The Care and Management of Lies by Jacqueline Winspear (2014)

What struck me first about this novel which is set in England and France during World War I is that the syntax and voice are strongly reminiscent of books actually written during that time period. I was particularly reminded of the books by Agatha Christie. While the writing may seem stilted and overly formal in comparison to most other modern novels, it serves admirably to convey the reader to a particular time and place. Score for this modern-day author, as she makes a historical novel more believable by presenting it in the forms of a specific period.

The plot follows, Kezia and Thea, two friends who have recently completed their education to become teachers, and Tom, Thea's farmer brother who has recently become Kezia's husband. All are forced to assume new roles and face difficult challenges with the advent of war: Thea flees possible arrest for her pacifist activities by becoming a battlefield ambulance driver; Tom feels honor-bound to enlist and is sent to fight in France; Kezia, who grew up as a clergyman's pampered daughter, is suddenly expected to run a farm. The main focus is not so much on the hardships they face, however, as it is on the love between Kezia and Tom, which she demonstrates through long letters to him wherein she describes in detail the elaborate meals she prepares with him in mind, neglecting to tell him that in reality she is facing shortages and actually cooks only basic food. Tom responds by neglecting to tell her of the horrors of trench warfare or of the persecution he endures from his bullying sergeant. Meanwhile, Thea has become more capable and brave than she would have believed possible.

This novel does not specifically picture the unique horrors inherent in trench warfare as some WW1 novels do, but it does convey a subtle anti-war message. One of the secondary characters remembers a quote from Aeschylus--"In war, truth is the first casualty"--and this statement reflects the theme of the book. Some lies are lies of love, such as those between Kezia and Tom; some lies are lies of expediency, such as those told by a government to uphold public morale and to justify its actions; some lies are lies of deceit, such as those told by the people who actually profit from war.

I highly recommend this book. It is a deceptively simple story of love under stress that is much more skillfully fashioned than would first appear.