FICTION

The Heroes' Welcome

by Louisa Young
Harper Perennial. Mar. 2015. 272p. ISBN 9780062354495. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9780062354501. F
COPY ISBN
How does one go on with life after extreme psychological trauma? In Young's second novel, the characters from her World War I book My Dear I Wanted To Tell You attempt to answer precisely that question. A newly married Riley Purefoy adjusts to the lasting effects of his devastating wartime facial injury, while a haunted Peter Locke, Riley's former commanding officer, isolates himself from his wife and child while immersing himself in Homeric imagery of lost and grieving soldiers. Both men's wives struggle to keep their husbands focused on the future despite the constant pull of the past.
VERDICT This title is notable among recent releases set in this popular postwar era for focusing equally on the experiences of both male and female characters, though the primary focus here is definitely on the men's romantic relationships with their wives. Young has written an emotionally moving (if slow-paced) narrative around sympathetic figures that reaches a poignant climax. However, the plot centers so entirely around the fallout from the first novel's events that it will appeal most to readers familiar with that title.
Reviewed by Mara Bandy, Champaign P.L., IL , Mar 13, 2015
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Until Our Time Comes: A Novel of World War II Poland
by Miller, Nicole M
FICTION

Her Part To Play
by Erlingsson, Jenny
FICTION

The Song of Sourwood Mountain
by Gabhart, Ann H
FICTION

A Run at Love
by Shiloh, Toni
FICTION

Meet Me at the Starlight
by Hauck, Rachel
FICTION

Wives Like Us
by Sykes, Plum
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?