The Light Years (The Cazalet Chronicles Book 1) - Elizabeth Jane Howard

1937. Every summer, the Cazalet brothers – Hugh, Edward and Rupert – return to the family home in the heart of the Sussex countryside with their wives and children. There, they are joined by their formidable parents and unmarried sister Rachel to enjoy two glorious months of picnics, games and sun-drenched excursions to the coast. But not even this idyllic setting can soothe the siblings’ fears and heartache.

Hugh, haunted by memories of the Great War, is terrified at the looming prospect of a second. Edward, charming and handsome, is torn between his wife and his latest infidelity. Rupert, a talented painter, is in turmoil over his inability to please his demanding new wife. Meanwhile, Rachel’s unflinching loyalty to the family means risking her one chance at happiness . . .

 

What did I think?

The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard was first published in 1990 and I'm surprised I haven't read it until now but it's definitely a case of better late than never.  It's the first book of The Cazalet Chronicles and I am completely invested in the lives of this quirky and privileged family.

The book starts with a family tree and a cast of characters that are both very useful and I referred to it a lot until I got to know the characters.  It's such an honour to see into the lives of each branch of the family tree as they return to the family home for the summer.  With England on the brink of war, they are very fortunate to have another home outside of London although one of the brothers would perhaps prefer to stay in London where his wife can't see what he's getting up to.

I think this is the first book I have read where I have really appreciated the short time between the two world wars.  Those who fought in 1914-18 are still carrying the scars and their loved ones have barely got over the worry of their husbands and sons never returning home.  Even though this is a wealthy family, they have been touched by war.

Elizabeth Jane Howard writes so beautifully and vividly.  I could easily imagine the various scenes that played out and I don't think I have ever made a note of so many favourite quotes from the exquisite prose.  There are some disturbing scenes as the family negotiate the rollercoaster of life but they are handled very sensitively.

Compelling, immersive and evocative, The Light Years is a wonderful introduction to the Cazalet family and I can't wait to see what is in store for them next.  Very highly recommended.

I received a gifted ARC for the Book Break readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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A Pearl for My Mistress - Annabel Fielding

A story of class, scandal and forbidden passions in the shadow of war. Perfect for fans of Iona Grey, Gill Paul and Downton Abbey.

England, 1934. Hester Blake, an ambitious girl from an industrial Northern town, finds a job as a lady's maid in a small aristocratic household.

Despite their impressive title and glorious past, the Fitzmartins are crumbling under the pressures of the new century. And in the cold isolation of these new surroundings, Hester ends up hopelessly besotted with her young mistress, Lady Lucy.

Accompanying Lucy on her London Season, Hester is plunged into a heady and decadent world. But hushed whispers of another war swirl beneath the capital... and soon, Hester finds herself the keeper of some of society's most dangerous secrets...

What did I think?

I do love historical fiction and found it rather unusual that this book was set in 1934; it's neither the roaring twenties nor wartime England, so I wondered what Annabel Fielding had found to write about.  Set 5 years before war breaks out in Europe, we are plunged into an England filled with secrets, lies and espionage.

This really is a tale of two characters; hardworking and honest, Hester who wears her heart on her sleeve and cold Lady Lucy whose heart is as cold as her hands.  Oh, behind closed doors she can show affection when she feels like it, but underneath I found her cold, manipulative and sneaky.  

Annabel Fielding totally and effortlessly immersed the reader in the 1930's era.  Hebden Hall  in Northumberland is struggling to keep its majestic head above water and the servants find themselves one of the luxuries the family can't afford.  I felt sometimes that Lucy probably used this to her advantage: Hester needed to keep her job so she would do anything to keep Lucy happy.  Not that Hester was forced into doing anything she didn't want to do, I just felt that she was played.  Sorry, Lucy!  Whether I was right or wrong in my early opinion of Lady Lucy, you'll just have to read the book to find out!

I find it so interesting to read historical fiction and experience the thoughts and feelings of another era.  In this day and age, we can't imagine that a mixed race or same sex couple, for example, would ever have to hide their relationship.  It's so good to see how far we have come over the years, albeit at a snail's pace, at improving understanding and acceptance.  

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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