The Summer Before the War
by Helen Simonson
The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson holds a well received rating of 3.79 out of 5, based on 17.4K reader ratings. First published in 2016. The book spans 481 pages.
About The Summer Before the War
The bestselling author of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand returns with a breathtaking novel of love and war that reaches far beyond the small English town in which it is set.East Sussex, 1914. It is the end of England's brief Edwardian summer, and everyone agrees that the weather has never been so beautiful. Hugh Grange, down from his medical studies, is visiting his Aunt Agatha, who lives with her husband in the small, idyllic coastal town of Rye. Agatha's husband works in the Foreign Office, and she is certain he will ensure that the recent saber rattling over the Balkans won't come to anything. And Agatha has more immediate concerns; she has just risked her carefully built reputation by pushing for the appointment of a woman to replace the Latin master. When Beatrice Nash arrives with one trunk and several large crates of books, it is clear she is significantly more freethinking—and attractive—than anyone believes a Latin teacher should be. For her part, mourning the death of her beloved father, who has left her penniless, Beatrice simply wants to be left alone to pursue her teaching and writing. But just as Beatrice comes alive to the beauty of the Sussex landscape and the colorful characters who populate Rye, the perfect summer is about to end. For despite Agatha's reassurances, the unimaginable is coming. Soon the limits of progress, and the old ways, will be tested as this small Sussex town and its inhabitants go to war.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Helen Simonson |
| Published | 2016 |
| Pages | 481 |
| Genres | Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, History, Chick-lit |
| Average Rating | 3.79 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 17,350 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Summer Before the War?
The Summer Before the War is categorized as Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, History. Its primary genre classification is Romance.
Is The Summer Before the War worth reading?
Based on 17.4K reader ratings, The Summer Before the War has an average score of 3.79 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Summer Before the War?
The Summer Before the War has 481 pages.
Who wrote The Summer Before the War?
The Summer Before the War was written by Helen Simonson. It was first published in 2016.
What is the ISBN for The Summer Before the War?
The ISBN-13 for The Summer Before the War is 9780812993100.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
