Love in War
Published on 10. July 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
464 pages
978-1-911397-77-9 (ISBN)
Description
Love in War is a love story of its time. Joanna and Johnnie were born in South London in the shadow of the Great War and were still growing up when the narrative begins in 1936 during Hitler's rise in Nazi Germany. It ends ten years later in 1946, when Johnnie is demobilised.
Despite the committed intensity of the five-year relationship, they spent only forty-nine days together. Thus, Love in War is more about managing life apart than being together. The story moves between London and Berlin (where Joanna visits in 1938 and her dear schoolfriend, Ursula lives out the war) and the horrific theatres of war in North Africa and Southern Italy, which have disastrous effects on Johnnie and render him almost unrecognisable on his return to England after the war.
As the story closes, it is evident that there are no winners, just losers. Perhaps it is love that emerges as the only victor. The future is uncertain for all concerned. They have almost nothing to show for the last five years; just time lost. There remains a rather modest ray of hope - as Johnnie says at the end, 'but we are alive.'
Despite the committed intensity of the five-year relationship, they spent only forty-nine days together. Thus, Love in War is more about managing life apart than being together. The story moves between London and Berlin (where Joanna visits in 1938 and her dear schoolfriend, Ursula lives out the war) and the horrific theatres of war in North Africa and Southern Italy, which have disastrous effects on Johnnie and render him almost unrecognisable on his return to England after the war.
As the story closes, it is evident that there are no winners, just losers. Perhaps it is love that emerges as the only victor. The future is uncertain for all concerned. They have almost nothing to show for the last five years; just time lost. There remains a rather modest ray of hope - as Johnnie says at the end, 'but we are alive.'
Reviews / Votes
"This is a lovely love story of Johnnie and Joanna. ... There is so much more to this story you have to read it." Paula Learmouth"I always find books based on a true story extra special. This book was so evocative. I've got a feeling Joanna and Johnnie's story will stay with me for a long time. ... Overall it's a stunning story of togetherness even in the hardest of times." Daisy Blacklock
"The book delves deep into the vulnerability and strength that come to the fore during times of adversity. I recommend this book to anyone, who appreciates a beautifully crafted love story, intertwined with the historical significance of war." Books Galore
"This is a very well written story about two people and as the title suggests their love in war. It is an epic love story that shows how people adapt during times of hardship. I really enjoyed this snapshot of a very specific time in recent history. It is always good to have a reminder of what times were like and how easily things can change." Atomic Books
"Such an emotional love story with characters that you will remember long after you've finished reading! 4 stars" Leanne's Bookshelf
"This book is just breathtaking in it tale. It takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, from love and sorrow, to the longing through distance. ... I loved getting to know the characters and their lives. The author gave us so much detail about them and the lives they lived, in the time of war, plus enough to really make us feel as though we were there in the war, living the same life." Natural Bri Books
"I would recommend this book without hesitation as an interesting and informative read set in the context of a novel told from the viewpoints of Joanna and Johnnie." From the Book Elf
"This book has fantastic and immersive historical information that makes you feel as your watching these characters on their lives. I absolutely devor this book in a few days it's a author I would highly recommend." Silky Book Lover Fun
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 129 mm
Width: 199 mm
Thickness: 43 mm
Weight
524 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-911397-77-9 (9781911397779)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Michael Farthing's career has been as an academic physician in the UK and USA. In addition he has conducted medical research in several low-income countries including India, Zambia, South Africa and Belize and has written many scientific papers and medical books. Since leaving medicine, he has published a critique of Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings and a 'memoire plus', Finding India, which explored the emergence of modern, independent India tracked across the last fifty years through the eyes of a foreigner.
He is an Honorary Professor at University College London, an Emeritus Professor at the University of Sussex and lives between London and Sussex. His wife is a radiologist and they have two sons, an artist and an actor.
He is an Honorary Professor at University College London, an Emeritus Professor at the University of Sussex and lives between London and Sussex. His wife is a radiologist and they have two sons, an artist and an actor.