WWI changed the
lives and expectations of many people. This novel takes place during
the long vacation between WWI and WWII. Those people who survived now
have to decide how to live the remainder of their lives.
Daniel Pitt, a
flying ace, didn’t expect to live through the war. Now he’s
married to Rosie, a nurse during WWI, living on in Ceylon. They have
a luxurious life that should make them happy, but not everything is
easy. When they experience the death of a newborn, their marriage
starts to unravel.
Daniel is happy in
Ceylon, but Rosie insists that they move back to England where they
are surrounded by family. The family consists of amusing and unusual
characters: Archie, Daniel’s brother, who feels like he can never
escape his demons: Rosie’s three sisters, a spinster, a bohemian,
and a minister’s wife; and the parents, Daniel’s mother and
Rosie’s eccentric parents.
The book tells the
story of the period between the two wars. I found the characters
rather flat. They go about their business, have problems, fall in
love, and betray their loved ones, but it all seems at a bit of a
remove. I’m reminded of one of the themes of War and Peace. During
war, the characters go beyond themselves and accomplish great things.
During peace, they sink back into mediocrity. Perhaps it’s
survivor’s guilt; perhaps it’s that the thrill is gone.
This book is the
second book in a trilogy. The first, The Dust That Falls From Dreams,
tells of the characters during the war. I assume the third book, yet
to be published, will follow them into WWII. This book can be read as
a standalone, but I think a more in depth understanding of what the
author is trying to say can be gained by reading both books. I’m
looking forward to the third book.
I received this book
from Net Galley for this review.
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