Thursday, September 5, 2013

Letters From Skye

Jessica Brockmole's debut novel is an absolute pleasure to read.  My mom brought an advanced reader's copy from the American Library Association conference (so I wouldn't have to worry about returning it to the library; she's a smart lady who knows that new moms are not punctual in the least), and I casually read it during August's night feedings.  As if seeing that cute baby boy's eager face during our midnight meetings wasn't enough, this book helped me stay awake in the wee small hours of the morning.
This epistolary novel takes place during World Wars I and II, and tells the story of two pen pals from different sides of 'the pond'.  Elsbeth is a poet in Scotland, specifically the Isle of Skye, whose words entrance American David Graham.  He writes to her on a whim, and she responds; thus, a years-long correspondence begins.  Their romance is sweet, but won't give you a toothache; I found it charming.
Brockmole weaves in vivid imagery of Europe during WWI.  David signs up to be an ambulance driver in Europe, which isn't something I think about when war comes to mind.  It's also easy for civilians to gloss over the agony of being out of touch with their loved ones who are fighting, and this book taps into the worry of waiting for a letter.  One review I read compares this to The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a very fitting statement, and one that might help you picture the feel for Skye.  I thoroughly enjoyed both!

2 comments:

  1. Looking forward to my turn from the library. And I love your description of that eager face during midnight feedings. I remember that so well. You might forget this book, but you won't forget that precious time with your hungry boy!!

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  2. I loved loved loved this book, and have passed it on to Aunt Nesi! I agree with your statement about waiting for a letter; those parts of the book broke my heart with worry.

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