Official Review: Eleanor's Wars by Ames Sheldon

DancingLady · Post by **DancingLady** » 18 Jul 2018, 21:51

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Eleanor's Wars" by Ames Sheldon.]

4 out of 4 stars

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What happens when the past is buried? Can keeping secrets really protect others? These questions and many others are explored in Ames Sheldon's novel, Eleanor's Wars. In 1942, Eleanor Sutton is preparing to send her youngest son to a prestigious boarding school. Amidst the struggles of facing an empty nest, memories of her past are brought to the forefront when she unpacks the contents of her old trunk, which had not been opened since 1918.

With America at war again, Eleanor finds it more and more difficult to keep the memories of her own war experience a secret. Since her husband does not like her to talk about her past, her children and friends do not know about her time as an ambulance driver in France or her tragically short marriage to a French doctor in the Great War. As the truth slowly comes out, what will the ultimate cost of keeping these secrets for so long be?

This book is a stunningly crafted work of historical fiction and family drama. Over the backdrop of WWII, nearly every aspect of family life is explored, from schooling and coming of age to marital difficulties and personal failings. Family dynamics and communication are a driving force behind the storyline. While the book is wonderfully engaging in its complexity and realism, there are many opportunities to consider how the words and actions of one member of the family affect the decisions of the others. The atmosphere created by withholding Eleanor's history has a clear influence on the children. All three keep secrets from one or both parents that contribute to the dramatic tension of the story. In the end, the reader is left to ponder what might have been different if each character had shared his or her secrets much sooner.

This is perhaps one of the only books I have ever read where I can't find anything to criticize. The story combines the ugliness of war with touching sentimental moments. Though the culture of the time was different, Eleanor and the Sutton family are understandable and relatable people living out their lives in the face of uncertainty. In reading this book, I gained a new appreciation for just how all-encompassing the war effort was. I never realized the extent to which nearly every aspect of daily life was evaluated in light of its possible contribution to the cause. With so many action-filled stories about soldiers and battles, this book fills a notable literary gap by shedding light on the roles of women in both world wars and how society responded to those who served.

This book is expertly crafted, flawlessly edited, and superb in every way. It is more than deserving of 4 out of 4 stars. With a satisfying ending of its own, this story leaves plenty of room for a sequel. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in women's history, war history, and what life was like on the homefront.

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Eleanor's Wars
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Ubyamos · Post by **Ubyamos** » 19 Jul 2018, 12:31

Family drama is not really my thing but I like reading books about history. I think the WWII aspect of the book might interest me. Thanks for the review.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 19 Jul 2018, 12:41

Historical fiction is not my genre of choice, but the drama of family secrets appeals to the mystery-lover in me. Thanks for your interesting review!

daydreaming reader · Post by **daydreaming reader** » 19 Jul 2018, 18:25

I think it would be interesting to read about Eleanor's perspective, especially in regards to how she managed to carry on after the war, and her husband not wanting her to speak about it. Thank you for the great review, I definitely think I would add to my to read list.

trajoe1206 · Post by **trajoe1206** » 19 Jul 2018, 19:15

Great review. Glad you enjoyed it and that you couldn't find any fault with it. This may be one I add to my to read list

DancingLady · Post by **DancingLady** » 20 Jul 2018, 20:29

Ubyamos wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 12:31 Family drama is not really my thing but I like reading books about history. I think the WWII aspect of the book might interest me. Thanks for the review.

I hope you like it. I think the history elements are strong enough to keep you interested. The reason I referred to the war as the backdrop is because it’s always there, you never forget about it no matter what is going on.

EllieAfter · Post by **EllieAfter** » 30 Jul 2018, 14:16

Thank you for this interesting review. I love books set during WWII. I have added this to my ever-growing "to read" list.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 11 Dec 2018, 20:52

This book is a stunningly crafted work of historical fiction and family drama. Over the backdrop of WWII, nearly every aspect of family life is explored, from schooling and coming of age to marital difficulties and personal failings. Family dynamics and communication are a driving force behind the storyline.

This is just the kind of book I know I'll love, I totally understand why you gave it such high praises.
I love WWII books in general, but there are not that many books that show us how everyday life was at that time.

With so many action-filled stories about soldiers and battles, this book fills a notable literary gap by shedding light on the roles of women in both world wars and how society responded to those who served.

I completely agree, most war books focus on the soldiers that were usually men. However, women fought their own war and their role was fundamental. Also, war usually changed the roles women had to perform in the absence of men.

Amazing, insightful review! Straight to my shelves!

Espie · Post by **Espie** » 12 Dec 2018, 07:00

Those are quite relevant questions to ask, I should say. However, the answers could be as elusive and subjective as the very reasons for life's complexities and nuances. For one, armed conflict has always brought pain and suffering to all sides involved and even beyond. As someone who had been a female military officer in the past, there is sufficient reason for me to say that none of the people I knew would ever resort to drastic measures if peaceful ways are possible. This piece's genre may not be what I'm looking for now, and yet it's reassuring when literary works are able to highlight what was good and what could be better. I hope we'd find more reasons to live in harmony. Indeed, I am a dreamer.

Thank you for your thoughtful review.

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 12 Dec 2018, 07:25

It is wonderful that the book was so good you could not think of anything negative to say. The fact that the family values are well-blended with the history suggests a different take by the author than other books of this genre. Thanks for the insightful review.

Marissa Michael · Post by **Marissa Michael** » 15 Dec 2018, 02:47

Secrets that are closely linked with world wars are my cup of tea. My curiosity aroused more when I reached this part of your review:
"This book is expertly crafted, flawlessly edited, and superb in every way."

Yoli García · Post by **Yoli García** » 15 Dec 2018, 04:19

A woman hiding secrets about her role in the previous war from her family sounds enthralling. This is a story I might like. Thanks for the review!

LV2R · Post by **LV2R** » 15 Dec 2018, 04:47

I suppose it is unusual for a book to be written from a woman's point of view and involvement in wars. The story sounds like it balanced the war action to the family secrets and dynamics.

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 26 Dec 2018, 10:28

Every family has their own skeleton in the closet. I like the family secrets and drama of this one. I'm already intrigued on what difference revealing the secrets earlier would make. Enticing review!