AnnaBnana's Reviews > The FitzOsbornes in Exile

This book was lovely. It's a continuation of A Brief History of Montmaray with a *much* more appealing cover! The story continues in journal style, with Sophie and her comrades having taken refuge in England with Sophie's aunt after the events of the first book. I appreciated this book so much as a piece of historical fiction because the story takes place as events are escalating in Europe as opposed to most WWII fiction, which happens once war has officially broken out. Cooper also offers up lots of details about the Communist and Marxist influences, which are generally less focused on when we learn about the war here in America. Additionally, Sophie and Veronica coming out to society offer wonderful period details to a serious story.

Because the FitzOsbornes raised themselves on an island far away from “society” they bring such an interesting perspective to this story. Even as they get dressed up to go out to parties, even as they are waited on hand and foot, they are consistently aware of the strangeness of it all—of a divide between family and servant that they have never experienced before. I suspect this dichotomy will be really interesting as the FitzOsbornes go to war in the next novel.

The journal style makes a long book seem less so and the ending compels me to read me and recommend to any lovers of historical fiction.