Publication
New York, NY : William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2014]
Collection
Call number
Fiction R
Physical description
373 p.; 21 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
"Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford, has struggled against both her mother's expectations and the restrictions early 20th-century British society imposes upon women of "gentle breeding". Lilly longs to make a difference, to have a life of substance and meaning. Only one person other than her beloved brother Edward ever listened to what she really wanted-Robert Fraser, Edward's best friend. But that was many years ago when he was visiting and Lilly was young, and she is certain Robbie has long forgotten her. Robbie Fraser knows he shouldn't have come to the lavish ball given by Edward's parents, the Earl and Countess of Cumberland. This world is far removed from the hospital in Whitechapel where he works as a surgeon. In his work, he is fêted and admired by his colleagues and friends, yet his accomplishments count for nothing to the privileged few attending the Neville-Ashford gala. As he plots his quiet escape, he is stopped by a vision of loveliness-Lilly. He finds her utterly captivating. She believes he is the man of her dreams. In a few short weeks, the world is engulfed by war. As the lights go out across Europe, Robbie becomes a trauma surgeon in a field hospital on the Western Front, while Lilly breaks free of convention, as well as from her disapproving parents, leaving home and eventually becoming an ambulance driver with the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. When she is transferred to the same field hospital where Robbie works, she hopes to strengthen the growing bond between them. Yet how can love survive the class restrictions that separate them and the horrors and suffering of the Great War?" --… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member pjhess
Really good historical fiction. Takes place in France during WWI. Highly recommend.
LibraryThing member arielfl
I saw that this was one of the recommended reads for people suffering the let down blues from the end of Downton Abbey. I have read so many books about WWI and spunky women who did their part for the cause. I wasn't really expecting too much but I was pleasantly surprised.
Lady Elizabeth (Lily) has
Usually the WWI one novels I read are not romances so in that respect this one was a little unusual. It was not a frothy bodice ripper but an intelligent historical romance. That scene with Lily and Robbie in the hotel at the end that took place over two chapters earned it an extra star from me. Don't leave it laying around for the PG crowd.
Lady Elizabeth (Lily) has
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greater aspirations for her life than sitting around waiting for a husband. When the war occurs she seizes her chance to lead a meaningful life by enlisting as an ambulance driver in France. It doesn't hurt that her brother's friend and crush Dr. Robbie is stationed there as well. Robbie and Lily have the usual annoying, misunderstandings people suffer from in novels as a result of never saying what they mean. I do have to hand it to Lily though. When she was on the outs with Robbie she didn't wallow in her pity but kept on living her life and driving her ambulance. Eventually events conspire to drive them back together and things end as well as they can in war time. Usually the WWI one novels I read are not romances so in that respect this one was a little unusual. It was not a frothy bodice ripper but an intelligent historical romance. That scene with Lily and Robbie in the hotel at the end that took place over two chapters earned it an extra star from me. Don't leave it laying around for the PG crowd.
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LibraryThing member LiteraryFeline
Somewhere in France by Jennifer Robson
William Morrow, 2013
Fiction (Historical); 400 pgs
I was first drawn to read Somewhere in France after reading a description of it. Set during World War I, the novel is about a young woman, Lady Elizabeth, who wants to do her part in the war. Her mother forbids
Lily is humble and modest. She has the grace of the lady she is, and is curious and eager to take on the world. I liked her instantly and appreciated how much she cared for people. I understood and could relate to her hesitancy when it came to taking those big steps, which was more from nerves and uncertainty than anything else. Lily was naive in many respects, but she was also smart and resourceful. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty and learn something new.
Lily tries to hide her family roots once she enters the "real world", taking a job first as a painter and then as a "Clippie" (female conductor on a bus). When the opportunity comes to actually take part in the war effort more directly, Lily takes a job as an ambulance driver by joining the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). She is assigned to work in France, where she works alongside her brother's best friend Robbie, a surgeon.
Like Lily, I was immediately taken with Robbie. His background is not one Lily's mother thinks highly of, although Robbie is the sort of man I think any mother should be proud of. He is hard working and thoughtful. He sees in Lily what she doesn't see in herself at first, helping her find the courage she needs to be who she wants to be.
Somewhere in France is very much a love story, with Lily and Robbie at its heart. Forbidden love tends to make a compelling story, and this instance was no different. Lily and Robbie hae real chemistry, and I wanted nothing more than for them to be able to be together, despite the odds.
The war itself plays an integral part to the story. Many were excited when war was declared, but the horrors of what was to come, the lives lost and the trauma suffered, soon brought everyone back to reality. War is not at all pretty. Jennifer Robson does a good job of capturing the affects of war on the men and women directly and indirectly involved in the fight. Not everyone reacts the same way, and I really appreciated the different perspectives the author provides. In particular, Lily's brother, Edward, comes to mind. None of the characters were left untouched by the war, and by the end, each had grown has individuals.
Somewhere in France was an enjoyable book to read, full of heart and yet also bittersweet at times. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
William Morrow, 2013
Fiction (Historical); 400 pgs
I was first drawn to read Somewhere in France after reading a description of it. Set during World War I, the novel is about a young woman, Lady Elizabeth, who wants to do her part in the war. Her mother forbids
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it, wanting her daughter to marry well and raise a family, true to the family's station in life. Elizabeth, or Lily as she prefers to be called, grew up around opulence and wealth, but she has always aspired to be something more than just her title allows. Encouraged by her former tutor and friend, Charlotte, as well as by her brother's best friend, Robbie, Lily leaves home and ventures out on her own. Lily is humble and modest. She has the grace of the lady she is, and is curious and eager to take on the world. I liked her instantly and appreciated how much she cared for people. I understood and could relate to her hesitancy when it came to taking those big steps, which was more from nerves and uncertainty than anything else. Lily was naive in many respects, but she was also smart and resourceful. She was not afraid to get her hands dirty and learn something new.
Lily tries to hide her family roots once she enters the "real world", taking a job first as a painter and then as a "Clippie" (female conductor on a bus). When the opportunity comes to actually take part in the war effort more directly, Lily takes a job as an ambulance driver by joining the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). She is assigned to work in France, where she works alongside her brother's best friend Robbie, a surgeon.
Like Lily, I was immediately taken with Robbie. His background is not one Lily's mother thinks highly of, although Robbie is the sort of man I think any mother should be proud of. He is hard working and thoughtful. He sees in Lily what she doesn't see in herself at first, helping her find the courage she needs to be who she wants to be.
Somewhere in France is very much a love story, with Lily and Robbie at its heart. Forbidden love tends to make a compelling story, and this instance was no different. Lily and Robbie hae real chemistry, and I wanted nothing more than for them to be able to be together, despite the odds.
The war itself plays an integral part to the story. Many were excited when war was declared, but the horrors of what was to come, the lives lost and the trauma suffered, soon brought everyone back to reality. War is not at all pretty. Jennifer Robson does a good job of capturing the affects of war on the men and women directly and indirectly involved in the fight. Not everyone reacts the same way, and I really appreciated the different perspectives the author provides. In particular, Lily's brother, Edward, comes to mind. None of the characters were left untouched by the war, and by the end, each had grown has individuals.
Somewhere in France was an enjoyable book to read, full of heart and yet also bittersweet at times. I will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
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LibraryThing member gypsysmom
World War I and II continue to inspire great stories. In this book Jennifer Robson shows life during World War I for a young British girl who volunteers to be an ambulance driver. It is a work of fiction but, as the daughter of a historian of World War I, Robson has tried to make it realistic.
Lady
This book seemed like more of a romance than a historical novel but I am sure the details are accurate. I just would have liked a little more exploration of the characters' emotions. Nevertheless it was a quick and easy read.
Lady
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Elizabeth Neville-Ashford is the youngest child of the Earl and Countess of Cumberland. At twenty years of age she has never attended school or held a job. Her mother is of the opinion that the only thing she needs to be prepared for is to marry a man of her social equal, just as her older sisters have done. Lady Elizabeth, who prefers to be called Lilly, did manage to get a decent education by prevailing upon her brother Edward to hire a good governess, Charlotte. When World War I breaks out Lilly wants to do her part and she is encouraged in this by her brother's best friend, Robbie Fraser. Robbie is a surgeon and is sent to France to care for the wounded. Lilly dares to write to him to wish him well and in their correspondence Robbie encourages her plans. Lilly decides to learn to drive and gets the mechanic from their Cumbria estate to show her how. When her parents discover this they dismiss the mechanic and Lilly leaves home. As plain Lilly Ashford she obtains a job as a driver in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and she manages to be sent to the same station that Robbie is serving in. Although fraternization between men and women is forbidden Lilly and Robbie manage to sneak away occasionally. Robbie is terrified that Lilly will come to harm. Lilly is determined to stay and do her duty. A quarrel ensues and Robbie refuses to speak to Lilly at all.This book seemed like more of a romance than a historical novel but I am sure the details are accurate. I just would have liked a little more exploration of the characters' emotions. Nevertheless it was a quick and easy read.
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LibraryThing member KarenHerndon
Well, this is a well written book and for those that like historical fiction it gives a fair account of rich, titled British girl during WWI along with what it must have been like as a woman ambulance driver close to the front lines during said war.
My objection is that it is another predictable,
Then, there is the almost perfect happy-ever-after again, predictable, ending.
Would I recommend this book- yes to sappy love story readers.
My objection is that it is another predictable,
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sappy romance. Again, there is the miscommunication between the romantic couple that keeps their love from kindling beyond a mere spark until finally they manage to come to an understanding and realize their undying love for each other is both sided. At least in this story it isn't stretched out to total boredom as most are. Then, there is the almost perfect happy-ever-after again, predictable, ending.
Would I recommend this book- yes to sappy love story readers.
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LibraryThing member Sarah_Gruwell
Book received for free from GoodReads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the book!
It's so refreshing to find so many great books with strong female leads lately. Just like another novel I read recently, Lilly is just such a strong character. She's a woman who's not
I really enjoyed how the author wasn't afraid to illustrate the horrors of WWI. She doesn't shy away from people going MIA in no-man's land, mind-numbing exhaustion of the medical staff, and the horrible wounds inflicted from bombs and shrapnel. The author shows how these war conditions impact all her characters, their relationships, and how they grow as individuals to astounding characterization effect. I felt like I experienced the timeframe and circumstances through the author's characters. Truly the mark of a great book.
My only gripe with this book is the light tone the ending took and how everything was wrapped up in a ribbon and sparkles. Everything was resolved with a saccharine resolution that I felt really contrasted with the rest of the novel, not to great effect. There were several scenes towards the end that were way to pate and eye-roll inducing, especially the cheering scene. These last few pages didn't jive with the rest of the book at all
In all, this book stands out. It's a lovely get away to another time, drawing you in with period details and characterization that astounds. Despite an ending that definitely doesn't stack up with the rest of the book, I still feel this book is a worthy investment of time and enjoyment. Definitely a nice introduction to this author.
It's so refreshing to find so many great books with strong female leads lately. Just like another novel I read recently, Lilly is just such a strong character. She's a woman who's not
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afraid to break away from all that's familiar to grow as an individual in very trying circumstances. I relished seeing her eagerness to try new things, her bravery in going into war torn France and experiencing all the horrors that entailed, and her steadfastness in sticking with her duty and to her guns when others tried to get her to a safer environment.I really enjoyed how the author wasn't afraid to illustrate the horrors of WWI. She doesn't shy away from people going MIA in no-man's land, mind-numbing exhaustion of the medical staff, and the horrible wounds inflicted from bombs and shrapnel. The author shows how these war conditions impact all her characters, their relationships, and how they grow as individuals to astounding characterization effect. I felt like I experienced the timeframe and circumstances through the author's characters. Truly the mark of a great book.
My only gripe with this book is the light tone the ending took and how everything was wrapped up in a ribbon and sparkles. Everything was resolved with a saccharine resolution that I felt really contrasted with the rest of the novel, not to great effect. There were several scenes towards the end that were way to pate and eye-roll inducing, especially the cheering scene. These last few pages didn't jive with the rest of the book at all
In all, this book stands out. It's a lovely get away to another time, drawing you in with period details and characterization that astounds. Despite an ending that definitely doesn't stack up with the rest of the book, I still feel this book is a worthy investment of time and enjoyment. Definitely a nice introduction to this author.
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LibraryThing member Smits
One of the better historical fictions that I have read. Lilly really grew on me especially once she left her parents home and the rigid British society. She volunteers in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and winds up driving an ambulance near the front in France. She arranges to be at the medical
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hospital where her brother Edward's best friend Robbie is a surgeon.Her innocence concerning men is quite sweetly portraited and their love affair is heartwarming. A great read Show Less
LibraryThing member Kimmyd76
Look forward to reading the rest of the series!
LibraryThing member MaggieFlo
We meet Lady Elizabeth (Lily) Ashford as she is about to attend a ball with her parents and brother Edward. Lily is not a traditional upper class young woman and has no real interest in the men her parents are trying to have her marry. She meets her brother's best friend, Robert Fraser and has a
The descriptions of life in the trenches and in the army hospital tents are very realistic and well done. The story is engrossing and as expected, there is a romance between Lily and Robbie.
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short but interesting conversation with him. Robbie attended university with Edward no is now a practising surgeon. Their backgrounds could not be more different. As WWI begins, Lily wants to participate and when her parents refuse to let her volunteer, she leaves home and begins her life as a clippie on the London trams and then is accepted as a volunteer as an ambulance driver with the WACC. She is transferred to the battlefields of France and encounters the reality of the war and Robbie, a war surgeon.The descriptions of life in the trenches and in the army hospital tents are very realistic and well done. The story is engrossing and as expected, there is a romance between Lily and Robbie.
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LibraryThing member Iambookish
3.5
I hesitate calling this a "lovely" story because it is set during WW1 with the majority of of the plot taking place close to the front in France, but it's gently told, and a happy ending and that made it a joy to read.
I hesitate calling this a "lovely" story because it is set during WW1 with the majority of of the plot taking place close to the front in France, but it's gently told, and a happy ending and that made it a joy to read.
LibraryThing member DoingDewey
Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford has always thought fondly of her bother’s friend Robert since as a child he encouraged her to pursue her dreams. A surprise meeting years later reveals him to still be equally supportive and their mutual attraction is obvious. However, Elizabeth’s mother
Even in historical fiction, I feel like most readers want female characters to behave like modern women. I personally find it unpleasant to read a book like Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival which doesn’t at least condemn the sexism of the time period. In many time periods though, I suspect it was unusual for a woman to successfully resist seixst social pressures. That is one reason why Jennifer Robson’s choice of setting is so perfect. It is clear that many women are beginning to have the freedom to attend school, have careers, and marry who they like. A woman from an old fashioned family might have to fight for those privileges. She also might believably succeed. Watching Elizabeth do so was inspiring and a ton of fun.
The romance, like Elizabeth’s personal story, was perfectly suited to the time period. Having to deal with the war and the social issues that might separate them made every happy moment of the relationship feel precious. The letters the characters exchanged were enjoyable and an integral part of the story’s success. In particular, they allow you to see Elizabeth and Robert’s relationship forming. At the end, you know why these characters love each other. In any genre, I think that’s a critical component of a well written romance.
Descriptions of the war were also very well done. It was clear how horrible the war was. It was clear what a devastating effect it was having on the mental health of everyone involved. And both these things were accomplished without rubbing your face in gory details. This backdrop made the romance all the more moving. I think that makes this a spectacular example of a historical fiction romance. The romance personalized the time period and the romance couldn’t have happened at any other time. It was beautiful, poignant, and fit the time period perfectly.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
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disapproves of Robert almost as much as she disapproves of Elizabeth’s career aspirations. The war and encouragement from friends give Elizabeth the courage to break with her parents. As an ambulance driver she is eventually sent to the front, where she is reunited with Robert (a surgeon). Although they are reunited, his fear for her safety is a strain their relationship might not survive.Even in historical fiction, I feel like most readers want female characters to behave like modern women. I personally find it unpleasant to read a book like Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival which doesn’t at least condemn the sexism of the time period. In many time periods though, I suspect it was unusual for a woman to successfully resist seixst social pressures. That is one reason why Jennifer Robson’s choice of setting is so perfect. It is clear that many women are beginning to have the freedom to attend school, have careers, and marry who they like. A woman from an old fashioned family might have to fight for those privileges. She also might believably succeed. Watching Elizabeth do so was inspiring and a ton of fun.
The romance, like Elizabeth’s personal story, was perfectly suited to the time period. Having to deal with the war and the social issues that might separate them made every happy moment of the relationship feel precious. The letters the characters exchanged were enjoyable and an integral part of the story’s success. In particular, they allow you to see Elizabeth and Robert’s relationship forming. At the end, you know why these characters love each other. In any genre, I think that’s a critical component of a well written romance.
Descriptions of the war were also very well done. It was clear how horrible the war was. It was clear what a devastating effect it was having on the mental health of everyone involved. And both these things were accomplished without rubbing your face in gory details. This backdrop made the romance all the more moving. I think that makes this a spectacular example of a historical fiction romance. The romance personalized the time period and the romance couldn’t have happened at any other time. It was beautiful, poignant, and fit the time period perfectly.
This review first published on Doing Dewey.
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LibraryThing member LibraryCin
Lady Elizabeth is in her early 20s(?) and has not had a real education, although she would have loved that. She is expected to marry, be a wife, and mother. When her brother’s friend, Robbie from university, visits, “Lilly” is swept away. But he is far below her “station”, and her mother
WWI arrives, and Edward (Lilly’s brother) heads to war, and Lilly learns that Robbie is a doctor and has gone to France to perform surgeries on wounded soldiers at the front. Lilly wants so badly to help, but is forbidden by her mother. She finds a way to secretly learn to drive, and when things blow up with her parents, she leaves to live with her former tutor in London. From there, she manages to get a job driving an ambulance in France to help shuttle soldiers from when they were wounded to the makeshift hospitals.
This was also a romance, which is not usually my thing, but I got swept away in this one. I really liked it. I really liked both Lilly and Robbie. And it was interesting to learn about the women ambulance drivers in the war. The author’s father was a historian with an interest in the two world wars.
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sends him packing (with a lie Lilly doesn’t know about). Lilly thought they were getting along very nicely and was very disappointed Robbie left without a word.WWI arrives, and Edward (Lilly’s brother) heads to war, and Lilly learns that Robbie is a doctor and has gone to France to perform surgeries on wounded soldiers at the front. Lilly wants so badly to help, but is forbidden by her mother. She finds a way to secretly learn to drive, and when things blow up with her parents, she leaves to live with her former tutor in London. From there, she manages to get a job driving an ambulance in France to help shuttle soldiers from when they were wounded to the makeshift hospitals.
This was also a romance, which is not usually my thing, but I got swept away in this one. I really liked it. I really liked both Lilly and Robbie. And it was interesting to learn about the women ambulance drivers in the war. The author’s father was a historian with an interest in the two world wars.
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Awards
Evergreen Award (Nominee — 2015)
Language
Original publication date
2013
ISBN
9780062273451