“The Very Thought of You” by Rosie Alison is a beautifully written historical novel that explores themes of love, loss, and family secrets. Set in England during World War II, the story follows the lives of three main characters: Anna, a young woman who has been raised in an orphanage and is now working as a nanny; Lydia, a wealthy and privileged young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world; and Jack, a talented artist who has been drafted into the army and is struggling to come to terms with the horrors of war.
The novel opens with Anna being assigned to care for Lydia’s son, Thomas, who has been evacuated from London to the countryside. At first, Anna and Lydia are wary of each other, as they come from very different backgrounds and have very different worldviews. However, over time they begin to form a bond, and Lydia begins to confide in Anna about her fears and insecurities.
Meanwhile, Jack is stationed in Italy, where he witnesses firsthand the brutal realities of war. He becomes haunted by the things he has seen and struggles to find meaning in his life. Eventually, he is wounded and sent home to England to recuperate. It is here that he meets Lydia and Anna, and the three of them begin to form a tentative friendship.
As the novel progresses, we learn more about each character’s past and the secrets they are hiding. We discover that Anna was raised in the orphanage where Lydia’s mother worked, and that Lydia’s family has a complicated history that she has been trying to uncover. We also learn that Jack has a tragic backstory that has shaped the way he sees the world.
The novel is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions of the English countryside and the horrors of war. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the relationships between them are both poignant and realistic. The themes of love and loss are explored with sensitivity and nuance, and the novel ultimately leaves the reader with a sense of hope and redemption.
Overall, “The Very Thought of You” is a moving and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories of human connection in the face of adversity.
3 Comments
Joyce Beadnall · March 28, 2023 at 7:52 pm
I enjoyed this book, particularly enjoying the descriptive passages; they contrasted well with the loneliness, sadness or frustration endured by the main characters.
Anna seems to have been very mature for her age to adjust so well to being evacuated aged 8. Also very perceptive to be so sensitive to Thomas’s situation and restricted opportunities. I was surprised that she adjusted so apparently quickly to living without her mum at such a young age.
As the book progressed, I found myself sympathising with each character in turn, sometimes wishing I could rewrite their ‘fates’. I just wanted them to be happier, and to make ‘better’ choices and decisions.
Joyce Beadnall · March 28, 2023 at 8:26 pm
I enjoyed this book, even though the lives of the main characters were anything but idyllic. It must have been heartbreaking for Anna to have been uprooted from home and evacuated from London in 1939.
I can understand how her grand new surroundings in the beautiful countryside would be a contrast with the simple ,noisy city life she’d left-but at times I felt surprised that she wasn’t more homesick.
For an 8 year old she was very perceptive and sensitive to the feelings of others. The growing bond between her and Thomas must have been quite a comfort.
Nevertheless, she accidentally witnessed scenes between Thomas and Elizabeth which made her realise their relationship was not a happy one, even though she was observing through an 8 year old’s eyes.
At times I wished I could give the adults a talking to- to help them make better decisions and choices, and improve their chances of happiness.
Katie Hoey · April 3, 2023 at 3:56 pm
The story centres on Anna Sands, who is 8 years old in 1939 at the start of WWII. While her father is serving in the army, her mother makes the difficult decision to send Anna out of London to safety from German bombers. Anna is sent to Ashton Park, a stately home in Yorkshire, which had been converted into a school for evacuees.
Anna ends up spending most of the war there, though her experiences from this time will have a long lasting impact on her entire adult life. She blossoms under the teaching of caring teachers, particularly Mr. Ashton, the owner of the estate and a former diplomat.
At first, things seen idyllic in Anna’s new home, but she slowly becomes aware of the secrets and lies that live behind closed doors. Anna becomes deeply attached to the gentle, compassionate Thomas, and she finds herself part witness, part accomplice to his love affair, something that she does not understand, an affair whose unforeseen and unexpected consequences changes their world forever.
Initially I thought the story might be a love story but it was much more than that – there was
parent/ child love, adulterous love, passion, unrequited love and lost love. In fact the novel was a heart breaking look at love and how much our lives can be affected by love, loss and unrequited love.
When our group met to discuss this novel we wholeheartedly agreed that we had all thoroughly enjoyed reading this story of love and loss.
Comments are closed.