With such a sensitive subject, I felt the author was respectful of the historical plot of her novel.
Meanwhile, a POW camp is set up on the island and Nazi's are committing such acts of cruelty to reinforce Hitler's agenda. Suddenly, the life of her family is dominated by the rules and regulations of the Nazi's curfews are put into place, you cannot drive your own car and food is scarce.
Her island is gradually inhabited by German soldiers, who commander the homes and possessions of the islanders. Vivienne is a mother of two young daughters - and a carer to her ailing mother-in-law - maintaining her home while her husband is away fighting with the allied forces during the war. Historically, we are perhaps guilty of forgetting about the inhabitants of the small islands caught in the crossfire - they were in 'no mans land' and felt the brunt of much of the Occupation. This has to be one of my favourite books of the year so far I enjoyed how the author shunned typical historical fiction patterns and chose to set her story on the isle of Guernsey during world war two. I believe this story will linger with me a long time. The Soldier's Wife gives us a glimpse into people forced through circumstances beyond their control to live side by side while technically remaining enemies. And yet, we know that each side is made up of human beings with homes and families and pets and talents much like each of us. It seems to me that war disallows us to look at our enemy on an individual, personal basis, instead labeling an entire group as wrong and/or evil. Sure, the inhabitants of Guernsey Island who survived the Nazi occupation between 1939 to 1945 provide a rich backdrop for a novel, but it takes a talented writer to transport the reader to that time and place. The Soldier's Wife had so much to say - about human dignity and perseverance and the make-do spirit and compassion (and yes, passion too). This book only served to reinforce that fascination. I've become greatly intrigued with The Channel Islands in particular ever since reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Loved it! Something about books with an island setting always draw me in.
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