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Book Review: The Postmistress by Sarah Blake & Giveaway
March 21st, 2011
I must be one of the few who still hadn’t read The Postmistress by Sarah Blake. I’ve read such mixed reviews of this novel that I was a bit hesitant to read it but I always like to make up my own mind and I’m so glad I do because I really liked this book! I started it on Saturday and was done Sunday morning – although I found the very beginning a bit slow, it wasn’t long before I just couldn’t put it down until I reached the end and knew the outcome for everyone.
The Postmistress takes place in 1940/1941 and the story weaves between Franklin, Massachusetts on Cape Cod and war-torn Europe and really focuses on the lives of three women. Iris James is new to Franklin, having become the Postmistress there and she takes her job with the utmost seriousness not to mention her growing attraction to Harry. Emma Trask is also new to Franklin, having married the local doctor Will and then there’s Frankie Bard, one of the first female journalists to cover the war.
The women’s lives end up interwoven together because of one man, the doctor – Will Fitch, Emma’s husband. Will and Emma are newly married and very happy until a tragedy occurs that greatly affects how Will sees himself. He’s lost and his reaction is to pick up and travel to war-torn London to offer his services as a doctor there, leaving Emma behind. Frankie Bard, at one point, meets Will in an underground bomb shelter and when they leave the next day, Frankie’s fate is sealed and she’s connected to Emma through Will.
Iris is an interesting character. Being postmistress of a smaller community she basically has her hand on the pulse of everything going on there. In the 1940′s there wasn’t any other communication other than letters and of course the phone but back in that day, the mail was a big thing. Iris prides herself though on not snooping into anyone’s business. She sorts the mail and puts it where it needs to go yet at the same time she keeps an eye on everything going on. That is until the day Will leaves Franklin and entrusts Iris with a letter to give Emma should he not return. As the months wear on and Will is still gone, Iris takes it upon herself to keep her eye on Emma and keep her from any additional stress.
In the meantime Frankie has been sent on an assignment through the war-torn regions. I found these portions of the novel very powerful because she records personal accounts with Europe’s Jews trying to escape the travesties of the war. It is here that Frankie really experiences what the war is and just how terrifying and pointless it is. The lives lost, the families altered forever and as she sees young children lose their parents or the people left behind on the trains, she questions herself and wonders what comes next. Once these people are out of sight, does that mean they are out of mind as well? It shouldn’t and Frankie is deeply affected.
She travels to Franklin with a message for Emma but once there finds a peace that she hasn’t felt in a while and decides to stay a bit. At times she’s frustrated because the people of Franklin, Iris being one of them, hasn’t experienced the terror of war first hand and Frankie is angered by their actions at times. Yet as the war continues raging, the women are drawn together by so much more; tragedy and the need to be human and caring.
Sarah Blake writes beautifully and her words pulse with power. When she is describing the bombings and later with Frankie interviewing people, you can’t help but feel the terror and helplessness. I could feel my heart pound when the bombs were dropping and feel the air whoosh by me as the buildings came down around Frankie. The story of Emma and Iris, maybe not so powerful, but nonetheless emotional, kept me spellbound as well. I wanted the best for everyone in a world where that just may not have been possible. What I think I found most powerful is the idea that while war is raging somewhere, elsewhere people are still eating lunch, shopping or reading a book. It’s easier for us to bear the horrors that may be going on elsewhere in the world by just going on and yet really, deep down this horrifies us that we can’t fix it or make things better for these people. Such are the tragedies that affect our world to this day.
I read The Postmistress by Sarah Blake for her book tour with TLC Book Tours. You can see what others thought of the novel on the other tour stops. Be sure to visit Sarah Blake’s website as well! You can purchase your own copy of The Postmistress by Sarah Blake here in the US and here in Canada.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
I have one copy of The Postmistress by Sarah Blake to share with my readers. To enter…
- For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
- For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and let me know in your comment so I can pass on the extra entry to you as well.
- For 3 entries tweet or blog this giveaway and help spread the word!
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, April 9/11. Good luck everyone!
© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
My copy of The Postmistress by Sarah Blake was received for review from TLC Book Tours and the publisher.
Filed under 2011 Challenges, 2011•100 Books or More Challenge, 2011•ARC Tracking Challenge, 2011•eBook Tracking Challenge, TLC Tours | Comments (87)
I'm another of the few who haven't read this book yet, but I'd like to
Thanks for the give away.
JQSteve(at)aol(dot)com
I'm already a follower.
I've been wanting to read this and would love a chance at the giveaway. I'm a follower. Thanks!
reneehood@comcast.net
I've noticed the mixed reviews on this book so wasn't real keen on reading it, but I love the WWII era, the cover is so appealing, and like you, I would like to see for myself. Would love to win this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Extra entry – I am a follower.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
I love reading books set in that era, I would enjoy reading this one.
I am a gfc follower.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I am also one of those who haven't read it yet! Dont count me in though (overseas)
I have wanted to read this book for a long time. Great review.
teakettle58(at)yahoodotcom
2)I am a follower already
3)I will blog about the giveaway in my sidebar http://readwithtea.blogspot.com
Hey Darlene! I 'd love to be entered for this. I'm a follower and I posted a link to your giveaway here:
http://creativitygone.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway-links.html
thanks so much! mishtakes AT gmail DOT com
I would love to read this–I've been hearing a lot about it, and would like to see what it's all about!!
I'm a GFC follower
chitchatqueen2005@hotmail.com
Would love to win this book!
pocokat AT gmail DOT com
I follow on GFC
pocokat AT gmail DOT com
This book has been on my wishlist for a while, thank you. I am a GFC follower.
karen.hofmaier[at]gmail[dot]com
I just bought this book the other day, so no need to enter me, but I am excited by your review and really want to read this one soon!
I really enjoyed this on audio and would love to read it in print.
I am a follower.
teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com
I'm another one who has this on my wishlist and would love to win a copy.
+2 – GFC follower as Karen B.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com
I have seen it at the library and it's on my library to read list, especially now when you made it sound so good
Great review, Dar. It does feel shocking in a way to see people eating lunch and going about their business during a war, or while a tsunami is erasing whole towns, or while you're having your own personal crisis- I remember that feeling so vividly after I miscarried at 19 weeks along- I was in the blackest place personally while the world kept spinning and people around me did all their normal things. It was an odd, unreal sensation- their ought to be a term for it. I know in my case friends/family/acquaintances were horrified for me, but what could they really do or say? They couldn't fix it.
Whew- I went off on a tangent, didn't I? Great review. Thanks so much for being on the tour.
I enjoyed this book, but don't think I loved it as much as you did. No need to enter me in the giveaway.
A gfc follower
thanks! for the giveaway
tributebooksmama at gmail dot com
Haven't read it either, but it sounds great.
I woke up Sunday a.m. to find my blog, my 500 plus followers, my 100plus author interviews, and my 200 plus reviews gone. Blogger gave no explanation, but I think the account was hacked. Change your password often!
I have reloaded the interviews and reviews, plus redesigned the blog. But if you could, please hit the "follow" button so I can reclaim the fellow bloggers I miss. I'm still following you, as my account remained–thank goodness!
http://kellymoranauthor.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Kelly Moran
XO
I haven't read this yet either, but it is on my Nook Wishlist.
I follow with Google Friend Connect as Sandra K321.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com
It's on my wish list! Mjk7303@yahoo.com
This sounds like a great book. Will have to put on my tbr list. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
susan.byerly@comcast.net
I follow via GFC.
I'm a follower by gfc
I also follow by subscription
I posted it to my blog: http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/03/peeking-between-pages-review-giveaway.html
dancealert at aol dot com
I would love to read this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am a GFC follower
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
No need to enter me – I thought I was late at getting to read this book (I read it a couple month's ago). I read this as an audiobook and it was chilling to hear it delivered like a radio show. Very good book (and review!)
Have been eyeing this book for a while, please count me in!
Google follower!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(do)com
Thank you for the giveaway I'd love to win ^_^
I am a follower by email and GFC
Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Parakiss25
faefever25@hotmail.com
Thanks for the contest!
+1 Commented
+1 Blog follower
+1 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/Jullysay/statuses/50069772100050944
jen4777[at]hotmail.com
Please include me! This sounds so good! +1
I'm a follower – +2
Thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
I would like to be entered in the giveaway for this book. Thank you.
o2oole (at) verizon.net
I would love the chance to read this book and form my own opinion.
RJB
loki304(at)tds(dot)net
I've heard so many good things about this book. And the fact it involves mail (I love mail!) and takes place in Cape Cod…wonderful!
Amy // artsyrockerchick at aim dot com
Sounds like a good book.
ReneeSuz82(at)msn.com
I follow on GFC
ReneeSuz82(at)msn.com
I am a new follower on GFC – Christie
swaggirl01@gmail.com
I live in a small town and we have a postmistress that knows a lot about what is going on! I'd really enjoy this.
I am a follower.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Thanks for this giveaway! I'm a blog follower.
allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com
This book looks so good.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
1. I follow by gfc.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
2. I follow by gfc.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
I haven't read this one, and would really like to. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
-blog followr via GC
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
I'd like to have this book. I've been seeing it around.
notoriousspinks at gmail dot com
I follow via GFC Notorious Spinks
I follow via GFC Notorious Spinks
I still haven't read this one either Dar, so I would love a chance to win it!
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com
I'm also a follower.
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com
Sounds great!
billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com
I'd like to read this! It sounds like something I would enjoy!
I follow on GFC
http://twitter.com/CarolAnnM/status/52111444979892225
mittens0831 at aol dot com
I've learned many times over not to pay attention to reviews, with either books or movies. If I had, I would have missed out on many adventures and awesome books!
You bet I am now follwoing you on GC as ReinventingMyself (name of my blog) and have tweeted as @InventingMyself
Would love to add you as a friend on GoodReads too, look me up!
sweepingnews(at)gmail(dot)com
I had this book on my TBR shelf and was given a copy of it at my library book club. When I asked if she liked it, she hesitated and said, "it was unremarkable". Hmmm…so thanks for your review. I didn't read all of it as I do intend to read the book, but am glad you liked it!
I was the only one at this before-mentioned book club who loved Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson — I almost missed it, too, and consider it one of my favorties, now. Different strokes for different folks.
1. After reading your review I know that I want to read this book
2. I follow you via gfc
3. tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/52438116958613504
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I have been wanting to read this book. Thanks for the chance.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm a GFC follower. (Melanie L)
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Melanie_2006/status/52939728529534976
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
Entry #1 – Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com
Twitter: @inluvwithbookz
Entry #2 – I'm a GFC Follower (Enamored Soul) & confirmed email subscriber.
Entry #3 – I tweeted the giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/inluvwithbookz/status/53368321302728704
intriguing…
blstef1 at mts dot net
many thx!
yes ,
blstef1 at mts dot net
is your follower ")
message tweeted by @_InSpirit http://bit.ly/fB1Fta
blstef1 at mts dot net
thank you!
No need to enter me for the giveaway but I love your review. I've read quite a few on this book and it's also on my wish list, but your review is the one that made me want to go get it now.
I blogged about the contest here.
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com
This book sounds amazing! What a great review
Enter me please 
PelicanJL@hotmail.com
<3 Happy Reading
Patricia @ Patricia's Particularity
+1 Already a follower
PelicanJL@hotmail.com
<3 Happy Reading
Patricia @ Patricia's Particularity
I still haven't read this either. I missed my chance at listening to the audio book so I still want to read this.
Thanks!
I follow your blog and tweeted @vegasbookgirl
Thanks!
Amanda
libaryofmyown at gmail dot com
This book sounds very touching. Great review by the way.
My e-mail is wakeupangel at googlemail dot com
I follow your blog with the username Bani.
Tweeted here-http://twitter.com/#!/baniclips/status/55580479700742144
This sounds like a book I want to read!
nblexp ( at ) gmail (dot) com
I follow you publicly on gfc
nblexp (at) gmail (dot) com
I'd love to read this book
Thanks for the chance!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com
GFC follower
megalon22 at yahoo dot com
Sounds like a very good book. I would love to read it. The cover is so pretty. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Follow on GFC #1.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Follow on GFC #2.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
I have also not read this book. Love your selection of books!! This book looks like a good read.
lknott@partnercom.net
+2 I am a GFC Follower!!-lknott
lknott@partnercom.net
Thanks for the giveaway! This book has been on my wish list for a while so I'd love to win it!
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#1 Already follow via GFC (Bornajhawk).
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#2 Already follow via GFC (Bornajhawk).
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#1 Tweeted giveaway:
http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56917386007298048
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#2 Tweeted giveaway:
http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56917386007298048
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#3 Tweeted giveaway:
http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56917386007298048
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
I agree that the writing was beautiful. Glad to see you enjoyed it, too. I'll link to your review on War Through the Generations.