February 21, 2020

I have had a difficult time trying to place this book. It is not historical fiction in the strictest sense (in my opinion). Maybe historical with a touch of romance? Or maybe it is a story about pre-WWII Suffolk England that follows two unique individuals as their paths cross and uncross.

Let’s go with that.

I found the underlying plot to be fascinating. The invention and establishment of what we have come to know as radar were very interesting, and it is evident that the author either has a background or did copious amounts of research because there was extensive detail. It is a tribute to the author’s ability that all of the ins and outs of a complicated scientific system were described in a way that a layperson could not only understand it but also grasp its importance.

I also liked the main characters, which helped a lot. I think Vic was a bold choice that could have veered into a preachy mode about acceptance and tolerance. Fortunately, the way Vic handled such moments in his life allowed for his character to shine through. I thought Kath was also unique because she grew up thinking that she wasn’t anything special, but found through hard work that she was much smarter than she (or anyone else) had ever given her credit.

The plot was woven between Vic and Kath in a way that felt natural and really traced the path of wartime communications. I did think that it reached a point, however, that it seemed as if the author felt the need to rush on. What once contained great detail was rushed into letters back and forth. I understand why the author did it for the sake of the plot, but it felt abrupt and it took me a minute to switch gears.

All in all, it was a good book. I learned a lot about the importance of radar and its usage during WWII. With two winning characters driving the plot forward, one couldn’t help but root for them. I would recommend this book.

Author Bio

Liz Trenow is a former journalist who spent fifteen years on regional and national newspapers, and on BBC radio and television news, before turning her hand to fiction.

She lives in East Anglia with her artist husband, and they have two grown up daughters and two beautiful grandchildren.