John Witsey

John Witsey asked Helen Simonson:

I have just read The Summer Before the War, attracted by the title & subject matter as I have a fetish for the period the book is set in. One of my favourite novels is Ford Madox Ford's Parade's End & I couldn't help but notice a number of parallels: Rye, period of setting, intelligent daughter of professor left in perilous pecuniary circumstances by his death, etc. Was this novel an influence for yours?

Helen Simonson Hi John. Thanks for asking. I have not read Parade's End but I'm going to order it now. I tend to read non-fiction and memoirs about the subject of my book but not novels - an added protection against unconsciously borrowing. I'm not surprised at the parallels since FMF lived in my area of Sussex at the time. Interestingly his name was Ford Herman Hueffer (he was German) so he deliberately changed his name at the start of the war. And he was so well-connected he was allowed to continue to visit Sussex where other 'aliens' were forbidden within 15 miles of the coast. There were different standards for different classes!! Thanks for the question and of reminding me to read this classic.

More Answered Questions

Janet

Janet asked Helen Simonson:

My book club read Major Pettigrew when we first started a about 3 years ago. Last month we read The summer Before the War. Our book club had such a great discussion. You tell such wonderful stories. I have loved both books. How do you come up for the idea for your books? Do you enjoy writing in that era? I'm looking forward to your next book.

Becky

Becky asked Helen Simonson:

Is there another book on the way? My book group read and loved Major Pettigrew last year. Now I am recommending that we read Summer this year. I really liked the way the characters grew as the story progressed and how the book itself changed from a sweet little "women's" story to a much larger and more important story as it progressed. That is the way life so often is -- we discover an entirely new and complex world.

Leanne Thomas

Leanne Thomas asked Helen Simonson:

I absolutely loved this book. I listened to it on a car trip. I fell in love with Major Pettigrew and Ali. My favorite quote: "We do what we can. The rest is God's problem." I've added it to my 7th step prayer I read every morning. Thank you for writing this inspiring and absorbing book. I really just wanted to thank you and acknowledge you for that. But this comment must have a question mark, so here it is…? :)

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