Disclaimer: This book was granted to me, by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
As I watched him—his long legs striding the narrow path through the heather, his golden hair catching the sun—I had a hideous feeling in the pit of my stomach. For it seemed as though he was already marching away from me.
In 1914, despite the clouds of war threatening Europe, Pearl Gibson’s future is bright. She has secured a position as a lady’s maid to a wealthy Northumberland aristocrat, a job that will win her not only respect but an opportunity to travel and live in luxury. Her new life at Lady Ottoline Campbell’s Scottish summer estate is a whirlwind of intrigue and glamour, scandals and confidences—and surprisingly, a strange but intimate friendship with her employer.
But when violence erupts in Europe, Pearl and Ottoline’s world is irrevocably changed. As the men in their lives are called to the front lines, leaving them behind to anxiously brace for bad news, Pearl realizes she must share one final secret with her mistress—a secret that will bind them together forever…
The Echo of Twilight spans the course of 6 years, told from the perspective of 23, to 30, year old Pearl Gibson – a lady’s maid from humble beginnings – in the years leading up to, during, and after the war.
If you’re after adventure, drama, or a heated romance, this isn’t the book for you; very much in the style of Downton Abbey, The Echo of Twilight has a rather slow burn. If you are a fan of Downton, then Pearl and Ottoline’s relationship will probably be reminiscent of Anna and Lady Mary’s – although, Ottoline is no where near as fiery, and interesting, as Mary.
I don’t even really know what to say about this book; I sat and thought on this review for 2 days after I finished reading it, and deduced that I was left with very few opinions as to weather it was good, or bad. I’m slightly disappointed, I expected more; I prefer my historical fiction to have a little more drama, or even romance, so I found this book to read more like a biography, rather than a work of fiction. I don’t want to say it was vanilla, because that’s not exactly the word I’m looking for, but for me it was missing that extra something that makes a book great. That said, I didn’t dislike it – it was well written – it just wasn’t what I was expecting, and it’s definitely the type of book you have to be in the mood to read to really enjoy it.
No, the story isn’t thrilling, nor overly romantic. The characters are somewhat plain, and the plot peaks on a hill, rather than a mountain, but, this book is what I would expect life to be like during this time period for a woman in Pearl’s position. In fact, Pearl’s life may very well have been considered downright scandalous by most women in the early 1900’s, but, as a modern woman reading this book, I was left wanting.
For what it is, I’m giving this book 3.5 stars out of 5; I think it will appeal most to people who like the time period, but are after a more authentic feel, rather than an embellished work of fiction.
– Nicki
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