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Original poster

Need to identify this book by the plot alone

31 replies

springbabydays · 23/10/2023 21:39

Read about 20 + years ago.

Set in South Kensington during the war, when it was the arty area of London. A bomb fell on the house where the artists' studio was in the attic. It was a really atmospheric book.

I actually visited the street where it was set and there was indeed a newer building on the site of where that lovely old house would have been before the war. Quite chilling actually, and I'm so annoyed I can't even remember the name of the street!

Thanks in advance.

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ACGTHelix · 29/10/2023 22:27

springbabydays · 29/10/2023 22:22

Had no idea there are sequels! Thank you @Junibug

"Love Lessons: A Wartime Diary" is part of a trilogy, and the subsequent volumes continue Joan Wyndham's reflections and experiences. The trilogy includes:

"Love Lessons: A Wartime Diary" (1985): This is the first volume that covers the years 1941 to 1945.

"Love is Blue: A Wartime Diary" (1986): This is the second volume and continues the narrative, exploring Wyndham's life and relationships during the post-war period.

"Love Triumphant: A Wartime Diary" (1988): This is the third and final volume of the trilogy. It concludes Joan Wyndham's wartime diaries, offering insights into her life as the war comes to an end and the world begins to rebuild.

These diaries collectively provide a comprehensive and personal account of Joan Wyndham's experiences during and after World War II, making them valuable historical and literary documents.

Original poster
springbabydays · 29/10/2023 22:22

Had no idea there are sequels! Thank you @Junibug

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Squiblet · 29/10/2023 22:14

That sounds really good. It's on my list. Thanks junibug!

Junibug · 29/10/2023 22:07

It's the first book of a trilogy. I randomly found them in a charity shop years ago and have re-read them over and over again. Highly recommend!

ACGTHelix · 29/10/2023 21:58

For anyone that is intrested:

"Love Lessons: A Wartime Diary" is a book that compiles the wartime diaries of Joan Wyndham. Joan Wyndham was an English writer who lived during World War II, and her diaries provide a firsthand account of her experiences and relationships during that tumultuous period.

The diary covers the years 1941 to 1945 and reflects Wyndham's personal journey through the challenges and uncertainties of wartime London. It offers insights into the impact of the war on daily life, relationships, and societal norms. The title, "Love Lessons," suggests a focus on romantic relationships and the lessons learned during this time.

Joan Wyndham's diaries are known for their candid and engaging style, providing readers with a vivid picture of life during the war and the emotions and experiences of a young woman navigating through those turbulent times. The book has been praised for its authenticity and the unique perspective it offers on the human side of history.

Original poster
springbabydays · 29/10/2023 21:55

I had forgotten it was a diary. And looks like it was Chelsea rather than South Ken. Oh well, got there in the end!

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Original poster
springbabydays · 29/10/2023 21:51

@Junibug

Yes! That's the one! Thank you so much ❤️ off to order it now for a re-read.

Thank you so much again everyone xx

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Junibug · 29/10/2023 21:25

Love Lessons by Joan Wyndham?

Original poster
springbabydays · 29/10/2023 21:21

Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I've looked at them all and still not found the one.

I'm going to have a deeper think about the plot and if I can remember anything more.

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Original poster
springbabydays · 29/10/2023 21:08

@heldinadream sorry lovely, I just had a look and not that one. Just about to look at the other suggestions a bit more closely too.

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PermanentTemporary · 29/10/2023 19:14

Right, Noonday was only published 8 years ago so it's not that.

The Heat of the Day by Elizabeth Bowen? I can't see an art connection there though.

CatOnAHotShedRoof · 29/10/2023 11:48

Could it be The House Opposite by Barbara Noble? Can't remember the plot but she wrote it, and set it, during the Blitz.

heldinadream · 29/10/2023 11:20

@springbabydays 3 of us suggested 'The End of the Affair' Graham Greene. No good?

Original poster
springbabydays · 29/10/2023 11:16

@PermanentTemporary I read it around 20-21 years ago. I'm not sure if it was newly published at the time though.

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Hibernatalie · 28/10/2023 22:48

I thought The End of the Affair too

VillageLite · 28/10/2023 22:20

The first thing that sprang into my mind was Bombs on Aunt Dainty by Judith Kerr.

It also made me think of a book by Kate Atkinson (maybe A God in ruins) but perhaps that was too recent.

juneybean · 28/10/2023 22:14

I initially thought night watch by Sarah waters also...

ACGTHelix · 28/10/2023 22:06

Highlyflavouredgravy · 28/10/2023 22:04

It doesn't soundxanything like the nightwatch!

quite possible, then its just my guess for the op.

Highlyflavouredgravy · 28/10/2023 22:04

It doesn't soundxanything like the nightwatch!

FritataPatate · 28/10/2023 22:01

The End of the Affair? (Graham Green)?

ACGTHelix · 28/10/2023 21:56

no promises:

Identifying a specific book based solely on a plot summary can be challenging, especially without additional distinctive details. However, the description you provided does bear some resemblance to the plot of the novel "The Night Watch" by Sarah Waters, published in 2006. The book is set in London during World War II, features an artistic milieu, and explores the impact of the war on the lives of its characters. The narrative structure is also unconventional, starting in 1947 and moving backward in time.

PermanentTemporary · 28/10/2023 20:33

I can't find a full plot summary but could it be Noonday by Pat Barker?

Do you know when you read it - just to limit the options by year of publication?

heldinadream · 28/10/2023 20:24

I don't think it's this but 'The End of the Affair' by Graham Greene has a plot that hinges on a bomb falling on a London house during WW2, and it's a beautiful atmospheric book and was also filmed.
You might like it!

AccidentallyFabulous · 28/10/2023 20:17

parietal · 27/10/2023 21:52

could it be Pursuit of Love? there is a house in that area of London that gets bombed at some point

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pursuit_of_Love

That's Linda's house in Cheyne Walk, which I think is in Chelsea by the river.

Alohapotato · 28/10/2023 20:13

Following, I would love to read it!

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