The Summer Before the War

A Novel

By: Helen Simonson

Narrated by: Fiona Hardingham

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A novel to cure your Downton Abbey withdrawal . . . a delightful story about nontraditional romantic relationships, class snobbery and the everybody-knows-everybody complications of living in a small community.”—The Washington Post

The bestselling author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand returns with a breathtaking novel of love on the eve of World War I that reaches far beyond the small English town in which it is set.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST AND NPR

East Sussex, 1914. It is the end of England’s brief Edwardian summer, and everyone agrees that the weather has never been so beautiful. Hugh Grange, down from his medical studies, is visiting his Aunt Agatha, who lives with her husband in the small, idyllic coastal town of Rye. Agatha’s husband works in the Foreign Office, and she is certain he will ensure that the recent saber rattling over the Balkans won’t come to anything. And Agatha has more immediate concerns; she has just risked her carefully built reputation by pushing for the appointment of a woman to replace the Latin master.

When Beatrice Nash arrives with one trunk and several large crates of books, it is clear she is significantly more freethinking—and attractive—than anyone believes a Latin teacher should be. For her part, mourning the death of her beloved father, who has left her penniless, Beatrice simply wants to be left alone to pursue her teaching and writing.

But just as Beatrice comes alive to the beauty of the Sussex landscape and the colorful characters who populate Rye, the perfect summer is about to end. For despite Agatha’s reassurances, the unimaginable is coming. Soon the limits of progress, and the old ways, will be tested as this small Sussex town and its inhabitants go to war.

Praise for The Summer Before the War

“What begins as a study of a small-town society becomes a compelling account of war and its aftermath.”—Woman’s Day

“This witty character study of how a small English town reacts to the 1914 arrival of its first female teacher offers gentle humor wrapped in a hauntingly detailed story.”—Good Housekeeping

“Perfect for readers in a post–Downton Abbey slump . . . The gently teasing banter between two kindred spirits edging slowly into love is as delicately crafted as a bone-china teacup. . . . More than a high-toned romantic reverie for Anglophiles—though it serves the latter purpose, too.”—The Seattle Times

Great read

Would you listen to The Summer Before the War again? Why?

This is a great book. It drew me in from the start. The characters come alive, story line good. Narrator is excellent too.

Excellent

After reading Major Pettigrew I have searched and anticipated another treasure from Mrs. Simonson and this story lives up to all my expectations! I am sure I will listen to it many times and hope for more!

Well written, well read

I was thoroughly absorbed in this picture of England before the war. The resilience of both men and women facing not only the horrors of war, but also the barriers of class, sexism, intolerance and social injustice. Strong characters, well drawn, show how life was changing as the war approached, and as it wore on. A very satisfying listen.

Fabulous book and audible!

Helen Simonson is an amazing writer who has woven a beautiful story with incredible character development! The people come out of the pages and become real life people with whom I enjoyed spending time with, and some whom I disliked immensely, and cried with and celebrated with! The only bad part of the book was when it ended! This is must read for anyone who loves a beautifully researched and written story that will capture your attention and your heart! Our very discerning book club gave it a five thumbs up out of five and that does not happen often!

Charming WWII Story

It was a lovely story, a bit predictable ending but with rich character development and enough twists along the way to be interesting and entertaining. Would recommend.