The French House.
Anything set on the channel island is always a good read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, wee bit slow in parts but overall a thoroughly great reas

This book is glacially slow. I’m all for setting the scene and attention to detail but when I book lulls you to sleep 3 times in it’s opening chapters, you know it’s taking things rather TOO slowly.

I did enjoy the writing style and I found it gentle and comforting, despite the subject matter. I hadn’t read much about the occupation of Guernsey and I was drawn to this book in order to learn more. I’m not sure how much I got from it though- at it’s heart this is a love story. I didn’t really care for the characters and I finished it more from duty than enjoyment. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book but it’s not really my cup of tea.

I was initially attracted to the title and cover, and I do enjoy an historic romance, which I hoped this would be.

The story is set around the German Occupation of the Channel Islands, which I previously knew very little about. It centres around four or five very strong characters who are beautifully brought to life. Challenging elements of daily life under Occupation are described in depth, and I felt very empathetic towards several of the characters. The book also deals well with the disabilities and/or alternative lifestyles of some of the main characters, which brings a good understanding of how difficult these extra 'burdens' must have been to deal with in such times.

I found myself quite emotional throughout the book; I couldn't wait to red it each day, and to see how each character evolves, and learns about themselves. The book kept me guessing to the end, hoping for the ending I really wanted, yet fearing this would not happen on several occasions. Thankfully it did, and I finished ten book feeling quite uplifted, despite feeling a range of emotions through sad, depressed, hopeful and angry along the way.