Review: The Library of War and Peace by Louise Morrish
June Book of the Month: The Library of War and Peace by Louise Morrish
Louise Morrish has a very special place in our book club because she was actually the first author to officially join us to talk about one of our reads. The Library of War and Peace was Louise's third visit, as she has joined us for every one of her books, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
One of the things I have always loved about Louise's books is the research. Historical fiction can sometimes take a real event or period in history and then use quite a lot of creative licence around it. Louise's approach feels very different. The fictional story is obviously there, but when she presents something as historical fact, you know it has been properly researched. Having now read all three of her novels, the level of work that goes into getting those details right is breathtaking.
The Library of War and Peace follows the separate lives of Josie and Edie during the First World War and takes us through some fascinating real history, including the sinking of RMS Lusitania in 1915 and Endell Street Military Hospital in Covent Garden.
This is not simply a book packed with historical facts though. It is also about what happens to ordinary people when they are caught up in war and, importantly, the role that books can play when people are trying to cope with what has happened to them.
One of the most interesting things for me was learning about bibliotherapy, the use of books and reading as a form of healing. I had never really thought about it before. We have all seen books in hospitals, but I suppose I had always thought of them as something to do while you were there. I hadn't appreciated that reading itself could be used deliberately to help people through illness, trauma and recovery.
That whole idea runs through the book and I found it fascinating.
One reader said:
“I absolutely loved it and didn't want it to end. For me, the amount of research Louise did was phenomenal. Her attention to historical detail all adds to the pleasure of the book. The characters, real and fictional, the places and information about the war were all amazing.”
She enjoyed it so much that she went on to read Women of War and then visited Covent Garden to find the Endell Street plaque.
Another reader said the book had taught her so much about the Lusitania and Endell Street Military Hospital and made the point that history can be much easier to understand when it is told through a story rather than a history textbook. She also picked up on Louise's exploration of the quiet power of stories during turbulent times and the idea that literature can steady us, shape us and sometimes even save us.
That is probably what stayed with me most from this book too.
My one reservation is that I think The Library of War and Peace relies quite heavily on the reader remembering Women of War. I had read it, but there were times when I couldn't remember enough of the previous story and would have appreciated a little more reminding along the way. There is obviously a balance to be struck with connected books because too much recap can become annoying very quickly, but I think this one could have given us slightly more.
Operation Moonlight will always be my favourite Louise Morrish novel. I honestly struggle to think of a historical fiction book I have found more interesting, entertaining and thought-provoking. I recommend it all the time and really hope it becomes one of those books that suddenly has another life years after publication because it deserves it.
The Library of War and Peace did not knock Operation Moonlight off the top spot for me, but it reminded me again why I enjoy Louise's books so much. The research is extraordinary, you come away having learnt something and the history never feels like a lesson.
A really interesting and thoughtful read, with the story of bibliotherapy at its heart.
Rating: ⭐ 4 / 5