Make Do and Mend by Adam Fitzroy

[Rachel]

The Second World War. It’s not all fighting and glory; there are battles on the Home Front, too, and some are not exactly heroic. That’s what injured naval officer Harry discovers when he befriends conscientious objector Jim – a friendship frowned upon in their small Welsh valley even before they begin to fall in love. But they both have secrets to conceal, and it takes a bizarre sequence of events before the full truth can be uncovered.

This is a lovely book, which has stayed in my mind long after finishing. It is written in a style which brings to mind the stiff upper lip shown in many British war films, while at the same time managing to display great affection and tenderness. It is quite understated - but easily kept my attention, eager to read through to the end. The setting really speaks of Wales, and indeed is reminiscent of rural wartime Britain generally. The main characters are not young men, but are in their thirties/forties, with plenty of life experience. There are some serious issues discussed, but the fluid style of writing made these easy to absorb. The romance is very tender, but refreshingly, the intimate love scenes are not explicitly described - which all seemed in keeping with the overall style of the story.

This book ticks a number of boxes which readers here often mention (Ulysses?) and I would like to commend it to you.

[PaperMoon]

I loved this book too! Like you, Rachel, the characters stayed with me for days after I finished reading the book. The cottage scenes with Harry and the lamb both frozen and needing TLC was magic!

I'm very partial to the British style of writing and telling of tales. And I must say that everything I've read from Manifold Press has very thoroughly satisfying. Apart from Harry and Jim, Harry's brothers are all very well characterized as are some of the farm hands/help as are some of the Welsh village folk. Plus a HEA ending ... what more could be wished for folks? A high recommendation from me too.

[Aussie54]

I liked this story too, and I agree with you, PaperMoon - Manifold Press has some very good books. I'm rarely disappointed. I think it has something to do with their editing process, and the fact that they only publish a small amount of books means they can maintain quality control.