Review of 'The Artist's War' by Clare Flynn

Review of 'The Artist's War' by Clare Flynn

Release date: August 20th, 2024

Publisher: Storm Publishing

REVIEW

Wow, what an amazing, powerful and moving WWI story! It kept me captivated from start to finish.  I can see why everyone has been raving about Clare Flynn’s novels. She packed so much in The Artist’s War that it left me breathless and deeply engrossed in all aspects of the storyline. Her beautifully formed poetic prose added depth and clarity to an exceptional plot and winsome characters. Some stunning passages lit up my imagination! No spoilers but one of Edmund’s experience towards the end of the war was out-of-this-world gorgeous. And the ending was understated and divine. Needless to say, I am a new fan of Ms Flynn’s writing and will be reading more of her works. I had not read the ARCs of first two in the series due to my hefty reading load at the time but I have since downloaded the first two books from a retailer so I can enjoy them now. And I know I will love these too from the samples I perused. So yes, all the fuss and fanfare about these exceptional books are wonderfully true. For those who love imaginative World War novels, this series should be at the top of your pile!

I loved the character Alice. She was strong, talented, gifted with kindness and understanding and was great at helping others be the best version of themselves. Her sincere efforts in trying to help her friends like Harriet and Viola came through as genuine concern. She loves the more simplistic life (over the high class world of Lords, Ladies, Earls and Barons she comes from). She is most at home in her quaint cottage with her memories of her husband, artist Edmund, who has gone off to war. She loves him deeply and tries to stay positive yet knowing any day she might get a letter stating he has perished. But she remains focused, looking after her eight year old step-daughter, Lottie, providing a stable environment and building a trusting and secure relationship with her. The child lost her mother in a horrific way and has not had it easy. She is bullied at school and worries what will become of her if her father dies.

Work-wise, Alice continues to fulfil, in her husband’s absence, a very important commissioned project they worked together on for a woman who seeks to memorialise a loved one. Alice and Edmund shared many interests and talents and accomplished much in their business. Much to her credit, she charges forward with their dreams and aspirations and with a bit of help, keeps their business of stain glass window artwork humming along.

The story contains four perspectives: one of which is Alice’s brother Victor. He has been injured at war and returns home with friend Maurice who has also been wounded. They become closer while Maurice works for his sister in her stained glass window business. Victor’s exceptional ability lies in finance and sorting out client’s business affairs. He is wonderfully supportive of Alice, who has been in the bad books with their mother for various reasons. I loved his protective attitude and how he steps in and takes charge: especially where his mother is concerned, when necessary and puts everything in order. He is a strong character but has his foibles and fears. He has had some battles with romantic relationships and struggles with his desires.

This novel had quite an effect on me. I loved how it showed both the warfront and the home front; with those in the thick of battle and those at home waiting and praying for their loved ones to return. Edmund’s perspective gives us quite a clear picture of the terrible things that happened in World War I. His emotional journey was moving and I felt I was there in the trenches, watching so many die. The emotional state of the men, their fears, the sights they saw were well presented with a raw realness.

Another viewpoint is Harriet (Countess of Wallingford), a dear friend of Alice’s. One she admires. When Harriet opens the door to her husband’s bedroom one morning to see what has detained him from breakfast, she finds he has passed away. Although they weren’t terribly close, she cared about him and is both shocked and saddened by his death. His Lordship was a good father to their children and she knows they will be heartbroken. But there are some surprises at the reading of the will with her husband’s financial affairs. This revelation will cause a great change in Harriet’s lifestyle for a while until a further solution appears on the horizon: one that will work for many people involved.

This is an evocative novel full of heart-wrenching experiences but also soars with depth and beauty. I felt transported back in time to The Great War years, one of the deadliest conflict periods in history that I heard so much about from my own grandparents before their passing. The Artist War is a brilliant stained glass window made up of many intriguing pieces such as vivid scenes of war, friendship and romance. Various kinds of relationships are explored: some of convenience and others that are hidden. It was a strict society of intolerance and mistrust. This novel demonstrates grief, despair, bitterness and fear but also joy, healing, acceptance and hope. I loved it and know many others will, too. I did not want it to end! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.