Member Reviews
Kimberley B, Reviewer
Viv is a Catholic whose parents are not open minded and who are only concerned with appearances rather than their daughter’s well being. Vic’s boyfriend, Joshua, is Jewish, with a far more open minded family. When Viv falls pregnant, each is forced to make a decision that will change their lives. Relationships are further tested when the War arrives and children must be evacuated.
Viv starts out as a meek character who is easily bossed around, but as the story moves along, she gradually finds her strength and ability to speak her mind and stand up to people. Had she done so earlier, some of the challenges she faced might not have occurred.
The storytelling is rich, evocative and heartbreaking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel R, Educator
The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly is a heartwarming novel set during World War II. In Liverpool 1935, Viv Byrne faces many expectations from her Catholic family. However, Viv finds herself pregnant after a fling with Joshua Levinson, a Jewish man with dreams of becoming a Jazz musician, Viv knows that a quick wedding is the only solution. However, Joshua makes a life-changing decision on their wedding day and Viv is forced once again into the arms of her disapproving family. Five years later when World War II rages,Viv is faced with the hard choice to evacuate her young daughter, Maggie, to the countryside. The Lost English Girl tells the story of England’s many evacuated children, and how a simple choice can change lives and help find forgiceness and the way back to loved ones.
Kelly does a wonderful job creating an inspirational story of a mother's love and courage during World War II. The Lost English Girl had me turning the pages to the very end. This book is an easy 4 stars. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction and family stories.
I received a free advanced copy and all opinions are my own. I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
