Helpful Score: 2
The Linen Queen is a historical fiction novel with much going for it. The background of Ireland is beautifully rendered, as well as the rough living in that timeframe. You want to cheer for Shelia when she wins the pageant, because now she can escape her desolute life, but really, when there is a war, is any particular place better than the other?
When the soldiers set up camp in her village, Sheila is determined to snag an officer -- she sees it as her ticket out of that place. She sets her sights on Joel Solomon, much to the chagrin of her childhood friend, Gavin O'Rourke. But Joel is a Jewish American soldier, and Hitler's reach is vast. Putting her dream of leaving Ireland on hold, Sheila works with the people in their fight against Germany, even though it pushes her and Gavin further and further apart. Shelia will need all of her strength, God, and faith to create her new future - one she didn't realize she wanted.
The saying "There's No Place Like Home" comes to mind when I read this novel. Of course, it's also said not to look further than your own backyard. And that is possibly true, but to me, home is family, love, God, all of the things that help make your life complete. Ms. Falvey writes in a beautiful fashion, with the pages turning quickly. Great character development and beautiful scenery. The Linen Queen is compelling, heartbreaking and will also warm your heart. A very good read!
When the soldiers set up camp in her village, Sheila is determined to snag an officer -- she sees it as her ticket out of that place. She sets her sights on Joel Solomon, much to the chagrin of her childhood friend, Gavin O'Rourke. But Joel is a Jewish American soldier, and Hitler's reach is vast. Putting her dream of leaving Ireland on hold, Sheila works with the people in their fight against Germany, even though it pushes her and Gavin further and further apart. Shelia will need all of her strength, God, and faith to create her new future - one she didn't realize she wanted.
The saying "There's No Place Like Home" comes to mind when I read this novel. Of course, it's also said not to look further than your own backyard. And that is possibly true, but to me, home is family, love, God, all of the things that help make your life complete. Ms. Falvey writes in a beautiful fashion, with the pages turning quickly. Great character development and beautiful scenery. The Linen Queen is compelling, heartbreaking and will also warm your heart. A very good read!
This story is based in Ireland during WWII. It has Irish humor and the alliances are not always clear cut. Sheila has some of the same questions about choices and future as 20 yr. olds everywhere. Enjoyable historical fiction without too much romance, war story, without violence.
Another engrossing story by the author of THE YELLOW HOUSE. The book club I'm in will be featuring it in the spring.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Sheila, the Linen Queen, seems to be in love with two men at the same time. Joel is an American military officer who offers her the "out" she has been looking for -- marriage and a ticket out of Northern Ireland. But then there is her childhood friend Gavin who captains a ship. How does she get what she wants without hurting those she loves? We read this for our book club and the author called to chat with us. She was delightful! She gave us a lot of the historical background. Lovely lady!
