BOOK REVIEW - The Woman With The Map Written by Jan Casey --- Hosted by Rachel's Random Resources

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

The Woman With The Map

February 1941
The world is at war and Joyce Cooper is doing her bit for the war effort. A proud member of the Civil Defence, it is her job to assist the people of Notting Hill when the bombs begin to fall. But as the Blitz takes hold of London, Joyce is called upon to plot the devastation that follows in its wake. Night after night she must stand before her map and mark the trail of loss and suffering inflicted upon the homes, families and businesses she knows so well.

February 1974
Decades later from her basement flat Joyce watches the world go by above her head. This is her haven; the home she has created for herself having had so much taken from her in the war. But now the council is tearing down her block of flats and she's being forced to move. Could this chance to start over allow Joyce to let go of the past and step back into her life?

An emotional and compelling historical fiction novel perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Mandy Robotham and Catherine Hokin.

Purchase Link - smarturl.it/WomanWithTheMap

Author Bio – 

Jan Casey's novels, like her first - The Women of Waterloo Bridge - explore the themes of how ordinary people are affected by extraordinary events during any period in history, including the present. Jan is fascinated with the courage, adaptability and resilience that people rise to in times of adversity and for which they do not expect pay, praise or commendation. Jan is also interested in writing about the similarities as opposed to the differences amongst people and the ways in which experiences and emotions bind humans together.

Jan was born in London but spent her childhood in Southern California. She was a teacher of English and Drama for many years and is now a Learning Supervisor at a college of further education.

When she is not working or writing, Jan enjoys yoga, swimming, cooking, walking, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Before becoming a published author, Jan had short stories and flash fictions published.

Social Media Links – 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jancaseyauthor

My Thoughts

The Woman with the Map is written by Jan Casey. This is the first book that I have read by this author. This is a dual timeline story - with part of it during Joyce Cooper's life during WWII in 1941 and later in life in 1974. I enjoyed reading an England WWII point of view. This book is about 430 pages. The story flows nicely off the pages.

When the war begins, Joyce wants to do her part, like so many others. She helps the people of Notting Hill when the bombs start to fall. When the war gears up, Joyce's organizational skills are used to plot the destruction that has been left behind and to follow to see what happens next. She takes pride in this work and excels at it.

1974 Joyce leads a lonely life. She has lived in the same place for 30 years. She has lost so much due to the war. She is working in payroll at a company and her job is the one thing that she is excited about. Her flat that she has been living in is about to be torn down and she will have to find a new place to live. She struggles - but can she leave it all behind and enjoy what is left of her life?

I felt the characters emotions as I read. The author did a great job with creating struggles and pain. I cannot imagine what life may have been like during WWII in England. I felt the author did a great job in bring history to life. The characters were well written, the story line was intriguing. I hope to read more from this author someday.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for allowing me to be a part of this tour. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.