its inhabitants go to war.
Praise for The Summer Before the War
“What begins as a study of a small-town society becomes a compelling account of war and its aftermath.”—Woman’s Day
“This witty character study of how a small English town reacts to the 1914 arrival of its first female teacher offers gentle humor wrapped in a hauntingly detailed story.”—Good Housekeeping
“Perfect for readers in a post–Downton Abbey slump . . . The gently teasing banter between two kindred spirits edging slowly into love is as delicately crafted as a bone-china teacup. . . . More than a high-toned romantic reverie for Anglophiles—though it serves the latter purpose, too.”—The Seattle Times
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Not as good at Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, but enjoyable.
I love Simonson’s books and this one is no exception. Highly entertaining and thought provoking at the same time. Makes one think about whether they would make the same choices. The situations are realistic and well handled. Very enjoyable read.
Heart warming book about people living just before WWI broke out, during the war and afterwards. Brought out the true nature of people and one that could easily have been the town next door.
Thought I’d love it from the description. Sadly found it dull and plodding.
Slow moving. The premise of the story is good, but not well developed. I was disappointed
I enjoyed this tale of pre-WW I England.
I like this period and this book addressed issues I hadn’t seen elsewhere along with the familiar world of lead-in to WW I that I expected. Well handled.
It was well written, provided a new look at England just prior to and the beginning of WWII. It also provided good information about the social system at that time. I really enjoyed reading it.
Not a great literary endeavor but a fun read which can be even better. The Summer Before the War takes us back to a time when style and grace counted while good manners were not considered an affectation. If you are a fan of a Downton Abbey you will find this enjoyable and time well spent.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, excellent characters and great historical fiction on society at this time.
A snapshot of what life was like – before WW I changed it all. Set in fairly rural England, you have an opportunity to see how the war impacted the entire village and was no respecter of class lines.
A little slow going.
A historical fiction story with wonderful characters and a realistic and difficult path at the time of World War I. I loved it.
I loved the very British descriptions.
Great home-fire mood piece. Lovers of British stories will love this/
I loved everything about this book, the characters, the settings, the emotional involvements and personal ups and downs of all the people in the village. Highly recommended.
This was a beautiful romance with substance and great characters. And it lasts forever, which is wonderful.
Very interesting view of the lead up to Workd War l. Well written.
Completely enjoyed.