REVIEW - The Light Over London (ebook)

 The Light Over London by Julia Kelly (ebook)

OVERVIEW

This is the fifth book that I have read by Julia Kelly. I have enjoyed her historical fiction mystery series (Parisian Orphan) and her historical fiction novels.  

In this historical novel, the author has two timelines - WWII and a contemporary timeline. As a personal aside, I have a personal embargo on reading more WWII books, but Julia is one of the few exceptions.  

I learned about another piece of British history I knew nothing about - the "gunner girls" of WWII. These women were incredible heroines who saved many British lives by downing Luftwaffe planes before they dropped bombs over cities and military targets. 

This novel has some twists and turns so I am being vague about the plot and the characters.

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

As always, Julia Kelly writes so beautifully! She ties the two timelines together by weaving historical information to create a multi-layered story. I loved learning about British history in the novel, but it was written in such a well-done manner as to be pleasant and not scholarly.  

Character development: 4.5 stars

The main characters are Louise (a WWII character) and Cara (a contemporary character).  

The secondary characters are Paul (Louise's friend), Liam (Cara's friend), Iris (Cara's grandmother). Paul, Liam, and Iris are yin and yang characters. 

The tertiary characters are Kate (Louise's cousin), Nicole (Cara's friend), assorted military characters, and Cara's boss. 

Storyline:  4.5 stars

The storyline begins when Cara finds Louise's diary while working on an estate consignment sale with her boss. Cara becomes curious and wants to return the diary to Louise's family. She reads the diary and begins to research Louise while also trying to convince Iris to share about her WWII service. 

The main locations were Cornwall, London, and Gloucestershire England. 

Memorable/Informative:  4.5 stars

The British female gunners in WWII were brave, smart, and patriotic. They were real heroines who helped Britain win the war over Germany. 

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Lovely!

Book title: 4.5 stars 

Very appropriate!

STRONG recommend

BOOK INFORMATION

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)

The Light Over London by Julia Kelly

305 pages 

Gallery Books

Release date of 1/8/2019

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Julia Kelly

My Goodreads review

Gallery Books

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜