This WWI YA spy novel was a pleasant surprise! Most of the historical war stories seem to be about WWII, which is fine, but I’ve found myself burned out by the overexposure. But with this book revolving around WWI, it reminded me of early Downton Abbey.
Lady Thomasina—Mina—is called back home by her father to help with the war effort. Her family estate, one of the only large estates that have not been turned into a convalescence home, seems empty with her mother away caring for family, her father’s secretive job in London, her brother Crispin missing in action, and her sister Margaret’s nervous temperament. But Mina never expected “helping” would involve her hosting a play for the local airmen, stumbling upon a spy in the household, and a secretive American soldier named Lucas. When secret plans start to go wrong, Mina must prove that she isn’t just a spoiled rich girl…she’s a girl with spunk and many hidden strengths.
I liked that this book had a strong female lead. Mina is a very well-developed character that you can identify with, especially her need to be of use when everyone sees her as a silly girl. I also liked how it showed the old ways of life for England’s rich versus the changing landscape because of war. Like I said previously, the forced decorum and social structure that is then challenged by the war reminds me of Downton Abbey, so maybe that helped color my perspective of this novel. It’s very YA appropriate, especially for people who like spies and intrigues. I found it to be a very well-done novel!
**Thank you Net Galley for this free read in exchange for an honest review.**
No comments:
Post a Comment