The Light Over London by Julia Kelly– Audio
Book Blurb:
It’s always been easier for Cara Hargraves to bury herself in the past than confront the present, which is why working with a gruff but brilliant antiques dealer is perfect. While clearing out an estate, she pries open an old tin that holds the relics of a lost relationship: among the treasures, a World War II-era diary and a photograph of a young woman in uniform. Eager to find the author of the hauntingly beautiful, unfinished diary, Cara digs into this soldier’s life, but soon realizes she may not have been ready for the stark reality of wartime London she finds within the pages.
In 1941, nineteen-year-old Louise Keene’s life had been decided for her—she’ll wait at home in her Cornish village until her wealthy suitor returns from war to ask for her hand. But when Louise unexpectedly meets Flight Lieutenant Paul Bolton, a dashing RAF pilot stationed at a local base, everything changes. And changes again when Paul’s unit is deployed without warning. Desperate for a larger life, Louise joins the women’s branch of the British Army in the anti-aircraft gun unit as a Gunner Girl. As bombs fall on London, she and the other Gunner Girls relish in their duties to be exact in their calculations, and quick in their identification of enemy planes during air raids. The only thing that gets Louise through those dark, bullet-filled nights is knowing she and Paul will be together when the war is over. But when a bundle of her letters to him are returned unanswered, she learns that wartime romance can have a much darker side.
My Review: 3.5 stars
Light Over London is a perfect audio pick for those who like historical fiction fueled by romance. This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I was both entertained and invested in the story.
This book takes place during two time periods, current day and 1941, when we meet our two main protagonists. Both of them are predictable, yet still likeable women. Louise’s story, during WW2, held much more depth for me. I enjoyed learning about the Ack Ack girls and their time as gunners during the war. Right now, many historical fiction books are trending with stories about women, mostly in the British Army, whose service was instrumental during the war. I think this is the third book I’ve read about or in reference to these Ack Ack girls.
The plot has been aptly summarized in the book blurb and although I listened with enjoyment, I did wonder why the antiques dealer was so bent on finding out the author of the diary. It made for a great crutch to get the story going, but the “why” behind it could’ve made for a deeper reading experience.
Many of you know, I have a sub-genre for historical fiction, called historical fiction ‘light’. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it; it’s perfect for many readers. This one fits right in that category. Lots of romantic tension, strong bonds of friendship, courageous women and breaking free from what holds you back fill both storylines. It’s an easy book to read or listen to if you don’t mind some cliched predictability.
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