Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I'll Be Seeing You

I'll Be Seeing You by Suzanne Hayes and Loretta Nyhan
4/5 stars
Mira, 2013
328 pages
Adult Historical Women's Epistolary

Source: Received an ARC through Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review.

This book popped up on my radar after seeing it recommended on Dear Author. I adore epistolary novels and the World War II time period so I eagerly grasped at the chance to read and review this. I'm so glad it got on my radar because I adored this book and will be pushing it at my mom and grandma as I think they will like it too. Christina T noted in my comment section that it made her think of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Having read both, I think that is an accurate observation and would recommend fans of one to check out the other if they haven't already.

As for this book itself, I adored its portrayal of female friendship despite differences in upbringing, temperament, distance, and almost anything else that differentiates people. What brings the two women together is a pen pal program for military wives beginning in 1943 and going through the end of the war. Very quickly these women form a tight bond that sees them through their difficulties and binds them as family.

I would have to say that I more immediately connected with Glory, a young wife and mother living in New England, born of privilege, (who is actually my age) who is struggling with missing her husband and an illicit flirtation with a childhood friend. Yet as she made some spectacularly bad decisions, I found myself more drawn to the steadier presence of Rita, a Midwestern sensible lady whose husband and adult son are both out there fighting. Still I liked both ladies immensely and loved as they grew to trust each more and opened up their hearts, also incidentally expanding the cast of characters who all found a place in my heart.

What was most evident to me was the combined struggling and pride of everyone in America. Yes, many things are rationed (nifty recipes are included in the book and I imagine they would be delicious to make if you wanted to challenge yourself) and they frequently have to do without. But they know it is in service of ridding the world of the tremendous evil of potential Nazi domination and they're able to console themselves about the sacrifices.

One last thing I really loved learning was from the end where the authors are interviewed. For example, the authors themselves have never met (at least up to that point in publication) and their "meeting" somewhat echoes the meeting of their fictional creations as they bonded through blogging. Yet already they are planning their next novel following sisters and set during the Progressive Era-I definitely want to check it out!

Overall: A very enjoyable read-though fast-moving, it has deep emotional roots and I can see fans of popular women's fiction eating this one up!

18 comments:

  1. Okay, so you already know that epistolary novels are something we will have to agree to disagree on. I just don't get the same sense of setting and character development as in a regular novel.
    But glad you liked this...

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    1. So weird that we disagree on this but probably better for you to steer clear of this.

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  2. Okay, this sounds so good that I actually stopped reading your review to open another internet window and put it on my to-read list on my library webpage. Thank you for alerting me to this one! And what a BEAUTIFUL cover. Wow. Thanks again!

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    1. It's a winner! My mom adored it too and I think my grandma will as well. I hope you love it!

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  3. This does sound like a lovely book. I keep telling myself to read more historical fiction, and I love books written through letters. I used to find as many of those as I could when I was younger!

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    1. I definitely urge you to try this one-the historical aspects are really well done.

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  4. Not sure if this is a book for me, but I think the cover is really pretty :D I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts :)

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    1. It's not for everyone, true (those who dislike epistolary novels and who don't want a bit of a cry should stay away).

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  5. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed this book. I am also glad that it proved to be something of a readalike for the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

    That is a fascinating time period to read about and an interesting storytelling device and I am looking forward to giving the book a try.

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    1. I think you'll really like it and look forward to your thoughts!

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  6. Glory sounds like a great character!

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    1. I know you're not really in to HF but I think you might like this one if you can tolerate epistolary style.

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  7. I really enjoy world war two time books and the friendship in this novel sounds sweet. Thanks for the review!
    -Danna

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    1. The friendship was what just sealed the deal after already loving the idea of letters exchanged in WWII.

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  8. That's really fascinating about the authors not having met. I love reading about this time period too and my mother and sisters would likely enjoy this. I'll have to watch for it at the store!

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    1. I was astonished that it still hadn't happened! I think this is very much a women's novel and I'm sharing it with the important women in my life.

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  9. I adored The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society so that means I have to get my hands on this one. Thanks for the lovely review.

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    1. Yep, if you like that book, I think you'll like this one too!

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