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The Ship of Brides
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Giver of Stars, in an earlier work available in the U.S. for the first time, a post-WWII story of the war brides who crossed the seas by the thousands to face their unknown futures.
1946. World War II has ended and all over the world, young women are beginning to fulfill the promises made to the men they wed in wartime.
In Sydney, Australia, four women join 650 other war brides on an extraordinary voyage to England—aboard HMS Victoria, which still carries not just arms and aircraft but a thousand naval officers. Rules are strictly enforced, from the aircraft carrier’s captain down to the lowliest young deckhand. But the men and the brides will find their lives intertwined despite the Navy’s ironclad sanctions. And for Frances Mackenzie, the complicated young woman whose past comes back to haunt her far from home, the journey will change her life in ways she never could have predicted—forever.
1946. World War II has ended and all over the world, young women are beginning to fulfill the promises made to the men they wed in wartime.
In Sydney, Australia, four women join 650 other war brides on an extraordinary voyage to England—aboard HMS Victoria, which still carries not just arms and aircraft but a thousand naval officers. Rules are strictly enforced, from the aircraft carrier’s captain down to the lowliest young deckhand. But the men and the brides will find their lives intertwined despite the Navy’s ironclad sanctions. And for Frances Mackenzie, the complicated young woman whose past comes back to haunt her far from home, the journey will change her life in ways she never could have predicted—forever.
415 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2005
About the author
Jojo Moyes
101 books63.8k followersJojo Moyes is a British novelist.
Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.
Moyes' novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.
She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.
Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.
Moyes' novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.
She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,709 reviews
September 2, 2018
I don't think I would have picked this up by myself (the synopsis didn't sound all too exciting to me), but I got the book gifted to me by someone who knows how much I loved Me Before You. I definitely need to remember to give this person a massive 'Thank you!' now!
I was majorly surprised by how interesting I found the entire journey. The plot is very linear, there are no big surprises or plot twists. However, I was still glued to the pages due to the wonderful and realistic characters. I fell in love with them and wanted to find out more and more about them.
I can't say that this was the best book ever or anything special, but I don't have a single complaint either, which is why I simply cannot give less than five stars. This is a perfect book to read in-between, when you just need to read something light and easy to relax for a bit.
I was majorly surprised by how interesting I found the entire journey. The plot is very linear, there are no big surprises or plot twists. However, I was still glued to the pages due to the wonderful and realistic characters. I fell in love with them and wanted to find out more and more about them.
I can't say that this was the best book ever or anything special, but I don't have a single complaint either, which is why I simply cannot give less than five stars. This is a perfect book to read in-between, when you just need to read something light and easy to relax for a bit.
August 24, 2023
Maybe this leopard can change her spots. I'm the perennial thriller reader. I read thrillers because they are often fast paced, make my heartbeat faster and I love a suspenseful read. So why have I found myself bewitched by the author JoJo Moyes? I have just finished my third book The Ship of Brides and will be singing its praises to everyone I meet.
It’s the end of World War II and thousands of Australian women, War Brides, will be traveling to England to reunite with the men they married. Over 600 will not have the luxury of traveling on a ship like the Queen Mary with all of its amenities but will make the six-week journey on The Victoria, an aircraft carrier. The Victoria is ill suited as a vessel for women, outfitted for its crew of men and planes. The book focuses on four of the brides allowing us a window to their hopes, fears and dreams. These four along with the others are leaving all that they know, all who they know behind to start a new life on foreign shores. Even those madly in love wonder at the sanity of their decision. And what of those who mid-voyage receive a Dear Jane Letter.
What I really liked about The Ship of Brides is how it made me think. I started to wonder about the women and ship the book is based on. How much fact, how much fiction? It took me on a new journey seeking answers. The original links I posted when I first since I first wrote this review are broken. I would recommend these for some background HMS Victorious, War Brides. In addition, it brought me back to memories of the war and how it affected my family. I am a baby boomer who wishes I asked more questions about their experiences leading up to, during and after the war before I lost all those who could answer.
The Ship of Brides held my attention from start to finish. I have become a fan of JoJo Moyes all over again. I'm so glad I haven't read all her books yet. This is something to truly look forward to.
It’s the end of World War II and thousands of Australian women, War Brides, will be traveling to England to reunite with the men they married. Over 600 will not have the luxury of traveling on a ship like the Queen Mary with all of its amenities but will make the six-week journey on The Victoria, an aircraft carrier. The Victoria is ill suited as a vessel for women, outfitted for its crew of men and planes. The book focuses on four of the brides allowing us a window to their hopes, fears and dreams. These four along with the others are leaving all that they know, all who they know behind to start a new life on foreign shores. Even those madly in love wonder at the sanity of their decision. And what of those who mid-voyage receive a Dear Jane Letter.
What I really liked about The Ship of Brides is how it made me think. I started to wonder about the women and ship the book is based on. How much fact, how much fiction? It took me on a new journey seeking answers. The original links I posted when I first since I first wrote this review are broken. I would recommend these for some background HMS Victorious, War Brides. In addition, it brought me back to memories of the war and how it affected my family. I am a baby boomer who wishes I asked more questions about their experiences leading up to, during and after the war before I lost all those who could answer.
The Ship of Brides held my attention from start to finish. I have become a fan of JoJo Moyes all over again. I'm so glad I haven't read all her books yet. This is something to truly look forward to.
April 11, 2015
2.5 Stars
This is my fifth Jojo Moyes novel and, unfortunately, the only one I thought would never end.
The storyline is GREAT based on actual historical events of post WW2 war brides traveling aboard a naval warship to reunite with their husbands in England. I also enjoyed reading the newspaper and journal entries posted at the beginning of each chapter, but other than Frances' and Nicol's story, I am sorry to say, it was pretty much slow going with confusing dialogue and needless catty conversations throughout a good portion of the book.
Cannot recommend this 2005 JJM novel, but enthusiastically look forward to future offerings.
Highly recommend: 
and 
.
June 28, 2023
THE SHIP OF BRIDES by JoJo Moyes was my first read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.
I must confess from the outset that my mother was a New Zealand American War Bride and because of that I was curious after reading the title--so I bought it to read!
The story opens up with a grandmother, her granddaughter (Jennifer) and Jennifer's friend, Ram, on a trip off the beaten path in India. Jennifer and Ram are bickering throughout the trip while the grandmother is thoughtlessly swept along as if by the ocean without a care. During one of their "adventures", the grandmother is suddenly overtaken by mournful weeping and the reader is at a loss as to why.
With the end of World War II, Australian war brides prepare to embark on their voyage across the seas on the Victoria, a British aircraft carrier, arriving in Britain and into the awaiting arms of their soldier husbands. Over 600 brides are to make the six week sojourn--leaving their country and their families, possibly for the last time.
The story follows four cabin mates as they try to each manage new experiences, new people and new fears. Moyes does a very good job of weaving these stories into a fine tapestry without missing a stitch. Each line of the book makes sense and each character is absolutely believable.
Without a doubt, I recommend this book to lovers of history, literary fiction and of romance. If you have not read THE SHIP OF BRIDES, put it on your "To-read" bookshelf. You'll be glad you did!
I must confess from the outset that my mother was a New Zealand American War Bride and because of that I was curious after reading the title--so I bought it to read!
The story opens up with a grandmother, her granddaughter (Jennifer) and Jennifer's friend, Ram, on a trip off the beaten path in India. Jennifer and Ram are bickering throughout the trip while the grandmother is thoughtlessly swept along as if by the ocean without a care. During one of their "adventures", the grandmother is suddenly overtaken by mournful weeping and the reader is at a loss as to why.
With the end of World War II, Australian war brides prepare to embark on their voyage across the seas on the Victoria, a British aircraft carrier, arriving in Britain and into the awaiting arms of their soldier husbands. Over 600 brides are to make the six week sojourn--leaving their country and their families, possibly for the last time.
The story follows four cabin mates as they try to each manage new experiences, new people and new fears. Moyes does a very good job of weaving these stories into a fine tapestry without missing a stitch. Each line of the book makes sense and each character is absolutely believable.
Without a doubt, I recommend this book to lovers of history, literary fiction and of romance. If you have not read THE SHIP OF BRIDES, put it on your "To-read" bookshelf. You'll be glad you did!
May 22, 2015
I felt like I was on a slow boat to Britain right along with them.
December 3, 2014
So...ummm....yeah....I just finished this and I don't have words. Multiple superlatives will be used. This one moved me in so many ways. Holy shite, what a story. I became quite attached to Frances and Maggie. I will miss them.
Jojo Moyes is a versatile novelist. She picks a topic she wants to write about and makes it her own. There's a richness and depth to this story that surpasses Me Before You.
Jojo Moyes is a versatile novelist. She picks a topic she wants to write about and makes it her own. There's a richness and depth to this story that surpasses Me Before You.
June 25, 2015
What a wonderful book that I've just finished. One of those that really mean something. It was a pleasure to read this book, the first of Jo Jo Moyes that I have had the pleasure to read. This is a beautiful story that is based on a factual voyage, each chapter starts with an non fictional extract based on experiences of war brides, or those who served on the 'Victorious'.
The year is 1946, and almost 700 war brides are making their way to England, the war is over. We follow a group of gals who have so many stories to tell. Maggie - feisty girl of the land. Lovely. Avice - society girl, vein and focused on things not so important. Annoying. My favourite (just!) Frances - capable nurse who has survived a horrible upbringing. A treasure.
We learn about life on board in trying times, and the crew that is charged with getting our brides there safe and sound. I also enjoyed the character of the captain, and Henry too.
I've always enjoyed and appreciated a book that educates me, and this really did. This should be read by students as well, there's a true story amongst the happy and sad moments. The poor brides who received a telegram 'Not wanted, don't come'. Heart breaking.
Please do read this, highly recommended by this Aussie girl who has learnt a lot. Hats off to Ms Moyes for not just a novel, but a thoroughly researched piece of work. A perfect holiday read. I will think about this a lot, it's gotten to me!
The year is 1946, and almost 700 war brides are making their way to England, the war is over. We follow a group of gals who have so many stories to tell. Maggie - feisty girl of the land. Lovely. Avice - society girl, vein and focused on things not so important. Annoying. My favourite (just!) Frances - capable nurse who has survived a horrible upbringing. A treasure.
We learn about life on board in trying times, and the crew that is charged with getting our brides there safe and sound. I also enjoyed the character of the captain, and Henry too.
I've always enjoyed and appreciated a book that educates me, and this really did. This should be read by students as well, there's a true story amongst the happy and sad moments. The poor brides who received a telegram 'Not wanted, don't come'. Heart breaking.
Please do read this, highly recommended by this Aussie girl who has learnt a lot. Hats off to Ms Moyes for not just a novel, but a thoroughly researched piece of work. A perfect holiday read. I will think about this a lot, it's gotten to me!
June 26, 2014
Opening Line: “The first time I saw her again, I felt as if I’d been hit.”
I absolutely loved this book, another winner from JoJo Moyes who bases this moving story on real events (and her own grandmother) Taking the reader back to 1946 in the aftermath of the Second World War as thousands of young war brides are transported from Australia to England to meet up with their GI husbands who they’d married during the conflict. For many woman it was a time of huge uncertainty, leaving their families and everything they’d ever known behind and preying they didn’t receive the dreaded “Not wanted, don’t come telegram” once aboard.
Ship Of Brides follows four of these woman (out of the 650 on board) all from very different backgrounds and covers their experience from a boarding house in Sydney throughout their 6 week journey at sea aboard an aircraft carrier (which also still carries over a thousand naval officers so rules of honor, duty and separation must be enforced.
The story begins in India in 2002 (which initially threw me a bit) as an elderly grandmother on vacation stumbles across the broken hull of a once great British warship, now in the process of being dismantled for scrap on an oily, debris littered beach. She has come upon a ship graveyard and can just make out the name on one of the rusted hulls “Victoria” and at once is overwhelmed by memories…
I was surprised by how involved I got in this story but Moyes not only takes the reader back to 1946 but manages to keep a huge element of suspense going throughout the journey (Frances, a former nurse is kept frustratingly mysterious until the very last pages – and I kinda loved her.) We also enter the POV of the injured and grieving Captain, a Marine who has received a Dear John letter, a woman widowed before she reaches her destination, another who discovers her husband is already married and follow stowaway dogs, boiler room brawls, disastrous fires, miscarriages, lovely leg contests, ashore days in India and Gibraltar, excitement, fear, heartache and joy.
Because this has been based on an actual sailing taken by the HMS Victorious, Moyes was able to include extracts from journals, newspaper clippings, and diary entries from the actual men and women aboard which added an element of real emotion to the voyage.
The writing is fantastic and by the end I felt like I really knew these women and wondered how their lives had turned out, in fact I didn’t want to let them go.
401jb5
I absolutely loved this book, another winner from JoJo Moyes who bases this moving story on real events (and her own grandmother) Taking the reader back to 1946 in the aftermath of the Second World War as thousands of young war brides are transported from Australia to England to meet up with their GI husbands who they’d married during the conflict. For many woman it was a time of huge uncertainty, leaving their families and everything they’d ever known behind and preying they didn’t receive the dreaded “Not wanted, don’t come telegram” once aboard.
Ship Of Brides follows four of these woman (out of the 650 on board) all from very different backgrounds and covers their experience from a boarding house in Sydney throughout their 6 week journey at sea aboard an aircraft carrier (which also still carries over a thousand naval officers so rules of honor, duty and separation must be enforced.
The story begins in India in 2002 (which initially threw me a bit) as an elderly grandmother on vacation stumbles across the broken hull of a once great British warship, now in the process of being dismantled for scrap on an oily, debris littered beach. She has come upon a ship graveyard and can just make out the name on one of the rusted hulls “Victoria” and at once is overwhelmed by memories…
I was surprised by how involved I got in this story but Moyes not only takes the reader back to 1946 but manages to keep a huge element of suspense going throughout the journey (Frances, a former nurse is kept frustratingly mysterious until the very last pages – and I kinda loved her.) We also enter the POV of the injured and grieving Captain, a Marine who has received a Dear John letter, a woman widowed before she reaches her destination, another who discovers her husband is already married and follow stowaway dogs, boiler room brawls, disastrous fires, miscarriages, lovely leg contests, ashore days in India and Gibraltar, excitement, fear, heartache and joy.
Because this has been based on an actual sailing taken by the HMS Victorious, Moyes was able to include extracts from journals, newspaper clippings, and diary entries from the actual men and women aboard which added an element of real emotion to the voyage.
The writing is fantastic and by the end I felt like I really knew these women and wondered how their lives had turned out, in fact I didn’t want to let them go.
401jb5
August 2, 2014
I'm a huge fan of Jojo Moyes and until now have never been on the fence with what to rate her work. This one is a tough one though. I liked half; I disliked half. I found myself impatient to know what happened in the end, to each and every one of the girls, yet at the same time, I found myself skimming the "man" parts--the captain's tale, Nicol's story, this guy and that guy. They bored me, and I didn't care about their lives.
This story doesn't really let the reader get to know the heroines, and there are four, at least not until the very end. It felt almost like each of the heroines was being held back from us, preventing the reader from being in anyone's head, heart, or experiencing their full range of emotions, and I prefer to be completely one with the character, so this method of not letting us know who these women really are until the last 15% doesn't work well for me.
And why, oh why, did there even have to be a dog if it's going to end like that??????
But I was fascinated by the story itself, by the fact all these brides are shoved together on an aircraft carrier for six weeks, by the fact that the captain pushed aircraft overboard, appalled by the behavior of some drunken seamen, even more shocked at the unfortunate "Not Wanted Don't Comes". Can't imagine how embarrassing that is...
Even more mind boggling was the fact that many of these women on the ship were leaving everything (Australia) and everyone they'd ever known to go to a country (England) they'd never been before to be with men they'd married yet barely knew, and some of them are eight months pregnant and their husbands are about to lay eyes on women whom were young, thin beauties last they saw them..for their few days or weeks of marriage. It's crazy how rashly people acted during the war. And we see with some of these women that rashness comes back to bite them.
There was a lot of sadness in this story, as well as a lot of women overcoming all kinds of problems. My favorite character had to be Frances. She intrigued me the most though the book took too long to really let me "in there". In her story, we see how very quick people are to judge based on so little data and how important it is to know the full story.
And amid all the sadness, secrets, harassment, betrayals, and worrying who'll get the next "Not Wanted Don't Come", there are surprise bursts of humor, which in my opinion, kept this book afloat.
Find out what quotes made me chuckle the most: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
This story doesn't really let the reader get to know the heroines, and there are four, at least not until the very end. It felt almost like each of the heroines was being held back from us, preventing the reader from being in anyone's head, heart, or experiencing their full range of emotions, and I prefer to be completely one with the character, so this method of not letting us know who these women really are until the last 15% doesn't work well for me.
And why, oh why, did there even have to be a dog if it's going to end like that??????
But I was fascinated by the story itself, by the fact all these brides are shoved together on an aircraft carrier for six weeks, by the fact that the captain pushed aircraft overboard, appalled by the behavior of some drunken seamen, even more shocked at the unfortunate "Not Wanted Don't Comes". Can't imagine how embarrassing that is...
Even more mind boggling was the fact that many of these women on the ship were leaving everything (Australia) and everyone they'd ever known to go to a country (England) they'd never been before to be with men they'd married yet barely knew, and some of them are eight months pregnant and their husbands are about to lay eyes on women whom were young, thin beauties last they saw them..for their few days or weeks of marriage. It's crazy how rashly people acted during the war. And we see with some of these women that rashness comes back to bite them.
There was a lot of sadness in this story, as well as a lot of women overcoming all kinds of problems. My favorite character had to be Frances. She intrigued me the most though the book took too long to really let me "in there". In her story, we see how very quick people are to judge based on so little data and how important it is to know the full story.
And amid all the sadness, secrets, harassment, betrayals, and worrying who'll get the next "Not Wanted Don't Come", there are surprise bursts of humor, which in my opinion, kept this book afloat.
Find out what quotes made me chuckle the most: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
June 4, 2023
I found THE SHIP OF BRIDES by Jojo Moyes on the Libby app. Check for your local library on the app and read great books for free!📚
I listened to this audiobook by Jojo Moyes because I have heard so much about her books! It was narrated by Nicole McKenzie, who did an excellent job bringing the story to life. Such a challenge with a huge cast of characters!
I often get confused in stories with large casts, and this story was no different. But there were a few characters whom I really adored -- the woman with her dog, the woman who ends up in the nightmarish tenement situation, and also the captain, who winds up marrying the primary female protagonist. These characters were finely drawn, fleshed out, and I connected to them and rode the little ripples of their stories through the greater waves of the plot, right to the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical romance and even WWII fiction. This book tells a story some people might not know, I certainly didn't. It's a story worth telling, how these hundreds of women promised themselves as wives to soldiers on the front lines, women who were expected to meet those obligations. That the burden of the promise was seen as theirs alone to carry, well it makes a good story, but sad history.
Rating: 🚢🚢🚢🚢 / 5 ships of brides
Recommend? Yes
Finished: June 2 2023
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this book of you like:
⏳️ Historical fiction
⚓️ WWII Fiction
🏰 Historical romance
🏋🏻♀️ Strong women
🧑✈️ Soldiers
😢 Tragedy and redemption
I listened to this audiobook by Jojo Moyes because I have heard so much about her books! It was narrated by Nicole McKenzie, who did an excellent job bringing the story to life. Such a challenge with a huge cast of characters!
I often get confused in stories with large casts, and this story was no different. But there were a few characters whom I really adored -- the woman with her dog, the woman who ends up in the nightmarish tenement situation, and also the captain, who winds up marrying the primary female protagonist. These characters were finely drawn, fleshed out, and I connected to them and rode the little ripples of their stories through the greater waves of the plot, right to the end.
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical romance and even WWII fiction. This book tells a story some people might not know, I certainly didn't. It's a story worth telling, how these hundreds of women promised themselves as wives to soldiers on the front lines, women who were expected to meet those obligations. That the burden of the promise was seen as theirs alone to carry, well it makes a good story, but sad history.
Rating: 🚢🚢🚢🚢 / 5 ships of brides
Recommend? Yes
Finished: June 2 2023
Format: Audiobook, Libby
Read this book of you like:
⏳️ Historical fiction
⚓️ WWII Fiction
🏰 Historical romance
🏋🏻♀️ Strong women
🧑✈️ Soldiers
😢 Tragedy and redemption
September 16, 2021
This is probably my second favourite book by this author so far, I really enjoyed it and it's a part of history I knew very little about.
June 27, 2023
This is the last of my gifts from my sister of my heart Verlie’s donations that I will be bringing my review to Goodreads.
Premise: The year is 1946. The war has ended. This is a fictionalized account of the transport of 100’s of wartime brides from Australia to England aboard a ship filled with 1,000’s of young men Marines. Many of the women have spent very little time with their husbands and almost all are leaving behind the only life they have ever known. The 6-week journey is filled with many emotions. But it is the journey that the novel plays on.
The novel focuses on 4 young women who are forced to share a cabin. Though they are very different, they become friends and learn to rely on each other.
The challenge of the captain is to keep the men separated from the women. So, you can imagine the antics that take place!
Even the ship feels like a character as it limps along before being decommissioned after the war.
There is much to appreciate about a historical fiction novel such as this one.
Consider the euphoria facing those who married their sweethearts before they went off to war – how little they may have known each other – to how things have changed for both since the war.
Or what it might be like to be living independently as a woman and then suddenly with a man.
Will they be that wonderful sweetheart they thought they knew and loved and married?
Compelling. What will everyone gain in this unknown future? 3.5 stars
Premise: The year is 1946. The war has ended. This is a fictionalized account of the transport of 100’s of wartime brides from Australia to England aboard a ship filled with 1,000’s of young men Marines. Many of the women have spent very little time with their husbands and almost all are leaving behind the only life they have ever known. The 6-week journey is filled with many emotions. But it is the journey that the novel plays on.
The novel focuses on 4 young women who are forced to share a cabin. Though they are very different, they become friends and learn to rely on each other.
The challenge of the captain is to keep the men separated from the women. So, you can imagine the antics that take place!
Even the ship feels like a character as it limps along before being decommissioned after the war.
There is much to appreciate about a historical fiction novel such as this one.
Consider the euphoria facing those who married their sweethearts before they went off to war – how little they may have known each other – to how things have changed for both since the war.
Or what it might be like to be living independently as a woman and then suddenly with a man.
Will they be that wonderful sweetheart they thought they knew and loved and married?
Compelling. What will everyone gain in this unknown future? 3.5 stars
February 14, 2013
I love JoJo Moyes and her ability to make Chick-lit (which I love), just a bit different. Some of her books are based on historical events, again something that I find is a great asset to her writing.
However, and it is a shame to say that, this book just didn't work for me. I found the storyline hard to get in to, possibly a little dull at times. I don't know much about the subject of Australian war brides and the book didn't really help. I found it hard to pick up on the love the brides had for their English husbands when we had no idea on their backgrounds.
I want to keep trying to get through this, I wouldn't recommend as the best book to get into JoJo Moyes.
However, and it is a shame to say that, this book just didn't work for me. I found the storyline hard to get in to, possibly a little dull at times. I don't know much about the subject of Australian war brides and the book didn't really help. I found it hard to pick up on the love the brides had for their English husbands when we had no idea on their backgrounds.
I want to keep trying to get through this, I wouldn't recommend as the best book to get into JoJo Moyes.
June 29, 2016
This was BEYOND boring! I thought would never end ._.
The prologue was so touching I was convinced the book gonna be great. I was wrong.
May 19, 2021
An intriguing look at an aircraft carrier transporting brides from Australia to England after World War II. I found this book to be interesting and the details of the voyage captivating.
I do like Moyes' writing, but the characters seemed like characters instead of real people. I loved Margaret and Frances, but also thought that maybe there were just too many characters and things going on to fully flesh each of them out, and also the book was too long to cover the subject matter. The prologue was especially drawn out, it really didn't need to be as long as it was to convey what the author was going for (and wrapping up that same story at the end).
I listened to this as an audio book and the narration was stellar. Nicolette McKenzie seamlessly moves between British and Australian accents with a few others thrown in throughout. Her narration made the book come more alive for me than it would have on the page.
Overall I'm glad I read this one, I had never read anything about war brides and found the details incredibly fascinating.
I do like Moyes' writing, but the characters seemed like characters instead of real people. I loved Margaret and Frances, but also thought that maybe there were just too many characters and things going on to fully flesh each of them out, and also the book was too long to cover the subject matter. The prologue was especially drawn out, it really didn't need to be as long as it was to convey what the author was going for (and wrapping up that same story at the end).
I listened to this as an audio book and the narration was stellar. Nicolette McKenzie seamlessly moves between British and Australian accents with a few others thrown in throughout. Her narration made the book come more alive for me than it would have on the page.
Overall I'm glad I read this one, I had never read anything about war brides and found the details incredibly fascinating.
October 2, 2024
When I have bought and started to read this book (I confess) I expected a few sweet romances in the package. What I got is much, much deeper and better.
5 stars for:
1) A original and very interesting historical background. I didn't know that such marriages were so much common during IIWW.
2) Beautiful, gripping fictional stories.
3) Perfectly chosen characters.
4) A captivating, deep understanding of human nature.
There was moment (nearer the end) when I thought it was drifting to 4 stars. I felt a little lost, wanting that something else could happen. But the end improved everything. Yes, there was a happy ending! Yes, not for every of main characters but enough to feel warm closing the book.
I tell you, Frances, Margaret, Avice, Jean were magnificent persons, each one in her own way. Each one struggle with her own fears and past. What happened to them before, during and after the voyage showed how different life and people are but at the same time how alike. Next to female characters there were Nicol, Highfield, Tims and husbands. They presence made the book greater and more compelling. I can't tell you more about those people without spoiling, I am not able to do it (without spoiling) because their stories described and made them.
Really, it is almost hard to believe that Jojo Moyes chose so perfectly the stories which portrayed us, humans so aptly.
It isn't a light, cheerful book, but it isn't also a book which leave you crying. I have finished it with the feeling that life can be difficult and painful but most people are good. They sometimes simply are in hard situations, make wrong decisions and so on. But there is happiness in life too!
Recommended reviews: Carol's, (ツ) Hache's - although her review will spoil you a few important things of the plot (I mean those not hidden).
[By the by, the cover of my copy is awful. In my opinion it doesn't fit at all. It suggest rather lighter, different book. Almost every other is better, except French and Dutch - they are even worse. I like a German cover the most.]
5 stars for:
1) A original and very interesting historical background. I didn't know that such marriages were so much common during IIWW.
2) Beautiful, gripping fictional stories.
3) Perfectly chosen characters.
4) A captivating, deep understanding of human nature.
There was moment (nearer the end) when I thought it was drifting to 4 stars. I felt a little lost, wanting that something else could happen. But the end improved everything. Yes, there was a happy ending! Yes, not for every of main characters but enough to feel warm closing the book.
I tell you, Frances, Margaret, Avice, Jean were magnificent persons, each one in her own way. Each one struggle with her own fears and past. What happened to them before, during and after the voyage showed how different life and people are but at the same time how alike. Next to female characters there were Nicol, Highfield, Tims and husbands. They presence made the book greater and more compelling. I can't tell you more about those people without spoiling, I am not able to do it (without spoiling) because their stories described and made them.
Really, it is almost hard to believe that Jojo Moyes chose so perfectly the stories which portrayed us, humans so aptly.
It isn't a light, cheerful book, but it isn't also a book which leave you crying. I have finished it with the feeling that life can be difficult and painful but most people are good. They sometimes simply are in hard situations, make wrong decisions and so on. But there is happiness in life too!
Recommended reviews: Carol's, (ツ) Hache's - although her review will spoil you a few important things of the plot (I mean those not hidden).
[By the by, the cover of my copy is awful. In my opinion it doesn't fit at all. It suggest rather lighter, different book. Almost every other is better, except French and Dutch - they are even worse. I like a German cover the most.]
September 12, 2023
There is a very, very, very thin line for an author if he/she wants to by sympathetic without being pathetic, and Mrs. Moyes has succeeded in keeping it. The story is good, the characters are well defined, there is some philosophy about live, a lot of lovely quotes, ALL of these making the difference between a great book and the usual chicken-soap.
So, I'm more than confused, as many distinguished readers didn't appreciate this. Perhaps Sophie Kinsella has too many fans around...
So, I'm more than confused, as many distinguished readers didn't appreciate this. Perhaps Sophie Kinsella has too many fans around...
May 11, 2020
Una maravilla, como todo lo que hace Jojo, sobre todo cuando introduce el elemento histórico en sus tramas. Esta novela cuenta la historia del buque militar que trasladó a 650 mujeres australianas a Inglaterra después de la II Guerra Mundial, para reencontrarse con sus maridos. La trama se centra en cuatro chicas y sus diferentes historias, secretos y aspiraciones. Me ha gustado muchísimo; el único pero que le pongo es que uno de los personajes "desaparece" a mitad de la trama y esperaba que en algún momento se retomara su historia. Pero, por lo demás, me ha parecido una novela preciosa, con todas las virtudes que suelen tener las historias de la autora.
April 25, 2015
Firstly I have to say that this is a tough book to get into. I put it down many times and only read little bits at a time, It almost felt like I was reading this for school. If it was by any other author I would've given up. I'm so glad I kept with it.
Once you actually read a meaty chuck of it you start to feel like your really on board the ship apart of these brides lives.
Characters/POV
Told in third person narrative, there a 4 main brides out of the 650 women who end up being roomies together.
Margaret - A farm girl who's heavily pregnant.
Avice - A society type, wealthy. Her pov is a bit snobby towards the other girls at times
Jean - A 16 year old bride, chatty, drinks alot of alcohol which leads to her downfall. No pov from her.
Frances - A nurse, quiet, like's to keep to herself, trying to escape her past.
There's a mix of these 3 brides povs throughout the book, If I where to tell you who the main character is it would be a toss up between Margaret and Frances, there's more from Margaret in the first half and the second half we have more of Frances pov once we find out her past. If I were to spoil it for you I would say this is more
Two other male characters povs that feature in this is the captain and a marine who stands guard outside the womens room.
The second half and especially the last chapters of the book have more of the Marines pov
Romance
The romance was a small part of the book, there's a very slow slow build up of romance between Frances and Nicol(Marine) and its more present towards the last quarter of the book. I absolutely loved this!!! you desperately want to know if they end up together.
Most of the book takes place on board the ship in 1946 with the last part 2 chapter having them arrive in England. Part three only has one chapter which I guess is more of an Epilogue, that takes place back in 2002 where the book started from.
Is this a sad book?
Not really, there a are things in the brides lives that happen on board that can be a bit sad, they all start off stepping aboard exited to be reunited with their husbands in the end...
Although, once I got to chapter 26 and read 9 words I completely balled my eyes out.. I couldn't believe that 9 words could instantly bring me to tears. I actually took a bit of a brake and let the information sink in and had a really good cry. I realised I probably wasn't going to get my HEA. I forced myself to continue, crying along the way, those tears stopped and I started smiling, grinning, laughing, racing to the point where what I was crying over wasn't what I thought it was. I swear! my face hurt from all the emotions a felt during that last chapter!! OMG Author!! really?!! Incredible!
Lets just finish this off and say that this book does have a very good HEA. There's no epilogue but you do find out what happen to 3 of the brides. I would have liked to know what became of Jean though. But I'm happy with what I got. I think what made it more special was that the voyage was based on the real HMS Victorious, great to know about this piece of history.
Once you actually read a meaty chuck of it you start to feel like your really on board the ship apart of these brides lives.
Characters/POV
Told in third person narrative, there a 4 main brides out of the 650 women who end up being roomies together.
Margaret - A farm girl who's heavily pregnant.
Avice - A society type, wealthy. Her pov is a bit snobby towards the other girls at times
Jean - A 16 year old bride, chatty, drinks alot of alcohol which leads to her downfall. No pov from her.
Frances - A nurse, quiet, like's to keep to herself, trying to escape her past.
There's a mix of these 3 brides povs throughout the book, If I where to tell you who the main character is it would be a toss up between Margaret and Frances, there's more from Margaret in the first half and the second half we have more of Frances pov once we find out her past. If I were to spoil it for you I would say this is more
Two other male characters povs that feature in this is the captain and a marine who stands guard outside the womens room.
The second half and especially the last chapters of the book have more of the Marines pov
Romance
The romance was a small part of the book, there's a very slow slow build up of romance between Frances and Nicol(Marine) and its more present towards the last quarter of the book. I absolutely loved this!!! you desperately want to know if they end up together.
Most of the book takes place on board the ship in 1946 with the last part 2 chapter having them arrive in England. Part three only has one chapter which I guess is more of an Epilogue, that takes place back in 2002 where the book started from.
Is this a sad book?
Not really, there a are things in the brides lives that happen on board that can be a bit sad, they all start off stepping aboard exited to be reunited with their husbands in the end...
Although, once I got to chapter 26 and read 9 words I completely balled my eyes out.. I couldn't believe that 9 words could instantly bring me to tears. I actually took a bit of a brake and let the information sink in and had a really good cry. I realised I probably wasn't going to get my HEA. I forced myself to continue, crying along the way, those tears stopped and I started smiling, grinning, laughing, racing to the point where what I was crying over wasn't what I thought it was. I swear! my face hurt from all the emotions a felt during that last chapter!! OMG Author!! really?!! Incredible!
Lets just finish this off and say that this book does have a very good HEA. There's no epilogue but you do find out what happen to 3 of the brides. I would have liked to know what became of Jean though. But I'm happy with what I got. I think what made it more special was that the voyage was based on the real HMS Victorious, great to know about this piece of history.
August 9, 2019
I have read at least five of JoJo Moyes other books, including the Me Before You trilogy, and I have liked them. They have either sustained my attention well enough or brought great enjoyment. I did not care for this one however. I just couldn't follow it, or relate. Neither could I develop care for the characters or the plot. Wasn't my cup of tea. Was more moved at the way it pulled together at the end.
September 10, 2012
I like Jojo Moyes but I'd avoided reading this one because of the time period. It's not something that interests me BUT what a mistake. I was quickly drawn in to the lives of these Australian women en route for the UK after the war as husbands of British servicemen. I loved the variety of characters, the understated love story, it all worked really well. I could easily see this as a film!
March 13, 2022
This book started off very well and I thought it was going to be an interesting one, but, unfortunately it stalled halfway through and got very slow before it picked up again. It became quite a plod to read but I finished it with a big sigh of relief. Not one of her best I think.
January 20, 2012
I loved the idea of this book, but not the execution. I'm wondering if I built it up too much in my head before reading as I thought the premise a really interesting one. I enjoyed it but this book wasn't a favorite. Actually, that's the problem I have: this book read like a tv series. I feel like you could literally hand sections of the book to a director and, in order, he'll make an Avice episode, the Frances background episode, etc.
A quick, easy read with an interesting premise based on true events. Good, but it feels like it could have been so much better. I would be interested in reading more of this author's work.
A quick, easy read with an interesting premise based on true events. Good, but it feels like it could have been so much better. I would be interested in reading more of this author's work.
November 28, 2022
Jag tror inte att jag och Moyes funkar längre.
May 3, 2016
Bücher, bei denen man hinterher erst einmal einen Moment braucht, um zurück in das wahre Leben zu finden, das sind die wirklich guten Bücher.
Zu diesen Büchern zähle ich grundsätzlich auch jene von Jojo Moyes. Mir gefällt ihr Schreibstil - nicht zwangsläufig die Erzählform. Ihre Geschichten ziehen mich sofort in ihren Bann. Die Art, wie sie beschreibt, ist unglaublich lebendig! Einfühlsam, spannend und flüssig reiht sie die Sätze aneinander und spinnt so ein eindringliches, berührendes Netz um den Leser.
Bei "Über uns der Himmel, unter uns das Meer" behält Jojo Moyes ihren einzigartigen Stil bei. Eigentlich wäre der Roman 5 Sterne wert. Ich habe geweint - aber nicht aus freudiger Rührung heraus. Die Geschichte war ein kleines Stück weit vorhersehbar und wenig originell (Ein Stichwort dazu: Hündchen), finde ich. Das störte mich zum Ende ein bisschen, aber nicht allzu sehr.
Die Zeitsprünge und Wechsel der Perspektiven waren nicht immer ideal gestaltet mMn. Ich hatte gelegentlich Probleme in die gewechselte Situation oder Zeit hineinzufinden. Schade ist auch, dass mir teilweise das Schicksal des Hundes näherging als das von Frances zum Schluss... O.o
Wegen all dieser Punkte gebe ich 4 und keine 3 Sterne. Denn alles in allem hat die Autorin wieder ein (auf die ein oder andere Weise) berührendes und starkes Werk erschaffen. Mir hat es etwas mehr als "nur gefallen", sodass ich 4 Sterne als gerechtfertigt betrachte. :)
Zu diesen Büchern zähle ich grundsätzlich auch jene von Jojo Moyes. Mir gefällt ihr Schreibstil - nicht zwangsläufig die Erzählform. Ihre Geschichten ziehen mich sofort in ihren Bann. Die Art, wie sie beschreibt, ist unglaublich lebendig! Einfühlsam, spannend und flüssig reiht sie die Sätze aneinander und spinnt so ein eindringliches, berührendes Netz um den Leser.
Bei "Über uns der Himmel, unter uns das Meer" behält Jojo Moyes ihren einzigartigen Stil bei. Eigentlich wäre der Roman 5 Sterne wert. Ich habe geweint - aber nicht aus freudiger Rührung heraus. Die Geschichte war ein kleines Stück weit vorhersehbar und wenig originell (Ein Stichwort dazu: Hündchen), finde ich. Das störte mich zum Ende ein bisschen, aber nicht allzu sehr.
Die Zeitsprünge und Wechsel der Perspektiven waren nicht immer ideal gestaltet mMn. Ich hatte gelegentlich Probleme in die gewechselte Situation oder Zeit hineinzufinden. Schade ist auch, dass mir teilweise das Schicksal des Hundes näherging als das von Frances zum Schluss... O.o
Wegen all dieser Punkte gebe ich 4 und keine 3 Sterne. Denn alles in allem hat die Autorin wieder ein (auf die ein oder andere Weise) berührendes und starkes Werk erschaffen. Mir hat es etwas mehr als "nur gefallen", sodass ich 4 Sterne als gerechtfertigt betrachte. :)
February 4, 2018
3.5 stars.
This novel is set in the time period just after World War II. During the War many people from all over the world met one another and got married quite hastily, to people that they wouldn't see until the War was over. This novel starts off in Australia, where over 600 Australian brides need to be transported to their English husbands in England, to go and live as a married couple now that the War is over.
An old aircraft carrying ship is commissioned for its last journey to take these brides across the sea on the six week journey to be reunited with the loved one they haven't seen in months or even years. The author introduces us to four bunk mates, from very different walks of life, as they journey to their husbands. Some are from wealthy families, some are simple farm girls, some are young and naive, and some are hiding very dark pasts.
This novel is based on a true story and on the real life 'ship of brides', the Vicorious, which carried brides from Australia to England after the War, and there are some real life journal extracts from that time scattered throughout the novel. What was really cool for me is that the author's grandmother was a bride on this ship, and she relayed her stories to her to enable her to write this book, and this is what made it special for me.
This novel is set in the time period just after World War II. During the War many people from all over the world met one another and got married quite hastily, to people that they wouldn't see until the War was over. This novel starts off in Australia, where over 600 Australian brides need to be transported to their English husbands in England, to go and live as a married couple now that the War is over.
An old aircraft carrying ship is commissioned for its last journey to take these brides across the sea on the six week journey to be reunited with the loved one they haven't seen in months or even years. The author introduces us to four bunk mates, from very different walks of life, as they journey to their husbands. Some are from wealthy families, some are simple farm girls, some are young and naive, and some are hiding very dark pasts.
This novel is based on a true story and on the real life 'ship of brides', the Vicorious, which carried brides from Australia to England after the War, and there are some real life journal extracts from that time scattered throughout the novel. What was really cool for me is that the author's grandmother was a bride on this ship, and she relayed her stories to her to enable her to write this book, and this is what made it special for me.
December 3, 2016
Great ending. Many a time I almost gave up on it. It is rather darker then I expected.
May 13, 2018
Very long and drawn out. Lost interest throughout. Probably my least favorite of Jojo Moyes.
November 8, 2019
Great Historical Fiction
This is the third book I've read by this author. She's my new favorite writer! I feel like I was on that journey with all those brides. What a journey it was. I felt relief when the ship docked and the brides joined their new families. Another book to tell me more about World War II that I didn't know.
This is the third book I've read by this author. She's my new favorite writer! I feel like I was on that journey with all those brides. What a journey it was. I felt relief when the ship docked and the brides joined their new families. Another book to tell me more about World War II that I didn't know.
April 30, 2019
Eine Geschichte die ziemlich lange braucht bis sie anfährt, sich aber bis zum Schluss entwickelt, die Spannung steigert und richtig packt. Eine hoffnungsvolle Geschichte, voller Liebe, fiktiv aber mit historischen Fakten - toller Einblick in die damalige Zeit. Mit einigen Überraschungen und viel Drama, schön erzählt.
Von einer Frau, die mit ihrer Enkelin Indien besucht und beim Anblick eines Schiffswracks in Erinnerungen schwelgt. Von 600 Frauen, die auf einem Kriegsschiff von Australien nach England gebracht werden, zu ihren Soldaten-Männern. Von vier grundverschiedenen Frauen, die sich eine Kabine teilen müssen.
Frances ist eine zurückhaltende junge Krankenschwester, die vor ihrer Vergangenheit flieht. Mit ihr habe ich richtig mitgefiebert.
Avice wirkt verwöhnt und verhält sich versnobt. Sie ist anstrengend und nervt oft. Man fragt sich warum sie so ist, weil sie oft auch verzweifelt klingt.
Jean ist die Jüngste, unreif, ungebildet und naiv aber offen und direkt. Und man hat sie einfach gern.
Margaret kommt von einer Farm, ist schwanger und die gute Seele an Bord. Jeder mag Margaret.
Offizier Henry Nicol, der vor ihrer Tür Wache hält ist auch interessant und sogar Frances vertraut ihm.
Die vielen verschiedenen Perspektiven sind oft sehr verwirrend, machen den Einblick in das Leben auf der Victoria noch greifbarer. In das was diesen Frauen vor und während der Reise passiert.
Ich fand es ziemlich schwierig reinzukommen, die Geschichte ist schleppend angelaufen und war fast schon langweilig. Und dann kam irgendwo der Punkt an dem ich nicht mehr aufhören wollte zu lesen.
Je mehr Zeit die Frauen auf kleinstem Raum zusammen verbringen, desto mehr erfährt man über sie und ihr Leben. Jede von ihnen hat ihre eigenen Schwierigkeiten und Ängste. Wie ähnlich und doch grundverschieden ihre Schicksale sind, während sie sich alle zur selben Zeit am selben Ort befinden.
Die Figuren sind alle gut gezeichnet und authentisch, manche sympathisch, manche weniger.
Nach dem schleppenden Einstieg entwickelt sich die Story unglaublich gut und vielseitig.
Und vor allem das sehr tolle Ende hat für mich noch einen halben Stern rausgehauen. Das hat Moyes wirklich schön zusammengebracht.
Von einer Frau, die mit ihrer Enkelin Indien besucht und beim Anblick eines Schiffswracks in Erinnerungen schwelgt. Von 600 Frauen, die auf einem Kriegsschiff von Australien nach England gebracht werden, zu ihren Soldaten-Männern. Von vier grundverschiedenen Frauen, die sich eine Kabine teilen müssen.
Frances ist eine zurückhaltende junge Krankenschwester, die vor ihrer Vergangenheit flieht. Mit ihr habe ich richtig mitgefiebert.
Avice wirkt verwöhnt und verhält sich versnobt. Sie ist anstrengend und nervt oft. Man fragt sich warum sie so ist, weil sie oft auch verzweifelt klingt.
Jean ist die Jüngste, unreif, ungebildet und naiv aber offen und direkt. Und man hat sie einfach gern.
Margaret kommt von einer Farm, ist schwanger und die gute Seele an Bord. Jeder mag Margaret.
Offizier Henry Nicol, der vor ihrer Tür Wache hält ist auch interessant und sogar Frances vertraut ihm.
Die vielen verschiedenen Perspektiven sind oft sehr verwirrend, machen den Einblick in das Leben auf der Victoria noch greifbarer. In das was diesen Frauen vor und während der Reise passiert.
Ich fand es ziemlich schwierig reinzukommen, die Geschichte ist schleppend angelaufen und war fast schon langweilig. Und dann kam irgendwo der Punkt an dem ich nicht mehr aufhören wollte zu lesen.
Je mehr Zeit die Frauen auf kleinstem Raum zusammen verbringen, desto mehr erfährt man über sie und ihr Leben. Jede von ihnen hat ihre eigenen Schwierigkeiten und Ängste. Wie ähnlich und doch grundverschieden ihre Schicksale sind, während sie sich alle zur selben Zeit am selben Ort befinden.
Die Figuren sind alle gut gezeichnet und authentisch, manche sympathisch, manche weniger.
Nach dem schleppenden Einstieg entwickelt sich die Story unglaublich gut und vielseitig.
Und vor allem das sehr tolle Ende hat für mich noch einen halben Stern rausgehauen. Das hat Moyes wirklich schön zusammengebracht.
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