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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