Katy has a zest for life. A thirst for adventure. When that zest and thirst take her job and her reputation, Jem, who has loved her forever, steps forward and saves at least her reputation. He also gives her a new title, housewife and later mother.
Heartache and deep sorrow tear the young couple apart and WWI offers Jem a refuge.
Upon the news of his possible death in the field, Katy, trying to escape a manical Vicar who wants her love, joins the WAAC. Her life no longer belongs to her, but to the military, her country, and the war. It is here that Katy finally finds her strength.
There are many contrasts in this book, none greater that the contrast between the two settings: Wiltshire, England and the battlefields of France. A second major contrast is between the classes that occupy rural England in the years before WWI. There is also a contrast between types of love. These contrasts Katy must learn to discern.
This is an enjoyable historical fiction. An easy and quick read, the book has many descriptive passages. I most enjoyed the play with words that the author uses when she is describing a character's thought processes. The scenic descriptions are more predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless. The author's in-depth research is evident.
Daffodils is a good read. It is not great literature, but it is certainly good literature, and a very good story. There is now a sequel Peace Lily. Yes, I will read it.
I recommend this book. My copy was a verified purchase through Amazon where it is now only .99 in the USA. It is also available on Amazon UK.
http://www.amazon.com/Daffodils-Alex-Martin-ebook/dp/B00BPUQAY4
Found you through Google! And was so glad I did. What a well thought out and considered review. I am thrilled with your comments and that you exactly understood the themes of Daffodils. It wasn't an easy book to write. WW1 is a huge subject and the wealth of research documentation was vast. I had to cherry pick the sections I found relevant. So many books, and TV series, such as Downton Abbey, concentrated on the journey of the wealthy through the trauma of WW1 but I wanted to show its impact on the wider community through the love of Katy and Jem and how the hierarchy responded. Peace Lily takes this a stage further, following not only Katy and Jem into 1919 but also Cassandra Smythe, heiress of Cheadle Manor.
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