The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy

Description

“An unexpected gem… The war is played out in a macro and a micro fashion in Vivienne's lovelife, giving real emotional punch to the story… The novel demonstrates that to attempt to step outside of history is a dereliction of one's duty, even if doing one's duty is heart-breaking and emotionally illogical.” History Today

A novel full of grand passion and intensity, The Soldier's Wife asks “What would you do for your family?” “What should you do for a stranger?” and “What would you do for love?”

As World War II draws closer and closer to Guernsey, Vivienne de la Mare knows that there will be sacrifices to be made. Not just for herself, but for her two young daughters and for her mother-in-law, for whom she cares while her husband is away fighting. What she does not expect is that she will fall in love with one of the enigmatic German soldiers who take up residence in the house next door to her home. As their relationship intensifies, so do the pressures on Vivienne. Food and resources grow scant, and the restrictions placed upon the residents of the island grow with each passing week. Though Vivienne knows the perils of her love affair with Gunther, she believes that she can keep their relationship–and her family–safe. But when she becomes aware of the full brutality of the Occupation, she must decide if she is willing to risk her personal happiness for the life of a stranger.

“With its stunning and evocative description of the Guernsey landscape, its subtle and astute depiction of a woman's relationship with her children, her lover, and her husband, this absorbing novel is utterly beguiling.”
–Rosamund Lupton, author of Sister

“A riveting story of betrayal.”
Stylist magazine

“[The Soldier's Wife] is a very moving and sensitive read, dealing with issues unique to wartime and universal to women at the same time.”
medievalbookworm.com