The Summer Before the War
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The Summer Before the War
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Narrated by:
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Lucy Scott
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By:
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Helen Simonson
About this listen
East Sussex, 1914. It is the end of England's brief Edwardian summer, and everyone agrees that the weather has never been so beautiful. Hugh Grange, down from his medical studies, is visiting his aunt Agatha, who lives with her husband in the small, idyllic coastal town of Rye.
Agatha's husband works in the Foreign Office, and she is certain he will ensure that the recent sabre rattling over the Balkans won't come to anything. And Agatha has more immediate concerns; she has just risked her carefully built reputation by pushing for the appointment of a woman to replace the Latin master.
When Beatrice Nash arrives with one trunk and several large crates of books, it is clear she is significantly more freethinking and attractive than anyone believes a Latin teacher should be. For her part, mourning the death of her beloved father, who has left her penniless, Beatrice simply wants to be left alone to pursue her teaching and writing. But just as Beatrice comes alive to the beauty of the Sussex landscape and the colourful characters that populate Rye, the perfect summer is about to end.
For despite Agatha's reassurances, the unimaginable is coming. Soon the limits of progress and the old ways will be tested as this small Sussex town and its inhabitants go to war.
©2016 Helen Simonson (P)2016 Audible, LtdWhat listeners say about The Summer Before the War
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Perpetual student
- 27-04-2017
Condensing would have improved this book
I found the characters of this novel engaging. The story line at times plodded along and would have benefitted from some editing.
Not a story with an ending you want for all characters but able to draw me in with feelings of emotion for both their misery and happiness.
Worth a listen/read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dale
- 01-04-2019
Raw and Heartwrenching
A beautifully told story telling of the horrors not only of war but of humankind.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Bianca Coleman
- 21-05-2016
This story was 'fine'
Great performance from Lucy Scott to turn a so-so story into one I managed to listen to for 15+ hours. The story line was predictable - particularly the ending - and the 'action' was a long time coming. The last 1/3 of this book was the better part. Recommended if you're after an easy 'listen'
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 15-10-2024
Great story
Loved it Not too romantic and wonderful characters. Not predictable in the least. Good audio too
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jane h.
- 24-05-2016
Intelligent and indulgent.
Loved this slow moving, beautifully written and expertly read book. So easy to slip into Beatrice's world. Highly recommend.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Julie V. Purdey
- 07-08-2017
Realistic Portrayal of War
I enjoyed this sad story of how ear affected one group of people and brought out their characteristics both good and bad consistent with the era.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stephanie Cole
- 20-10-2022
Beautifully written
I loved this book. Beautifully written and wonderfully narrated. Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great story with characters who really come to life amongst the pages.
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