Although I’ve read lots of books in this genre, sadly this book just did nothing for me. I just felt that although we eventually found out what happened, it took a long time to get there with not much happening in between. Sorry!

This is beautiful and moving. It's very sensitively handled, about the aftermath of the First World War; the grief, loss and confusion in France as citizens are trying to rebuild their lives. It's slow-going in places, however.

This offering from Caroline Scott really offers an interesting study of human nature. With this, as readers we are exposed frequently to opportunities to empathise, or at least, emote, with characters and situations alike. What will the drive of grief lead to? Are gut feeling and inquisition enough to produce outcomes of resolve? Scott does very well to uphold these questions across the scope of the narrative meaning that there is pace to the novel in terms of it's forward trajectory. This is further supplemented by the interchanging focus on different protagonists, as we follow both Edie and Harry's quest for resolution.

Aside from characterisation, this book sits amongst two key backdrops - the first being that of World War I. As ever, when writing of this era, there is a certain nostalgia and sadness which is evoked in the imagery and situations Scott discusses. Equally, there are moments within dialogue amongst characters which press forward those presumptions and politics of the war itself, often adding a stark reminder of the impact of war. That being said, this is a novel about the Great War which sits nicely in the mainstream canon of historical fiction, yet fails to reach readers with the impact or punch we experience in the likes of Barker or Faulks. Moments from 1920, and the post-war period give this book a wider scope and alleviates the potential for the claustrophobic, chaotic time spent with Harry mid-war becoming overwhelming.

Whilst on the outer layer of the storytelling this novel works hard to present a rounded view of war and post-war fallout in families and relationships, it remains, at it's core, a family saga. As entertaining and readable as this therefore is, there are moments when, as a reader personally, I felt depth or true exploration lacked. Don't get me wrong - it's well written, succinct and nothing about character jars or lags. It's intriguing and comfortable as a book choice....it just doesn't quite differentiate itself enough to have the impact other Great War historical fiction I am such a fan of.

#PhotographerOfTheLost #NetGalley

A truly outstanding debut novel .Caroline Scott writes with passion, understanding, empathy and compassion that the reader, me in this instance, really lives it . Set around WWI and it’s aftermath this really is a most beautiful books and one that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre and this time period.,The legacy of the Great War on those left behind,

I loved this story of Harry,his brothers, his sister-in-law and various other characters he meets along the way. World War One fiction is my preferred read and this book is a great addition to that genre. It is a very moving tale of Harry who is a talented artist but now spends his time taking photographs in France for the bereaved in England. What a way to spend ones days. The writing is tight and somewhat sparse, Sometimes repetitive and it is quite a long book for the genre but it all feels right, somehow. Highly recommended and with thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review an e-ARC

A poignant read full of terrible sadness and tragedy. Set in the aftermath of the first world amidst the destruction and mayhem of northern France where people are trying to come to terms with life in general and move on. A period of history overlooked being overshadowed by the previous horrific events. The book resonated with me personally as my grandmother's fiance was declared one of missing in 1916 on the Somme and she ended up marrying his brother, my grandfather.

It is a book that makes the reader think and reflect on the impact and untold stories after such a major destructive event.

I really could not get into this book. The dialogue feels very stilted and unnatural. I do not believe that even in the 1920s, people would quote lines of poetry at each other in general conversation, especially with those they have just met.
Just a few pages into the story, I was irked to read a sentence with four glaring rogue apostrophies. ‘against the displays of the butcher’s and baker’s and ironmonger’s, and half expects to see Will’ then on the same page ‘ there must be grocer’s selling cabbages’ This appears to be the final version of the book, so how did the proofreader miss these errors?
The story is incredibly slow moving, and the characterisation is lacking. Edie and Rachel come across as cold, two dimensional characters. Harry is slightly more rounded, but the constant change in the time line and the main characters’ locations is irritating, and does not work well.
I persevered to 25% but as I did not seem to be making much headway, sadly I did not feel the urge to read any further. Other readers may enjoy it, but though I enjoy historical fiction as a rule, especially when based on fact, this book was not for me.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

The eponymous photographer of the lost is a World War One veteran called Harry, whose job in the aftermath of the war is to photograph graves for the bereaved families of soldiers. Harry’s story is intertwined with that of a widow who is searching for her missing in action husband, David. We are also privy to the story of Harry’s sister-in-law, Edie who at the start of the novel receives a mysterious, anonymously sent photo of her husband, Francis who was presumed dead five years previously, I really liked and was intrigued by the unusual premise of the war photographer but I found the pace of the story rather slow at times and did struggle to hold my interest. That said the writing is believable and I did enjoy the book overall.

Thank you to netgalley.co.uk for giving me a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

First of all, I think I was hooked to this novel from the minute I read the prologue, it sounded like the type of book I would enjoy. I'm glad I got the chance to read it. Brilliant writing, I could not put this book down, think I read it in two sittings. My first book by Caroline Scott but not my last.

This is a really interesting and moving novel about the first World War and it's immediate aftermath. The "current" narrative is set in 1921 when northern France was still a wasteland; whole villages had been obliterated and major towns were unrecognisable. People were rebuilding as much as they could but had to clear away miles of barbed wire and other debris from the fighting. Meanwhile others were working to give the dead decent burials, creating the vast cemetries such as Tyn Cot with which we are familiar. Already, only 3 years after the end of the War, there were tourists visitng the area.

Into this steps Harry, one of 3 brothers who went off to fight and the only one who came back. The mystery at the heart of the story is whether or not older brother Francis is dead. He was reported "Missing, believed killed" but there is no record anywhere of a grave. This is the case with too many of the dead at this point in time. Harry is a photographer who is taing pictures for some of those who cannot travel to France but is also trying to discover what happened to his brother.

Recommended reading, especially if you have an interest in WW1.

Beautifully written sensitive book.
Really interesting, moving and quite sad.
Thoroughly enjoyed it

The storyline of this book makes for an interesting read. I have read plenty about the conflict itself but what it was like after the war for the survivors and the relatives of the survivors and the deceased or lost was certainly an eye-opener.

This is an emotional read and I certainly felt for the characters and the events which cause their whole lives to implode. It certainly brought home what it must have been like to endure the events and the aftermath of WW1.

The story is told in multiple points of view and also different timelines, going between 1916 and 1917 to 1921. This enables the reader to see things from all angles and perspectives of the characters. The characters are very introspective at times, which I do understand with the way the time and events was affecting them, but it was just a little bit too much to keep the story flowing well.

The writing for me was a little over-complicated with too much inconsequential detail at times. This had me wanting to get on with the actual story and even skip a few paragraphs to just move forward.

However, having said that, this is a really interesting idea; it has an intriguing storyline and the characters are well developed. It is definitely worth reading.

A really well written and well researched story that talks about people's feelings in the aftermath of the Great War. I had no idea that people were asked to photograph graves or specific sites in France for the bereaving families in the UK. It is a story of hope.

Set around World War One a story involving 3 brothers, Francis, harry and William and Franks wife. Edie..
This is beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed the flipping between characters and events that affected the 3 soldiers.
I expected this to be a grim read given the subject matter but it truly is an astonishing tale. It gave me an insight to WW1 and the horrific loss of life, but uplifted me with the job Harry undertakes photographing war graves for bereaved families. A great ending too. This is a 10/10 read.
Fabulous

This is such a powerful and heartbreaking story of the families back in Britain, after WW1 has ended, still living in hope that their missing loved ones may still be alive. The year is 1921, Edie has made a pilgrimage to France searching for her missing, presumed dead, husband Francis after receiving a photo of him in the post. His brother Harry had been the last one to see him alive. Badly wounded he had left him to be taken care of, although he said he was sure he would die. All trace had been lost of him then.
Harry and Edie run into each other in France, Harry is employed by families to take photographs of loved one's graves that have been killed in the war. Harry needs to find out too if his brother is alive to make amends with him about something in the past if he is.
The story drops back to both before the war and during it and the effect on families and loved ones. How it changed people and relationships. It is a beautifully written story but brutal in its honesty too. I felt a sadness so deep in certain chapters and all I could think was this is how it must have been for so many. It is a tremendous achievement for an author to make a reader feel such grief. My connection to the characters was just so intense.
If Francis is still alive what could the reason be that he hasn't gone home? As the chapters get closer to the end my heart pounded so much. A very touching story.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
First time reading this Author and won't be the last.
Delighted to read this FANTASTIC book it's so well written its haunting yet intriguing fabulous characters I love everything about it can highly recommend.

I loved the idea of this book. It was a fascinating reminder that for many people the First World War never ended, and those who didn't know the fate of their loved ones were caught in a terrible limbo, almost unimaginable today. The story is moving and compelling, and the picture of a country completely wrecked by war is very vivid. However, I found the book very long, and slow. Many of the characters didn't really come alive for me. Edie seems a little two-dimensional, and Harry seems too middle class for someone who was never commissioned, and whose mother worked in a bakery. A good read, but I didn't really love it.

The Photographer of the Lost is such a stunning book,a very memorable read.The story starts in 1921 after WW1 many thousands of men are missing and the Families left in limbo unable to move on and always hoping their loved one will knock on the door one day .The main characters are Harry ,one of three brothers who all fought in the War ,William is dead but Francis is missing ,Edie,Francis's wife and Harry are desperate to find what happened to him and go to France to try and find some answers .It must have been so unbearable to not know what happened to your loved one. A very thought provoking read .Many thanks to the Publisher the Author and NetGalley for my review copy in return for an honest review .

Edie's husband Francis doesn't come home from after WW1 and is listed as missing in action. She just can't believe it or move on and her life is in limbo. The last time she saw her husband he'd changed. Quite randomly four years after the end of the war a photograph of her husband comes in the post with no note and she heads back to the battlefields to do her own searching...

Harry's grieving for both his brothers although would like to think Francis is still alive so he can say sorry for what he said last time they met. He's working as a photographer taking photographs of graves for grieving families back home. While in Ypres he continues his search for his brother and meets many others along the way looking for their loved ones too.

She knows Harry has always held a torch for her and he looks so like his brother it takes her breath away. The story is told by both Edie and Harry and we see war from both sides. A tale of heartbreak, sorrow, grief, sadness, family, friendship and love. It's simply stunning. Would recommend.

A really well written story evoking the aftermath of the Great War. It is sad and occasionally hopeful and it discusses the feelings and behaviour of the survivors with particular emphasis on the damaged that was done to them during their war experiences.
I feel that it really makes the reader think about the impact of the horrors of the war on these characters and it focuses on the minutiae of the fighting and of the situation that the survivors are in. It is different in this approach rather than focusing on the big names of history and I enjoyed that.
The story moves very slowly and I found the first half of the book so slow that I wondered if anything would ever happen as the main female character searches for her missing husband. As the end approaches, there is a slight change in tempo.
I reached the end feeling that I want to recommend this book although halfway through I worried about how to review the story.