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What Was Rescued
An RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominee. In the autumn of 1940, four children meet on a train. Behind them is London, under heavy aerial attack; ahead of them is a ship bound for the safe shores of Canada. Arthur has promised his mother not to let his little brother, Philip, out of his sight. Pippa and Dora are on their polar opposites, brought together by the adventure of a lifetime. But disaster strikes mid-Atlantic, and in the chaos one of the children makes a choice that will determine the course of their lives forever. As the years pass and the survivors become adults―forging their futures and falling in love―they are still haunted by the events of that night at sea. It’s not just what was lost that darkens their what was rescued casts a long shadow, too. One of them has a terrible secret that they thought sank with the ship. But a secret is just a truth waiting to be revealed, and this secret could shatter everything.
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 16, 2017
I wanted to like this, it tried so hard! But every character was one-dimensional; barely more than a stereotype, and the ending exceptionally contrived.
August 24, 2017
I wanted to love this but I was sadly disappointed. Despite it having all of the ingredients I'd love in a story, this to me fell flat based on the fact I coiuldn't connect or even really like any of the characters.
Arthur was just completely weak and driven by his physical needs yet spoke throughout of his love for Dora like that was his reason for living; he was completely blinded by Pippa despite his so called love for Dora and cleverness in general. That said, he didn't mind the idea of a dalliance with his secretary or the nanny given half a chance. He didn't come across as a nice man or even a very genuine one.
Dora was also completely blinded by Ralph and weak enough to let him take her passport - twice. What's that saying...fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Well, shame on you Dora. She had the ambition and brains to be an independent woman - quite a rarity back then - and gave it up because of....what? I missed the boat (excuse the pun) on just what charm Ralph had.
Pippa - well. Perhaps the cleverest character in the story but you couldn't even like her in an evil villian type way. She just wasn't given enough depth. Maybe if we'd seen some chapters from her perspective it would be different - her reasons for stealing the concertina, her fear at her theft being uncovered, her obviously poor childhood...all of these things would have built some sort of depth and perhaps empathy with her, but no.
Also - the ending. It just....ended. One minute there's a landslide and people are dead, including Dora's mum and Auntie, Arthur is there digging out Helen, and the next we're in the future and they've got it together, Dora and Arthur and there's no exploration of her grief, her relief, how they've come to be together despite objections from Pippa (because I refuse to believe she would abandon her marriage, it wasn't the "done thing", in fear of her misdeeds to Phillip being found out). It's implausible to think she would be concerned she would be arrrested and charged for attempted murder for something that happened 20 years ago when a ship sank with no reliable witnesses. Her word against Dora's, and who would have more weight. Her, of course.
As I said above, I wanted to enjoy this but it just didn't sit together properly for me!
Saving graces:
Descriptions of France are beautiful and make me want to visit
I liked the scene setting for the ship sinking; very vivid
Arthur was just completely weak and driven by his physical needs yet spoke throughout of his love for Dora like that was his reason for living; he was completely blinded by Pippa despite his so called love for Dora and cleverness in general. That said, he didn't mind the idea of a dalliance with his secretary or the nanny given half a chance. He didn't come across as a nice man or even a very genuine one.
Dora was also completely blinded by Ralph and weak enough to let him take her passport - twice. What's that saying...fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Well, shame on you Dora. She had the ambition and brains to be an independent woman - quite a rarity back then - and gave it up because of....what? I missed the boat (excuse the pun) on just what charm Ralph had.
Pippa - well. Perhaps the cleverest character in the story but you couldn't even like her in an evil villian type way. She just wasn't given enough depth. Maybe if we'd seen some chapters from her perspective it would be different - her reasons for stealing the concertina, her fear at her theft being uncovered, her obviously poor childhood...all of these things would have built some sort of depth and perhaps empathy with her, but no.
Also - the ending. It just....ended. One minute there's a landslide and people are dead, including Dora's mum and Auntie, Arthur is there digging out Helen, and the next we're in the future and they've got it together, Dora and Arthur and there's no exploration of her grief, her relief, how they've come to be together despite objections from Pippa (because I refuse to believe she would abandon her marriage, it wasn't the "done thing", in fear of her misdeeds to Phillip being found out). It's implausible to think she would be concerned she would be arrrested and charged for attempted murder for something that happened 20 years ago when a ship sank with no reliable witnesses. Her word against Dora's, and who would have more weight. Her, of course.
As I said above, I wanted to enjoy this but it just didn't sit together properly for me!
Saving graces:
Descriptions of France are beautiful and make me want to visit
I liked the scene setting for the ship sinking; very vivid
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2017
This was my choice for the Amazon Kindle First purchase this month and I picked a good one for sure. I really enjoyed it, though at times I wanted to slap some of the cast silly, especially Arthur ! I was not a fan of young Pippa, either.
I found it quite intriguing because you didn't really need to know which year or decade you were in. I'm usually pretty anal about dates and needing to know exactly which year or month a story is telling us about at any given time but in this case it didn't matter in the least, I found. Incidents were mentioned that really occurred although not in the truest sense using the real names of places, for example. I won't mention what they are here as they'd be spoilers. Another thing I hadn't noticed until it was mentioned 62% into the book was the surname of one of the main characters, which again as a rule I'd never have let pass me by !!
There was a little for everybody here....some very funny lines although I also ended up quite sniffy at one point, there were romances and also deaths. I thought I knew what had happened or what was about to and I was wrong as usual, too. I thought it ended satisfactorily but quite abruptly !!
I was a little disappointed she chose to write in the American English BUT it had no mistakes throughout which is sterling work indeed, especially in an e-book. So altogether a great job was done with this book and I'll read more by her for sure.
I found it quite intriguing because you didn't really need to know which year or decade you were in. I'm usually pretty anal about dates and needing to know exactly which year or month a story is telling us about at any given time but in this case it didn't matter in the least, I found. Incidents were mentioned that really occurred although not in the truest sense using the real names of places, for example. I won't mention what they are here as they'd be spoilers. Another thing I hadn't noticed until it was mentioned 62% into the book was the surname of one of the main characters, which again as a rule I'd never have let pass me by !!
There was a little for everybody here....some very funny lines although I also ended up quite sniffy at one point, there were romances and also deaths. I thought I knew what had happened or what was about to and I was wrong as usual, too. I thought it ended satisfactorily but quite abruptly !!
I was a little disappointed she chose to write in the American English BUT it had no mistakes throughout which is sterling work indeed, especially in an e-book. So altogether a great job was done with this book and I'll read more by her for sure.
September 11, 2017
Disliked most characters and male protagonist was a stereotype of a cowardly shallow man unable to control himself. Couldn't and wouldn't recommend it to serious readers.
July 17, 2018
I got this as my Kindle First selection, and was not disappointed. Jane Bailey is a new author for me. I did not know of the evacuation of children by sea to remove them from harm during WWII, so, from that standpoint, the story was intriguing and quite interesting. Characters were well rounded, but so annoying at times. It seemed to me that Arthur should have seen through Pippa from the beginning, but then there would have been no story, I suppose. I can't say this is a novel I consider outstanding, but it was an enjoyable read.
November 28, 2020
Outstanding.... A real page turner - totally absorbing
I think this is a brilliant book. I was totally involved in the story and the era and the characters although one brilliantly depicted character seemed to have no redeeming characteristics whatsoever! The beginning scenes - describing the ship going down made me think of the Titanic and the final scenes - reminiscent of the Aberfan tragedy - were gripping.... I feel this is one of the best books I have read this year or last. It would make a cracking film. I loved the book. Wonderfully written. Exceptionally good. I don't know who recommended it to me but thank you. Wow!
I think this is a brilliant book. I was totally involved in the story and the era and the characters although one brilliantly depicted character seemed to have no redeeming characteristics whatsoever! The beginning scenes - describing the ship going down made me think of the Titanic and the final scenes - reminiscent of the Aberfan tragedy - were gripping.... I feel this is one of the best books I have read this year or last. It would make a cracking film. I loved the book. Wonderfully written. Exceptionally good. I don't know who recommended it to me but thank you. Wow!
September 14, 2017
This book was just ok. It started out strong, but then it got repetitive and a bit laborious to read. Then it would pick up again, then dive back into being repetitive and boring. I started looking to see how much more of it I had to finish. The author must have felt the same way, because then it just sort of rushed to a very unsatisfying ending. It could have been a much better book.
November 28, 2018
You saw it ... a read or listen option ...hello ...send them my way ... I am new to Jane's writing ...such a fan. I find that that book cover very calming ... or makes u so curious. we all have flaws ...some more than others ...or so it seems. u know??! lots of twists throughout this read. I really enjoy the character Pippa ... I tend to pick characters that others might not like, but to each his/her own, right!???!?
July 25, 2020
I really wanted to like this more as I loved Tommy Glover's Sketch Of Heaven. The male characters frustrated me too much unfortunately. I thought Arthur was weak and pathetic, and you could tell from the start that Ralph was controlling and manipulative. Also I felt the ending was too rushed. Disappointing.
September 12, 2017
It's One Day meets Titanic meets Vince and Joy.
I would've much more enjoyed the movie version of this book. At least it would've been over in two hours...
Not to sound too harsh, but it did feel at times like the author wanted to write the script for a film instead of a book, for a number of reasons:
1. the characters are not too complex (one, two maximum defining traits and never straying from them)
2. the circumstances are phenomenal and dramatic (very difficult to get bored with the book - frustrated and aggravated yes, but not bored)
3. The plot line is very easy to follow and at times even predict what will happen next (so you can have that "I knew it" feeling at the end of a film)
4. Sooooo many clichés and stereotypes - especially with the ending and how yet again it is a tragedy reunites the two protagonists and how Dora's daughter is the same age as she was when Arthur rescued her the first time and how it also happens during a stormy night... on the 20th anniversary of their shipwreck.
A good book doesn't need to spell things out. It is much more subtle than that. It seduces rather than laying it all out.
I would've much more enjoyed the movie version of this book. At least it would've been over in two hours...
Not to sound too harsh, but it did feel at times like the author wanted to write the script for a film instead of a book, for a number of reasons:
1. the characters are not too complex (one, two maximum defining traits and never straying from them)
2. the circumstances are phenomenal and dramatic (very difficult to get bored with the book - frustrated and aggravated yes, but not bored)
3. The plot line is very easy to follow and at times even predict what will happen next (so you can have that "I knew it" feeling at the end of a film)
4. Sooooo many clichés and stereotypes - especially with the ending and how yet again it is a tragedy reunites the two protagonists and how Dora's daughter is the same age as she was when Arthur rescued her the first time and how it also happens during a stormy night... on the 20th anniversary of their shipwreck.
A good book doesn't need to spell things out. It is much more subtle than that. It seduces rather than laying it all out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2018
This was a hard one to finish but had to know how it turned out.
I had read a sample of the book because I liked the description and premise of 4 children surviving a sinking ship and then reading of the aftermath. After the sample I was going to delete it, but hit buy book instead. Figured, oh well i'll go ahead and give it a try. I gave 3 stars for the suspense and the storyline, and for arousing my feelings of anger and angst. It's a good author who can do that. I disliked immensely all of the main characters. A review I'd read before buying the book was so disdainful of the male protagonist. I thought, "how could he be that bad?" He was that and more. Anyway if this review intrigues you, go ahead and read it. Good story premise and immensely unlikable characters; you've got a conundrum. Immoral choices lead to lots of pain as they usually do, but this was glossed over. There were some redeemable aspects though, especially about abusive relationships, and why red flags should be heeded. Would've given 4 stars if the characters weren't so frustrating.
I had read a sample of the book because I liked the description and premise of 4 children surviving a sinking ship and then reading of the aftermath. After the sample I was going to delete it, but hit buy book instead. Figured, oh well i'll go ahead and give it a try. I gave 3 stars for the suspense and the storyline, and for arousing my feelings of anger and angst. It's a good author who can do that. I disliked immensely all of the main characters. A review I'd read before buying the book was so disdainful of the male protagonist. I thought, "how could he be that bad?" He was that and more. Anyway if this review intrigues you, go ahead and read it. Good story premise and immensely unlikable characters; you've got a conundrum. Immoral choices lead to lots of pain as they usually do, but this was glossed over. There were some redeemable aspects though, especially about abusive relationships, and why red flags should be heeded. Would've given 4 stars if the characters weren't so frustrating.
March 6, 2025
Not really sure the description of the book was exactly right. But a beautiful drama!
June 30, 2018
The plot of this historical novel revolves around Arthur, Pippa, and Dora; they're children who survive when a German submarine torpedoes their evacuation ship. Settings are rendered with impeccable detail, starting with life aboard the ship, shipwreck / rescue at sea, post-WW2 life in London, a coal mining town in Wales, and the South of France. The interior worlds of Dora and Arthur are told in alternating chapters, which sometimes increases tension, yet at other times slows the pace. Arthur comes across as very dutiful, yet rather passive; if he could only get a grip, he and Dora would have made a decent life together from the get-go. Pippa is cast as a villain from day one, and her insistence on ruining the lives of those in her orbit is one of the strongest strands of this story. "Pippa was the sort of person who commanded all your attention, and if you let it slip, she grabbed it back without your even noticing." Dora is the heart of WHAT WAS RESCUED. She embarks on a passionate affair with a dreadful (albeit wealthy) sod, Ralph. Her escape from Ralph's control is more compelling than surviving a shipwreck. Themes here include: children at risk, coming of age as survivors, unhappy marriage, 1940s-1950s social/morality codes, abusive lovers. Recommended to those who love WW2 historical fiction with strong splashes of romantic yearning. When I was riveted to this novel, I mentioned the premise to my mother, who recalled that a friend of hers had actually been evacuated from the UK to Canada on a ship similar to "The City of India". Novels like this that recapture true history with fabulous attention to details are valuable additions to literature.
June 21, 2021
An enjoyable read that weaves together the lives of Arthur, Pippa, and Dora, survivors of an evacuation ship that was sunk by the Germans during WWII. Chapters are written from the point of view of Arthur or Dora and take you from their childhood into adulthood.
The story begins when they meet on a train headed to meet the boat that will evacuate the children from the UK to Canada. Arthur's younger brother, Phillip, was also in the group. Arthur is attracted to Pippa and her more worldly nature (given her upper-class standing and the way she carries herself most of the time.) Meanwhile, Phillip and Dora seem to bond.
Sadly, Phillip is one of the casualties of the German attack. It is through snippets during the story that you begin to get a clear picture of what happened (and learn how all 3 survivors have a different idea about how his death came about.)
Beyond that particular storyline, you have a budding romance between adult Arthur and young adult Dora that is disrupted by Pippa's actions. When Arthur and Dora split, things take a different turn with Dora going to southern France with a wealthy young man (who just happens to know Pippa) who seems to be a dream. Only the dream love affair she embarks on turns into a nightmare she must escape.
Overall, I enjoyed this historical fiction selection. Although, I had to question how easily Arthur could be tempted by Pippa given how much he loved Dora.
I received an advance review copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley used for this review. All opinions are my own.
The story begins when they meet on a train headed to meet the boat that will evacuate the children from the UK to Canada. Arthur's younger brother, Phillip, was also in the group. Arthur is attracted to Pippa and her more worldly nature (given her upper-class standing and the way she carries herself most of the time.) Meanwhile, Phillip and Dora seem to bond.
Sadly, Phillip is one of the casualties of the German attack. It is through snippets during the story that you begin to get a clear picture of what happened (and learn how all 3 survivors have a different idea about how his death came about.)
Beyond that particular storyline, you have a budding romance between adult Arthur and young adult Dora that is disrupted by Pippa's actions. When Arthur and Dora split, things take a different turn with Dora going to southern France with a wealthy young man (who just happens to know Pippa) who seems to be a dream. Only the dream love affair she embarks on turns into a nightmare she must escape.
Overall, I enjoyed this historical fiction selection. Although, I had to question how easily Arthur could be tempted by Pippa given how much he loved Dora.
I received an advance review copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley used for this review. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. It is written mostly from the perspective of two of the main characters Dora and Arthur. Four children (Dora, Pippa, Arthur, and Phillip) are placed on a ship by their parents to escape war in England and Wales. The ship is heading to Canada where the children will be safe. Unfortunately, their ship is torpedoed and sinks. The story follows Dora and Arthur as they are drawn together by their circumstances following the sinking of the ship. They reconnect at the 10-year reunion for the survivors and fall in love. Pippa, a pretentious girl, situates herself between Dora and Arthur and steals Arthur away from Dora. Arthur tries to always see the best in Pippa and is fooled by her devious and deceitful lies and selfish desires. Dora doesn't understand how Arthur can be fooled by Pippa's lies. Dora realizing Arthur won't be coming for her, carries on with her life and gets involved with a deceitful and selfish man. However, it is a while before she is able to see the true man that he is.
I found myself rooting for Dora and Arthur; disgusted with Pippa; and so involved in the plight of the three that I wanted to keep reading. The characters were well written. I found myself anguishing along with them when things went awry and cheering when they experienced a small victory. I would highly recommend this book.
I received this book as a First Reads Kindle Give-away.
I found myself rooting for Dora and Arthur; disgusted with Pippa; and so involved in the plight of the three that I wanted to keep reading. The characters were well written. I found myself anguishing along with them when things went awry and cheering when they experienced a small victory. I would highly recommend this book.
I received this book as a First Reads Kindle Give-away.
November 6, 2017
Telling the story of survivors from the sinking of a seavacuee ship during the Autumn of 1940, this book was a sweeping and emotional tale from beginning to end.
With this spanning over a lifetime for these characters i felt deeply connected to all of them. Following them from the sinking of the ship to the repercussions of this tragedy and the secrets hidden under the waves, this was a complexly crafter story that dealt a heavy emotional blow. I really enjoyed the way the author allowed us a reader to know this secret while the characters didn’t, it added another level to the reading experience where you wished to reach into the pages and tell the characters what they didn’t know.
I also really appreciated the detail and thought that went into authenticating the time period that this book is set. The lower class communities of the Welsh valleys, the rich home owners looking for male heirs, and the typical English housing estates. It was really interesting to read from all these different settings and see the different communities. The writing was beautiful in it’s simplicity and the author was very good at crafted the tone of the novel to make scenes that were both beautiful, haunting and tense.
Overall i really enjoyed this book. It was a character driven tale about love, grief, secrets and the hardships of life. If you like historical fiction and epic emotional tales then i would highly recommend you pick this one up!
With this spanning over a lifetime for these characters i felt deeply connected to all of them. Following them from the sinking of the ship to the repercussions of this tragedy and the secrets hidden under the waves, this was a complexly crafter story that dealt a heavy emotional blow. I really enjoyed the way the author allowed us a reader to know this secret while the characters didn’t, it added another level to the reading experience where you wished to reach into the pages and tell the characters what they didn’t know.
I also really appreciated the detail and thought that went into authenticating the time period that this book is set. The lower class communities of the Welsh valleys, the rich home owners looking for male heirs, and the typical English housing estates. It was really interesting to read from all these different settings and see the different communities. The writing was beautiful in it’s simplicity and the author was very good at crafted the tone of the novel to make scenes that were both beautiful, haunting and tense.
Overall i really enjoyed this book. It was a character driven tale about love, grief, secrets and the hardships of life. If you like historical fiction and epic emotional tales then i would highly recommend you pick this one up!
June 17, 2020
This book has very mixed reviews ranging from those that rubbish it totally to those who loved it. I loved it and gave it 5 stars. It's historical fiction and the story begins with the sea evacuation of a group of children to keep them safe from the effects of WW2. I didn't know about this so it was quite interesting. Their ship sinks and some are rescued but not all. This is the story of the survivors and how their lives are forever linked. Brilliant.
the autumn of 1940, four children meet on a train. Behind them is London, under heavy aerial attack; ahead of them is a ship bound for the safe shores of Canada. Arthur has promised his mother not to let his little brother, Philip, out of his sight. Pippa and Dora are on their own: polar opposites, brought together by the adventure of a lifetime. But disaster strikes mid-Atlantic, and in the chaos one of the children makes a choice that will determine the course of their lives forever.
As the years pass and the survivors become adults—forging their futures and falling in love—they are still haunted by the events of that night at sea. It’s not just what was lost that darkens their lives: what was rescued casts a long shadow, too. One of them has a terrible secret that they thought sank with the ship. But a secret is just a truth waiting to be revealed, and this secret could shatter everything.
the autumn of 1940, four children meet on a train. Behind them is London, under heavy aerial attack; ahead of them is a ship bound for the safe shores of Canada. Arthur has promised his mother not to let his little brother, Philip, out of his sight. Pippa and Dora are on their own: polar opposites, brought together by the adventure of a lifetime. But disaster strikes mid-Atlantic, and in the chaos one of the children makes a choice that will determine the course of their lives forever.
As the years pass and the survivors become adults—forging their futures and falling in love—they are still haunted by the events of that night at sea. It’s not just what was lost that darkens their lives: what was rescued casts a long shadow, too. One of them has a terrible secret that they thought sank with the ship. But a secret is just a truth waiting to be revealed, and this secret could shatter everything.
August 9, 2017
I was a goodreads giveaway winner of this book I got it on my kindle. This is a historical fiction. It is mainly seen through the eyes of Arthur and Dora. and a couple chapters with Pippa. The three character first meet as children in 1940. They lived in England and Wales. Their parents have sent them away to be shipped to Canada to get them away from World War II. The ship is wrecked and the children are put in small boats. Arthur,Dora, and Pippa are put on the same boat. they are at sea for eight days until rescued. Fast forward ten years later Arthur and Dora meet again. Pippa is also involved. there is a engagement. betrayal. lies and secrets. lives get separated more characters come into play who may not be as they first appear. we see these characters over twenty years. Mostly seen through Arthur and Dora's eyes. I don't want to give spoilers. but found this to be a well done book. It had me wanting to find out what the secrets are, see the "bad guys" get theirs and what will become of ? I enjoyed this book and glad I got the chance to read it.
September 4, 2017
Arthur, Phillip, Pippa and Dora are 4 children that were sent on a seavacuation to Canada in World War 2. Arthur and Pippa are teenagers and the other two are five and six years younger. Arthur and Phillip are from the East End and Arthur has been told not to let his little brother out of his sight, but that is not always so easy! Pippa is much more upper class and right from the beginning Arthur is fascinated by her....but is she all that she seems......Dora the young girl from the Welsh valleys doesn't think she is!
When the boat is torpedoed mid voyage they don't all survive but is there a secret someone is keeping about this and does anyone else know and what repercussions can this cause
A good story, although I wanted to shake Arthur throughout to make him man up and see Pippa for what she really was, but generally good interesting characters and storyline
When the boat is torpedoed mid voyage they don't all survive but is there a secret someone is keeping about this and does anyone else know and what repercussions can this cause
A good story, although I wanted to shake Arthur throughout to make him man up and see Pippa for what she really was, but generally good interesting characters and storyline
September 5, 2017
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of WHAT WAS RESCUED in exchange for my honest review.
An unusual and intriguing story. The book takes place predominantly in the 1950's in Europe, surrounding characters who survived a shipwreck. It carries a true historical fiction feel, even thought it probably barely qualifies as such. (It seems odd to place a story from the 50's in the historical category, but I supposed we are rounding that bend officially, but, back to the story.) It had all the deceit and betrayal of a good drama, as well as included romantic relationships, loss, and friendships. I cannot think of another book that I can draw a close parallel to, but if you enjoyed Don't Close Your Eyes by Holly Seddon, or Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, I think this would be a book worth reading.
An unusual and intriguing story. The book takes place predominantly in the 1950's in Europe, surrounding characters who survived a shipwreck. It carries a true historical fiction feel, even thought it probably barely qualifies as such. (It seems odd to place a story from the 50's in the historical category, but I supposed we are rounding that bend officially, but, back to the story.) It had all the deceit and betrayal of a good drama, as well as included romantic relationships, loss, and friendships. I cannot think of another book that I can draw a close parallel to, but if you enjoyed Don't Close Your Eyes by Holly Seddon, or Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, I think this would be a book worth reading.
September 1, 2017
I love books with good stories. This one may be a little far fetched at times but it is still a very good book. Dora was the heroine of the story. Arthur was her love interest and Pippa was her nemesis. The characters were quite young at the beginning of the book and because the beginning is a little convoluted, I won't try to discuss that section of the book. They all meet up 10 years later and relationships evolve. I don't want to give away the story but it becomes hard to put down. I liked the development of the characters and the plot. I would definitely read something from this author again and I would recommend her to family and friends. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.
September 3, 2017
I'd give this five stars, but I really hated and despised one of the characters. In fact, I hated 2 of them most of the time. Make that 3. But the book was well written, told with truth (although some of the characters wouldn't know truth if it hit them along side their head with a sledgehammer).
I really like this book, but was never so glad to get to the resolution. I'd say redemption, but that's just too strong a word. The book gathered me up and swept me along like the waves of the ocean, riding the crest toward the shore, only to come crashing over me before safety was given. (Quite a metaphor, given the circumstances).
Give this one a chance. But do so knowing you're going to be intrigued, then infuriated. Go along for the journey. Let me know when you get there.
I really like this book, but was never so glad to get to the resolution. I'd say redemption, but that's just too strong a word. The book gathered me up and swept me along like the waves of the ocean, riding the crest toward the shore, only to come crashing over me before safety was given. (Quite a metaphor, given the circumstances).
Give this one a chance. But do so knowing you're going to be intrigued, then infuriated. Go along for the journey. Let me know when you get there.
October 3, 2017
This was a Goodreads giveaway book that I received.
I had no knowledge of any events like the child 'relocation' during the war. The storyline was very good. Like the chapters being from the individual characters' point of view. Premise is English/Welsh children were being sent out of harms way to America/Canada via oceanliner. The ship was hit by U-boat torpedoes and sunk. The book follows three of the survivors intertwined lives. Pippa, Arthur and Dora. I will say that I was tiring of the whininess of Arthur - how much deception/lies are you willing to endure for a shred of attention, affection (sex) rather than facing the truth? The ending seemed a bit rushed, but overall I enjoyed the writing and the story!
I had no knowledge of any events like the child 'relocation' during the war. The storyline was very good. Like the chapters being from the individual characters' point of view. Premise is English/Welsh children were being sent out of harms way to America/Canada via oceanliner. The ship was hit by U-boat torpedoes and sunk. The book follows three of the survivors intertwined lives. Pippa, Arthur and Dora. I will say that I was tiring of the whininess of Arthur - how much deception/lies are you willing to endure for a shred of attention, affection (sex) rather than facing the truth? The ending seemed a bit rushed, but overall I enjoyed the writing and the story!
January 25, 2018
What Was Rescued is a delightfully touching read. The author very cleverly leaves a small cliff-hanger at the end of each chapter that leaves you wanting to carry on reading to find out what happens. Written from the perspective of Arthur and Dora, the book shows how simple mistakes and decisions can alter the entire course of a person’s life. I wonder why the author did not include any chapters from the perspective of the manipulative Pippa, as I did feel that there were three main characters in the story. Arthur did come across as a little bit wet and I sometimes found myself wanting to shake him and tell him to open his eyes and stop being blind! But all in all, a really enjoyable read.
June 13, 2018
I would probably describe this book as "like marmite" - you either love it or hate it. There were parts in it that were quite slow to develop with unnecessary sexual scenes. However the underlining account of the survivors of an historical event was interesting and made me want to research more and a quite poignant reference to the Aberfan disaster became another thread throughout the book - a disaster which I remember happening and that shocked UK at the time.
Although at times I wanted to give up on the book I'm glad I didn't as the ending made the wait worthwhile. My favourite characters were the long suffering parents and the line that meant the most to me was Dora's description of her mother - "makes order out of chaos".
Although at times I wanted to give up on the book I'm glad I didn't as the ending made the wait worthwhile. My favourite characters were the long suffering parents and the line that meant the most to me was Dora's description of her mother - "makes order out of chaos".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2017
Wonderful & inspiring!
I enjoyed every single word, it was so real and thoroughly entertaining! The way when we are younger, immature and not very wise, we misread the way others especially parents really feel about us. How it's not until we are older that we can see how wrong we have been about a generation that didn't openly show a great deal of love and affection to us as children. This novel gave me much food for thought, made me look back and see my life differently. I didn't want this book to end, and I look forward to reading more of this authors work! It was more like 6 stars!
I enjoyed every single word, it was so real and thoroughly entertaining! The way when we are younger, immature and not very wise, we misread the way others especially parents really feel about us. How it's not until we are older that we can see how wrong we have been about a generation that didn't openly show a great deal of love and affection to us as children. This novel gave me much food for thought, made me look back and see my life differently. I didn't want this book to end, and I look forward to reading more of this authors work! It was more like 6 stars!
August 30, 2017
What Was Rescued by Jane Bailey is the haunting story of four children that meet as they flee war torn Europe in the midst of World War II. In the midst of this situation, the children travel on a ship that becomes wrecked and are forced into lifeboats. In the midst of this second tragedy, one of them makes a decision that will haunt them for many years. I thought the idea for this book was great, but the execution was not all that I hoped for. The book’s main secret was brilliantly planned, but the plot fell short and did not always keep my interest. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
September 18, 2017
Not what I was hoping for
The book didn't quite turn out as I expected. I'm not sure what I was looking for, but 2 people making poor life choices wasn't it. How a so-called intelligent man could fall for such an abhorrent, manipulative and self-centred woman is beyond me. Arthur's choices were just annoying and pathetic. Dora, on the other hand, was much younger and it was more understandable that she was duped in the first instance, but going back to France with Ralph the 2nd time was just plain stupidity. I think the underlying disaster as the backbone of the story had potential, I just felt disappointed with the direction the author took.
The book didn't quite turn out as I expected. I'm not sure what I was looking for, but 2 people making poor life choices wasn't it. How a so-called intelligent man could fall for such an abhorrent, manipulative and self-centred woman is beyond me. Arthur's choices were just annoying and pathetic. Dora, on the other hand, was much younger and it was more understandable that she was duped in the first instance, but going back to France with Ralph the 2nd time was just plain stupidity. I think the underlying disaster as the backbone of the story had potential, I just felt disappointed with the direction the author took.
March 12, 2021
I liked this book - eventually - though I could easily have wiped Arthur out as a piece of dishrag, he was such a wet, weak character (which says something about the quality of character portrayal the author managed). Pippa was a thoroughly unpleasant person, though I think we can put a fair bit of that down to selfish, casual and uncaring parenting matched with her own devious personality. Dora I liked. She was honest and she grew to be strong and sure of herself despite her initial vulnerabilies. The least said about the unsavoury Ralph the better.
The story is originally set sometime during WW2 with children are being seavacued from Britain. Their ship is torpedoed and we read of the plight of the children as the ship goes down and the effect it has on them then and into their future.
I enjoyed the book, and certainly found it involving enough to want to read to the end.
The story is originally set sometime during WW2 with children are being seavacued from Britain. Their ship is torpedoed and we read of the plight of the children as the ship goes down and the effect it has on them then and into their future.
I enjoyed the book, and certainly found it involving enough to want to read to the end.
July 26, 2017
Draws you in, couldn't stop reading
Quite the story, and whilst I normally dislike this type of format - alternate chapters from different characters viewpoints - I reapply didn't notice it here. The story and characters are well developed and the tension slowly built and unfolds bit by bit. You do suspect what the final outcome will be but no idea how the book will get there.
Very well written - you may not be able to put it down so expect to be tired when you don't get your usual hours of sleep!
Quite the story, and whilst I normally dislike this type of format - alternate chapters from different characters viewpoints - I reapply didn't notice it here. The story and characters are well developed and the tension slowly built and unfolds bit by bit. You do suspect what the final outcome will be but no idea how the book will get there.
Very well written - you may not be able to put it down so expect to be tired when you don't get your usual hours of sleep!
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