An Impressive Novel: Everyone Brave Is Forgiven
This year I have set myself the challenge to read 52 books in 2022 or one book a week. This is a decent challenge but I am very excited about it!
Number 21 was Everyone Brave Is Forgiven by Chris Cleave.
This novel was my choice for the book club I have with several friends and I chose it because it talks about WWII and the Blitz, both of which as a historian are topics I like to read about. I was also curious because I haven't come across many novels that cover the Blitz (the period during WWII when London was heavily bombed by the Nazi's)
The Story
We follow three individuals whose paths cross in the chaos and life changing events of WW II. Mary is from the upper class, a girl with a solid future and an easy life until she decides to upend all of that during the war to become a teacher for evacuated children. She develops a special bond with Zachary, a colored student that is rejected by most of society.
She meets Tom, who runs the only school left in London with children that return from evacuation. Together they want to give those children the opportunity to learn as well. As they work together, they also fall in love during a dangerous time in London.
Alistair is Tom's friend and roommate who decides to enlist for the war effort and join the army. What he cannot imagine is how the war will change him and will leave him with scars that are not visible from the outside. When he meets Mary he instantly feels attracted to her...
All of this is in the background of London during heavy bombing in WWII. You can sense the danger, but also the anxiety of not knowing where the next night bombing will land.
The Review
I thought this book was wonderfully written. Interestingly, it is a very English book. Having lived in England I instantly recognized not only the typical words and accents used by different layers of society, but also the British mentality and humour were really clearly done in this book, which was great.
Chris Cleave also did a really good job bringing the characters to live, even though he chose for a story with three main characters, you feel like each of them is very believable and well rounded.
The only downside of the book is that at the end it all becomes pretty heavy and sometimes you feel like you need some happiness or to escape from all the sadness in the book. But overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend it!
What are you currently reading? I am always looking for good tips on what to read!
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