Love Story

Lovely War

~ Megan

I stumbled upon this book in the library where I work. It was on the bottom shelf, but the pink cover caught my eye. I immediately checked it out to myself and put it on my desk… where it sat untouched for a few days. I realized there was no way that I would be able to read 464 pages, so I used an audible credit and bought the audio book. I am so glad I did! Jayne Entwhistle is a favorite narrator. She, along with the other narrators, knocked this book out of the park!

Hazel’s sole focus in life is to attend a music conservatory. James’ focus is to come back from WWI. Aubrey’s desire to to make a name for himself in the world of jazz. Colette has no where else to be. As these four unsuspecting mortals go through their day-to-day activities, they never suspect that the gods and goddesses have a hand in those very activities.

This story is told from the perspective of Aphrodite, Apollo, Ares, and Hades. Each recounting their part in the love stories that unfold. Aphrodite, sitting in a hotel room in 1942, recounts a particular love-story she holds so dear. That love story begins in 1918.

This novel is detailed and the story so beautifully woven that I have a hard time not giving too many details away. Suffice it to say I was eager to find a student to check this book out! If you love a wonderfully written, slightly sad love story, then this book is for you!

Awesomeness:

-Hazel and Colette’s friendship is one to be admired.

-The writing style is delightful. The story is mostly told by Aphrodite but the males gods will speak throughout the novel as well. I have a whole new outlook on Hades.

-The historical notes section of the book is very detailed. For the audiobook, it was about 25 minutes and was read by the author. The research Julie did was outstanding!

Cautions:

-This is WWI and the race relations in the US are rough. There is a lot of negative attitudes and behaviors towards to African-American service men.

-This is a book set during two world wars. As you can imagine, the suffering and death rate is great. But nothing is written to an extreme or with excess graphics.

The Dressmaker

~ Megan

Interest Level: Mature/ Adult

France, 1912. A young woman is working as a maid for an older lady. She is suppose to be making dresses. She is a seamstress afterall, not just a cleaning lady. She dreams of a life where she can design and create her own dresses, far away from the prowling hands of the mistress’s son.

Tess Collins is a poor girl who has spent a great deal of time waiting on others. One day, she finally decides that she has had enough. After requesting her wages she storms out of the house in Cherbourg once and for all and heads towards to docks. There, awaiting departure, is the Titanic. Through quick thinking and even quicker talking she is able to find passage aboard the ship as a personal maid to known other than Lady Duff Gordon. This pivotal moment will change Tess’s life forever.

As we all know, 1912 was the year the Titanic sank. Luckily for Tess she makes it to New York. There she will discover that the sinking ship was just the tip of her personal iceberg! She will be stuck between two worlds: that of the rich and that of the poor. She is treated one minute as a servant and the other as a middle class professional. She will find she must not only choose one world for her financial security, but for the security of her heart as well.

 

 

Cautions:

*Tess mentions twice that the son of her mistress in Cherbourg assaulted her.

*Lady Duff Gordon is incredibly manipulative and self-centered. She does only what is best for her.

*There is a lot of lying, bribery, deception, and blame during the trials.

*Tess is kissed by two different gentlemen, both with her permission.

*A character commits suicide from being called a coward.

Awesomeness:

*This book is historical for three reasons: The Titanic’s unfortunate voyage, the change in the fashion industry, and the suffragist movement. All three events are mentioned and woven throughout the story.

*Tess is able to work her way out of a difficult life situation and learn to make it on her own merits.

*Several characters intentionally search for the truth and support one another as they heal from the tragedy.

Pick up this book and travel across the Atlantic with Tess. You won’t be sorry.

 

Lesson Plan Ideas:

*Research the sinking of the Titanic.

*Research the fashion trends in the early 1900s.

*Research Lady Duff Gordon and Coco Chanel.

*Discuss the importance of respecting those who are different than us.

*Discuss Lady Duff Gordon’s attitude toward others.

*Look at dress patterns from the 1900s. Try your hand at designing and sewing something.