The Summer Before the War

Not as tightly written, nor as satisfying as Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, but still worthwhile reading. The ironic contrast between the strict Edwardian social class divisions and morals, and the looming war that would kill millions of British soldiers regardless of their wealth, is clearly presented without being preachy. And Beatrice's struggle to have some control over her finances and respect for her writing skills also presage additional changes that were long overdue.

I would have liked to have more of the book told from the POV of Celeste, the Belgian refugee who endures such hardship, and how she fared after the war was finally over. In many ways she was a more interesting character than Beatrice.