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We That Are Left

Juliet Greenwood (Goodreads Author)

3.96 · Rating details · 134 ratings · 24 reviews

A privileged young wife on a large Cornwall estate gains responsibility and confidence when her husband leaves to fight overseas. This English home front saga then becomes something more when she leaves for France herself to rescue a friend from danger.

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Paperback, 420 pages

Published February 2014 by Honno Welsh Women's Press

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Average rating 3.96 ·

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· 134 ratings · 24 reviews

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Feb 15, 2018 Kirsty rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle, february-2018, favourites

One of my favourite things about reading historical fiction is that feeling of immersion; that I am right there with the characters in any given and realistically evoked time period. We That Are Left is one of the most immersive reading experiences which I feel I have had in a long while; I could barely tear myself away from Juliet Greenwood's beautiful and harrowing story which unfolds at the outbreak of World War One.

Greenwood's novel centres around protagonist Elin Helstone, a young, married One of my favourite things about reading historical fiction is that feeling of immersion; that I am right there with the characters in any given and realistically evoked time period. We That Are Left is one of the most immersive reading experiences which I feel I have had in a long while; I could barely tear myself away from Juliet Greenwood's beautiful and harrowing story which unfolds at the outbreak of World War One.

Greenwood's novel centres around protagonist Elin Helstone, a young, married woman who lives in her childhood home in Cornwall with her husband, Hugo. They are relatively well off, and live a comfortable life, but this offers no escape from Hugo's experiences in the Boer War, which continue to haunt him. When the outbreak of the First World War is announced, and he has to travel to the Front, Elin learns to cope with running the Hiram estate on her own. Her cousin Alice and incredibly rich friend Lady Margaret, known as Mouse, also make their own choices, and end up feeling great pride with regard to the sacrifices they consequently make for others.

The realistically constructed women who people We That Are Left demonstrate the unfairness of their position throughout, even before war is announced. Each is forward thinking, and make tiny rebellions when they are able to. They realise that there will be a dearth of men during the war, and they need to make an effort on a personal level to keep things ticking over at home; they know that the barriers, for a little while at least, will be torn down, and they can go out to work without being scorned. Alice, for instance, when reminded that as a woman, she should want little more than marriage and motherhood, measuredly replies: 'Why should everyone be the same? Why should every woman who ever lived wish to be a mother? Especially when the experience is quite likely to kill her... I have so many things I wish to do with my life. So many places I want to see. Oh, I love children and enjoy their company. But that does not necessarily mean I have a burning desire to have my own. Not when it would cost me so much. I would far rather have my independence.'

I will happily read any novel set during the First World War or thereabouts, as I have studied the period in detail over the years, and find it absolutely fascinating. Throughout her novel, Greenwood highlights the great change which has already come to England and Wales, but focuses upon the world as it was for women; wearing trousers instead of a skirt was frowned upon, even for those doing manual work, and women were prohibited from taking University examinations purely on account of their sex. Greenwood's characters make things of themselves during the war; Alice almost immediately goes to work in a nearby hospital with the war wounded, and Mouse decides to go off to France to help the soldiers there. Greenwood's characters are brave, and feel realistic both as individuals and as an entire cast.

We That Are Left is incredibly well informed with regard to both the social situation and the war. Greenwood has such an understanding of the complexities and shifts of feelings and emotions. The descriptions, particularly those of the natural world, are breathtakingly beautiful. Entirely captivating and so well written, We That Are Left swept me away, and I cannot wait to read more of Greenwood's work in future. ...more

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Feb 01, 2014 Claire McAlpine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction, france

Right from the opening pages I was transported into life at Hiram Hall, the home where Elin has lived all her life, and continues to live now with her husband Hugo and cousin Alice.

I had been waiting for Juliet Greenwood's next book after really enjoying Eden's Garden and We That Are Left was so worth the wait, it is a moving contribution to WWI fiction and an enlightening exposé on how perceptions and the role of women experienced a complete and irreversible paradigm shift.

A war vet from the ...more

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Mar 18, 2014 Louise rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

An inspirational story of female empowerment, courage, survival and love.

A real page turner and a pleasure to read.

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Feb 18, 2014 Heather rated it it was amazing

Very well written. I could not put this book down

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Jun 19, 2014 Marguerite Kaye rated it liked it

This was a good story, it romped along at a fast pace, and it was nicely written and obviously well-researched. I really liked the fact that it covered the entire period of the war, allowing the reader to see how the main protagonist was changed by it - and I don't mean just by the fact of war, but as a middle-class woman, by the huge social changes. There were also some clever parallels drawn between two generations of soldiers in the Boer War and WWI.

So why didn't I rate it higher? My problem ...more

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Feb 18, 2014 Sharon rated it it was amazing

If you only have time to read one book this year, make it "We That Are Left". But, be warned once you start reading you will not want to stop. Whilst going about normal everyday life, you will find your mind drifting into Elin's world, especially whilst gardening!

As a previous review has stated - empowerment, courage, survival and love. It is such a thought provoking and inspirational book, words fail me, I only wish I had the author's talent. I could go on and on, but instead of reading this ...more

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Feb 20, 2014 Anne rated it really liked it

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book in a giveaway from GoodReads First Reads.

This being 100 years since the start of WW1, there's rather a lot of books about this topic around right now. I found this one to be refreshingly different due to the female perspective and the freedom women gained during wartime.

I really enjoyed this book and the characters were well developed. I also loved the Welsh & the descriptions of the areas of my childhood. I'll certainly read more by this author.

Also loving the fact the ...more

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Jun 03, 2014 Ros rated it really liked it

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It really involved you in the England of World War One, but had enough emotional punch to keep you enthralled.

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Feb 17, 2014 Carly Coleman tyson added it

A very much enjoyed novel

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Jun 21, 2017 Lindasp rated it it was amazing

This is a great story of a young English woman who must learn to take care of her family ancestral home during WWI and who learns just how brave she can be in dire situations. I loved the story and the characters. It was amazing how insulated young women at that level of society were in those days and how their contributions during the war helped give them a small start to greater independence.

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Feb 27, 2017 Lorna rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I loved the book and was gripped by the story. I couldn't stop reading until it was finished.

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Mar 25, 2017 Mary Howell rated it really liked it

A delicate, gentle story, beautifully written, evocative of war peace and those left behind. Not sure how many women went to the front to search for their men and managed the bring them home.

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Dec 30, 2014 Story Circle Book Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed

We That are Left is Juliet Greenwood's second novel set during the tumultuous years of the Great War, in a small village in Cornwall. Elin, the principle protagonist, is married to Hugo, a major in the British Army who suffered deep psychological wounds after serving during the Boer War. Though he may once have loved Elin, she can no longer find any vestiges of his love in her lonely life. But then, on a beautiful sunny day in August, a biplane piloted by an adventure-seeking young woman, We That are Left is Juliet Greenwood's second novel set during the tumultuous years of the Great War, in a small village in Cornwall. Elin, the principle protagonist, is married to Hugo, a major in the British Army who suffered deep psychological wounds after serving during the Boer War. Though he may once have loved Elin, she can no longer find any vestiges of his love in her lonely life. But then, on a beautiful sunny day in August, a biplane piloted by an adventure-seeking young woman, paradoxically called Mouse, makes an emergency landing close to the manor, Hiram Hall. Elin not only makes a new friend on that portentous day, but is drawn ever more deeply into the intrigues and dramas of Mouse's wild life and ends by making a new life for herself.

Juliet Greenwood is a rather unique author, one who succeeds in combining a variety of elements I enjoy in a novel. If she needs a label, or a shelf to be placed upon in the bookshop, I suppose her genre is romance, or perhaps the more all-encompassing genre of "women's fiction with romantic elements."

But being British, Greenwood has no need to worry about attempting to fit her novels within certain definitions, narrow or otherwise. The remit for English authors has always been wider, and deeper, than that, allowing (even within the confines of "genre" writing) for deviations and multifarious interpretations. In other words, an author generally has free rein to roam where her imagination might take her—although finding a publisher might take a little longer.

Juliet Greenwood is a quintessential English authoress. I use this word, not in any pejorative sense, but to acknowledge her long and illustrious heritage found within the covers of her novel-writing ancestors, many of whom are currently in the process of been re-published by small independent publishing houses, such as Persephone Press. Common themes in early 20th century women's writing include strong female characters cast in an engaging socially-oriented fiction, elements much in evidence in Greenwood's novels also. Like her forbears, Ms Greenwood is a mistress of storytelling. Her novel pulls the reader in from the very first page and drags her through a kind of potted history of women's emerging consciousness and evolving dreams of freedom from the shackles which have long held them, and their mothers, and their mother's mothers, in thrall to a destiny not of their own making.

Setting the "Prologue" aside for the moment, the story begins on August 1st, 1914. This tale, of almost epic proportions, opens with a sentence suggesting the devastation which can lie hidden beneath the apparent sweet innocence of the most delicate day in a rose-tinted English summer: "It was the day of raspberries and champagne, the day the world changed."

Yet though the novel reads like something akin to a long film biopic, most of the action takes place over the few short, but terrible years, from 1914, when World War 1 began, to the summer of 1919. The book is flanked by a preface and a conclusion, both set in 1925. The preface is a setting for a protagonist returning to the scene of the crime, as it were, filled with a mixture of emotion encompassing both sorrow and regret, liberally laced with relief and a kind of hopeful anticipation. Indeed, the preface succeeds extremely well in setting the emotional undertones for the novel which is to follow. Juliet Greenwood is obviously a woman who watches without judging, a compassionate person who sees with a vision wider and more open than many of her contemporaries. Her novel reflects her deep consideration of many of the thorny issues which plagued not just her female characters in the story, but which continue to haunt many of her female contemporaries.

Throughout the novel, Greenwood throws a variety of difficult conundrums at her cast, and to her credit as a storyteller, she never allows herself to sink into the realm of authorial clichés. Her characters' problems are often of a deeply moral nature, yet she never shirks from her responsibility to treat them with the deference they deserve. Over the course of the novel, Greenwood explores issues such as domestic violence, rape in times of war, the difficulties of procuring a divorce for a woman, the limited options for women before the First World War and the assumption, for many of a certain class, that all would return to the way it used to be once the Great War ended.

If you have a fondness for writing in the tradition of English women authors; if you enjoy romance but without the usual clichéd plots normally associated with the genre; if you treasure novels based upon well researched archives of women's social history in the early 20th century; and if you love English period dramas made for television (such as the superb "The Crimson Field." also set during the Great War and aired on BBC in early 2014), then I have no doubt whatsoever that you will simply adore Juliet Greenwood's latest novel. I know I did!

by Edith O'Nuallain
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women ...more

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Sep 15, 2014 Jody rated it it was amazing

Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

It’s 1914 and Elin is married to Hugo, with whom she lives a comfortable but lonesome life at Hiram Hall. Hugo fought in the Boer War, something he doesn’t talk about but has influenced his life for the long run. Elin has a feeling her marriage isn’t going anywhere, but she doesn’t dare to do anything about it. Then World War I suddenly takes over everyone’s lives and Hugo leaves Elin behind to run the estate. While Elin’s Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...

It’s 1914 and Elin is married to Hugo, with whom she lives a comfortable but lonesome life at Hiram Hall. Hugo fought in the Boer War, something he doesn’t talk about but has influenced his life for the long run. Elin has a feeling her marriage isn’t going anywhere, but she doesn’t dare to do anything about it. Then World War I suddenly takes over everyone’s lives and Hugo leaves Elin behind to run the estate. While Elin’s cousin Alice and good friend Margaret work for the war effort, Elin is discovering a new side to herself and she realises there is so much more to life than being the obedient wife. But the war is unpredictable, and Elin finds herself thrown in different directions with no idea what her life will look like as soon as things will calm down again...

‘We That Are Left’ is Juliet Greenwood’s third novel and I can’t believe it took me this long to discover her work! I was completely enthralled by this book from start to finish and it’s one of the best wartime books I’ve read over the past couple of years. The main protagonist, Elin, is a fascinating heroine whose story I really enjoyed. Elin is struggling to find her own identity as a woman; before the war she is trying her best to be a good and obedient wife, but the outbreak of World War I changes everything and she discovers there’s much more and she can’t go back to her old life. Next to Elin, there’s a wonderful cast of well-drawn characters, who each bring their own unique something to the story. I particularly loved Lady Margaret Northolme, known as Mouse to her friends, who becomes Elin’s close friend, and Elin’s cousin Alice.

The story is mainly set in Cornwall, Anglesey and France, and the descriptions blew me away. Juliet Greenwood’s writing is really descriptive and almost enchanting; it made it so easy to imagine everything in my head, it was almost like a film. It is obvious the author did a lot of research and this definitely shows and makes the story even stronger. I already look forward to reading some of her other work in the future, with the hope of it being just as good as this particular book. ‘We That Are Left’ is an engrossing and moving novel with at its core a woman’s search for her own identity in the time of World War I; an absolute pleasure to read. ...more

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Apr 23, 2015 Suze Lavender rated it it was amazing

Elin lives a secluded and luxurious life at Hiram Hall. Her home is in a beautiful village by the sea and she never has to worry about money. She should be happy, but she isn't. Her husband Hugo loves her, but he doesn't really care about her. He returned from the Boer War, but hasn't been himself ever since. It's 1914 and the country is at the verge of war again. Just before Mouse literally flies into Elin's world. She's testing her plane and lands at the wrong place. The two women instantly Elin lives a secluded and luxurious life at Hiram Hall. Her home is in a beautiful village by the sea and she never has to worry about money. She should be happy, but she isn't. Her husband Hugo loves her, but he doesn't really care about her. He returned from the Boer War, but hasn't been himself ever since. It's 1914 and the country is at the verge of war again. Just before Mouse literally flies into Elin's world. She's testing her plane and lands at the wrong place. The two women instantly connect. A few glorious times follow when Elin and her cousin Alice are spending time with Mouse. Mouse's family is rich and they want her to marry someone suitable, but Mouse isn't ready to be married. She wants to live and to be adventurous and she expects Elin to be a bit less tense and obedient.

When World War I starts the men have to go to the front again. Alice trains to become a nurse to help the wounded from the battlefields. Mouse is going to France to help people there. Hugo is back at the front as well. Elin is alone without her friends, but she has a lot of work to do, as she has to manage the estate. She has to hire people to help her and she needs her gardens to provide food for Hiram and people in the village or they will all go hungry. She loves creating new and easy recipes and she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty.

When Mouse is in danger Elin doesn't hesitate and comes up with a plan to help her. That plan has more consequences than she could have ever imagined. Elin's life will never be the same. She's brave and she manages to survive the ordeals of the war. Only when the war is over and everyone who has survived can go back to their lives she realises that what is waiting for her is just as dangerous as being at war.

We That are Left is a beautiful story about a woman who fights for her own freedom and independence. Elin is a fantastic heroine. She's so strong and she deserves to live a full life. Unfortunately she has to live in the shadows and she can never be herself. Until she meets Mouse. Both her friend and the war change that and it was amazing to see the transformation. Juliet Greenwood is such a good writer, I loved every sentence. This book constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. It's gripping and adventurous. I liked it so much that it has definitely become one of my all time favorite books.
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Sep 18, 2014 Rosie Amber rated it it was amazing

We that Are Left is set around World War 1. It is the story of Elin, wife of Major Hugo Helstone, their home, Hiram Hall in Cornwall and the story of Elin's friends and family.

It begins in August 1914 a time of great anticipation and anxiety as rumours of war spread. Previously Hugo fought in the Boar war, far away but still with it's own nightmares which he has never shared with Elin. The war in Europe is much closer and everyone begins to consider the impact it may have on their lives.

When a ...more

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Jun 12, 2014 Anne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

I loved this book from its very first pages - as Elin returns to her vividly described former home in Port Helen - to its thoroughly satisfying conclusion. The narrator, Elin, is a wonderfully drawn and fascinating focus for the story - treated like a child in her loveless marriage to the cold and troubled Hugo, her life is changed both by the onset of the First World War and by the arrival of Mouse (Lady Margaret Northcote), who crashes in her biplane in a nearby field. Her introduction to the ...more

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Apr 01, 2015 lisa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads

In last nine months I have only given two books five stars. We That Are Left by Juliet Greenwood and Motherlove by Thorne Moore. I have a new favourite publisher Honno Press.

We That Are Left is a wee gem of historical fiction. It is set mainly during the Great War in a small Cornish village. Elin Helstone is left running the estate following her husbands departure to yet another war. Major Hugo Helstone is still haunted by the horrors of the Boer War. Elin's life changes with the ...more

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Jan 17, 2015 Christoph Fischer rated it really liked it

"We That Are Left"by Juliet Greenwood is a character driven historical novel that explores life at home during WW1 and also the sexual politics of those days. The book makes many interesting points and has some fascinating characters and plotlines. I didn't warm to the heroine and her narrative as much as I would have liked and wished her to develop more and deeper. There is however also some profound writing in this novel.

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Sep 11, 2014 Grace J Reviewerlady rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved this read. Set during WWII it is a wonderful tale of how things really changed on the domestic front, especially in the lives of women. Exciting and adventurous I enjoyed every word and would highly recommend it to anyone who relishes wartime fiction.

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Jan 17, 2016 Betty Adams rated it really liked it

I am currently almost obsessed with the WW I era and this saga covered it all.

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Feb 04, 2016 Anna rated it liked it

Shelves: fiction, kindle

3.5

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About Juliet Greenwood

Juliet Greenwood

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Juliet Greenwood is a UK historical novelist published in Wales by Honno Press. Her books are set in Cornwall, London and Wales in Victorian and Edwardian times, and follow the lives of independently-minded women struggling to find freedom and self-fulfillment. 'The White Camellia' will be published in September 2016, and her two previous historical novels for Honno have reached #4 and #5 in the ...more