Marianne Perry's Blog - Posts Tagged "wacc"
Somewhere in France
Somewhere in France by Jennifer Robson: Book Notes
Set during World War One, Somewhere in France is organized into three parts. It begins July 1914 in London, England, unfolds primarily in medical stations situated in France near the front lines and concludes January 1919 after the war has ended. Lilly is the novel's main character. A twenty-year-old born into an aristocratic British life, she defies family and social expectations, joins the WACCs and becomes an ambulance driver in France. Core to the story is Dr. Robert Fraser (Robbie), a Scottish surgeon from the opposite social class and friend of Lilly's older brother, Edward. Contrary to their parent's wishes, Edward also enlists serving as an infantry Captain. Lilly's friendships with other women prove integral as well including that with Charlotte Brown, a governess who trains and serves as a nurse. Supplemental to the book is a glossary of terms that aids reader understanding of this historical period as well as details pertinent to female ambulance drivers.
Jennifer Robson's extensive research is reflected throughout the almost four-hundred pages. In particular I cite Chapter 17 for its description of the surgery performed by Dr. Fraser at a field hospital in France on injured soldiers. Chapter 21 is an excellent example of the imagery making the devastated farmhouses and landscapes come to life for the reader. And Chapter 37 outlines the aristocratic life of Lilly's parents, The Earl and Countess of Cumberland.
Somewhere in France is a vivid and compelling account of varied personal experiences during World War One. I was disappointed, however, in the romantic relationship between Lilly and Robbie as it fell short in conveying passion. In all other aspects, however, this is a poignant read.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
Set during World War One, Somewhere in France is organized into three parts. It begins July 1914 in London, England, unfolds primarily in medical stations situated in France near the front lines and concludes January 1919 after the war has ended. Lilly is the novel's main character. A twenty-year-old born into an aristocratic British life, she defies family and social expectations, joins the WACCs and becomes an ambulance driver in France. Core to the story is Dr. Robert Fraser (Robbie), a Scottish surgeon from the opposite social class and friend of Lilly's older brother, Edward. Contrary to their parent's wishes, Edward also enlists serving as an infantry Captain. Lilly's friendships with other women prove integral as well including that with Charlotte Brown, a governess who trains and serves as a nurse. Supplemental to the book is a glossary of terms that aids reader understanding of this historical period as well as details pertinent to female ambulance drivers.
Jennifer Robson's extensive research is reflected throughout the almost four-hundred pages. In particular I cite Chapter 17 for its description of the surgery performed by Dr. Fraser at a field hospital in France on injured soldiers. Chapter 21 is an excellent example of the imagery making the devastated farmhouses and landscapes come to life for the reader. And Chapter 37 outlines the aristocratic life of Lilly's parents, The Earl and Countess of Cumberland.
Somewhere in France is a vivid and compelling account of varied personal experiences during World War One. I was disappointed, however, in the romantic relationship between Lilly and Robbie as it fell short in conveying passion. In all other aspects, however, this is a poignant read.
Marianne Perry
Writing inspired by genealogical research to solve family mysteries.
www.marianneperry.ca
