We meet Beatrice Nash, who has no family, and ends up in the small village of Rye, as a Latin teacher. Early part of the book moved a little slow.  The war starts and things pick up.

Beatrice was treated poorly because she was a woman.

The villagers seem a bit naive in regard to the wear.  As things progress, they seem to adapt to their circumstances.

I did enjoy the majority of the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had never read anything by Helen Simonson so, unlike some reviewers who disliked this novel compared to her other work, I had nothing to compare Summer Before the War to. I adored this book! I found the characters beautifully developed and the story was so richly woven. It was interesting to get a glimpse into such an incredible time in history. Definitely recommended!

I only wish Helen Simonson could write faster! Really enjoyed this one.