World War I is over and English woman Margaret is finally given clearance to sail to Australia to begin the new life she and her husband Frank planned during the dark days of War. Separated for nearly two years, Margaret is full of hope and anticipation, sure that the love she and Frank share will be enough to see them through any hardships that may arise. Sadly she did not foresee that Frank would not be waiting to meet her at the dock. After further investigation Margaret receives the news that Frank is married with a child. Shocked and devastated, Margaret decides against returning home to England and instead decides to create a new life for herself in Australia.
Being 1920 there are many social conventions that must be negotiated in order for Margaret to live freely as a single woman. Declaring herself to be a widow, she finds lodging and a job and embraces her new life in Sydney. Although outwardly happy, she struggles with the reality that she is still married and that Frank has betrayed her in the worst way possible. It is only when she receives a letter from Frank (via England) asking for a divorce that Margaret realises there has been a terrible mix up and that trying to sort it out is going to cause a lot of heartache.
Being 1920 there are many social conventions that must be negotiated in order for Margaret to live freely as a single woman. Declaring herself to be a widow, she finds lodging and a job and embraces her new life in Sydney. Although outwardly happy, she struggles with the reality that she is still married and that Frank has betrayed her in the worst way possible. It is only when she receives a letter from Frank (via England) asking for a divorce that Margaret realises there has been a terrible mix up and that trying to sort it out is going to cause a lot of heartache.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of The War Bride. I hadn't really heard about the ships full of war brides that arrived and it was a fascinating thing to learn about. Pamela Hart does a masterful job of transforming the reader to the streets of Sydney in that era - I saw and felt the sights and experiences Margaret undertook and appreciated the efforts the author took to create such authenticity. I particularly enjoyed reading about the pioneers of the surf lifesaving movement at Manly via Margaret's involvement with "surf shooting".
All in all The War Bride is a warm and engaging read with engaging characters and an interesting historical backdrop.
All in all The War Bride is a warm and engaging read with engaging characters and an interesting historical backdrop.
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