Lucia's War

Lucia's War is unlike any book I have ever read because unlike most book set during this era this novel is about a young Jamaican woman who has the most amazing operatic voice, but she faces discrimination simply because of the colour of her skin. But this novel is not just about a young woman's dream of becoming an opera singer, it is also about love, war, and loss. You will certainly need some tissues close at hand while you read this book because you are going to need them. I would also suggest that you find a quiet afternoon to yourself because once started this novel was next to impossible to put down.

There is quite the cast of characters in this novel and they all have a direct impact on Lucia's life - some for the better, and some for the worse. It is in a way a very tragic story, for love has no place when your path in life is dictated by the colour of your skin.
I thought this novel was brilliant from start to finish, the writing is exquisite, the characters shine through with a strong sense of realism. This is one of those books that I could happily read over and over again and never tire of. This novel is a MUST READ!

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for review consideration.

“You cannot let future jewels be stolen from you by past sadness.”

This phenomenal book deserves more than the meagre review I can provide.

Lucia Percival is a Jamaican exile with high hopes of making it in London’s musical scene in 1917. Being black, she faces unsurmountable obstacles and it’s her drive and determination that carry her through the hardship and heartache. Lucia is proud of her heritage and discrimination is just one thread of her story. She also faces the horrors of war, abandonment, and loss. Despite all this, she fights to escape in her music. Lanigan’s prose highlight Lucia’s tenacity and determination at a time in history when she could be least appreciated.

Readers will instantly appreciate the depth of knowledge and meticulous research that went into this masterpiece. It’s a passionately told story about Black history during the war years, written by a gifted author and absolutely worthy of your time investment.

I was unaware that this tale continues the 2014 release of “White Feathers” but it did not detract from my understanding nor enjoyment.

Wow! One previous reviewer said that this book "really has everything" and it really does. There's lots of interesting history about WW1. So many books focus more on WW2 and it can be hard to find recent one's about WW1. There's so much love in this book; romantic, friendship & family. There's plenty of drama and mystery too. I just loved the character, Lucia. She's kind, savvy and talented. Plus, the author clearly did a lot of research. I now have a better understanding of what life was like for black folks living in England near the beginning of the 1900s.

It's the second part, but it was not a problem to understand it without knowing the first book.
I found the story interesting, not only because of a woman's perspective, but also because of a people of colour perspective. We have enough of stories about the WWI, but this one managed tp show some other stories and details I've never heard of before.
The style was sometimes a bit strange at the beginning, I was confused by many names and changes of time, but after a while I got used to it and was enjoying the book.

I received a complimentary copy of Lucia’s War from NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This book tackled very controversial and interesting topics, however, the format and timelines were a bit confusing for a while—expecting more from a casual reader than usual. Overall, great story with difficult presentation...which, on the other hand, did allow for a complete and satisfying surprise ending.

Wow this book is just perfect. I loved every minute of it and really cannot fault any of it, Historical story telling at its best and by far one of the best books I've read in a long time. Highly recommend this book!

The voice of this character study is charming and keeps you reading. How it is framed, as a conversation with a theater reviewer, remains awkward however. The chronicle of a very long life, including minute details such as what everyone was wearing, is essential to her personality but not credible as a style of conversation, even spread over several meetings.

Even though I enjoyed the journey and the surprise ending, I wondered at the end whether disbelief could be sufficiently suspended to arrive there smoothly. The novel form is perhaps a bit too lengthy to support the stylistic choice. Maybe it would read better as a novella. At any rate, it is worth the investment in a unique character.

A story with a dual timeline set during WWI/1950 with a plot unlike any I've read before. It follows the life and struggles of a young Jamaican woman with a beautiful voice who aspires to become an opera singer. It is a sometimes brutal tale of music, motherhood, and loss during a time of extreme racism and war. I was impressed by Lucia's tenaciousness and faith in her talent. There are many patois expressions which added to the authenticity and my enjoyment . I highly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction.
I'd like to thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for the ARC,
4*

Lucia's War is a fabulous read by Susan Lanigan. I enjoyed Lucia's story so much. It is getting five stars from me.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a great historical novel with interesting characters. This has a great storyline and I enjoyed reading it.

A really interesting story depicting a woman of colour perspective during the Great War and this gives a much needed different insight and experience of the war you haven’t read before. Although fictionalised, you know it’s based on so many lived experiences , a must read

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion