REVIEW - The Lost English Girl (ebook)

 The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly (ebook)

OVERVIEW

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

In this historical novel, the author has several timelines that completely work with pre-WWII, WWII, and post-WWII periods. As stated in other reviews, I have a personal embargo on reading more WWII books, but Julia's books are always exceptions.   

I knew a little about the British relocation of children during WWII because my daughter's Kindergarten aide was one of these children. The parents who let their children were the real heroes of this novel as it undoubtedly saved many lives. 

This novel has a bit of a mystery and it has some great twists and turns! I will be vague again to avoid any spoilers!!

OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars

Writing: 5.0 stars

As always, Julia Kelly writes so beautifully! Since I have read so many of her books, I inhale them quickly because the writing is that good! She ties the multiple timelines together so well and utilizes flashbacks to create intensity and layers to the story. 

Character development: 5.0 stars

The main characters are Viv (mother), Joshua (father), and Maggie (relocated daughter). To add depth to the characters, Julia writes each chapter with a main character highlighted which is a lovely touch.

The secondary characters are Viv's parents (John/Edith), Joshua's parents (Seth/Anne), and Maggie's foster parents during the evacuation (Matthew/Sarah).

The tertiary characters are Kate (Viv's sister), Father Monaghan (the priest who arranges Maggie's relocation), Joshua's friends/co-workers, and Viv's friends/co-workers. 

Storyline:  5.0 stars

The storyline begins when Viv finds out that she is pregnant. She and Joshua marry and then a twist happens. Due to the threat of war, Maggie is relocated to the countryside. Then many turns happen with Viv and Joshua. Finally, the big twist and turn happens  

The main locations were London, Liverpool, and the English countryside. 

Memorable/Informative:  5.0 stars

I had no idea that there was so much animosity in England against the Jewish population and towards Jewish-Catholic marriages during this time. The animus seems surprising as everyone lived together without segregation by religion according to the Author's Note.   

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Beautiful!

Book title: 4.5 stars 

On point!

HIGHLY recommend

BOOK INFORMATION

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (ebook)

The Lost English Girl by Julia Kelly

320 pages 

Gallery Books

Release date of 3/7/2023

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Julia Kelly

My Goodreads review

Gallery Books

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜