I will say, my lackluster for this story may have something to do with the fact that I'm always a bit turned off when a love story involves a married man or woman falling in love with another person outside of their own marriage. There's just something about a cheating spouse that no matter how its sugar coated, will get under my skin. I wanted to get swept away with Gunther and Vivienne, but in today's day and age where marriages have been cheapened and discarded so easily, I just can't get lost in the allure of an affair.
But that's just my opinion.
Description: A novel full of grand passion and intensity, The Soldier's Wife asks "What would you do for your family?" "What should you do for a stranger?" and "What would you do for love?"
As World War II draws closer and closer to Guernsey, Vivienne de la Mare knows that there will be sacrifices to be made. Not just for herself, but for her two young daughters and for her mother-in-law, for whom she cares while her husband is away fighting. What she does not expect is that she will fall in love with one of the enigmatic German soldiers who take up residence in the house next door to her home. As their relationship intensifies, so do the pressures on Vivienne. Food and resources grow scant, and the restrictions placed upon the residents of the island grow with each passing week. Though Vivienne knows the perils of her love affair with Gunther, she believes that she can keep their relationship and her family safe. But when she becomes aware of the full brutality of the Occupation, she must decide if she is willing to risk her personal happiness for the life of a stranger.
Rating: ***
Recommend: It seems to be quite the hit for those who loved the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
