"Both thriller and love story, with a beautifully devastating balance this novel takes in themes of war, duty, and the emotional cost of falling in love with the enemy."
This historical novel centres around the story of two people, of a love that takes root just before the Second World War, and yet the couple spend the vast majority of the novel apart, separated by being on opposing sides in the conflict. With dual points of view, hearing from both Missie who is involved in intelligence, and Conrad who fights in the Luftwaffe, this is also very much a novel about the nature and cost of war. I think its important to note that debut author Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton spent 20 years in the British Army, it is undoubtedly this knowledge that adds the feeling of credibility and authenticity and I was intrigued to read that the novel was inspired by his mother’s experiences of the war. The prologue from 2019 very cleverly sets up expectations, and places at the centre of the novel the mystery of a secret from the Second World War. From there we disappear into 1938 and discover the fledgling relationship. The author finely balances the tricky tightrope between the brutality of war, and the emotional connection and then distance of the two main characters. The atmosphere of this time, of the wartime experience, is written so it resonates clearly, I was there beside Missie and Conrad, experiencing life alongside them. There were moments that made me flinch, and one particular battle will stay with me for a number of reasons. The ending hit with hammer hard precision, one word, just one word, has such huge impact that I was left in thoughtful contemplation. The bridge between the violence of war and human connection and need within the Beyond the Edge of Light is powerful and all-consuming, this historical novel is highly recommended by the LoveReading team.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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Well researched debut novel of the conflicts of war, with two people in love on conflicting sides in World War II. Recommended read.
Such a well researched book, this is the author's debut novel. The main characters are Missy and Conrad at the outbreak of World War II. Missy, after finishing school in the Swiss Alps, is staying in Germany for a time and falls in love with Conrad a german who seems to be aware of the rise of Natizism and the dangers rather than looking up to the madness of Hilter and his terrible regieme, "I can hear the shouty Hitler on one of his speeches they would have heard on the wireless".
They both contribute to the war in each other's countries, Missy with the Refugees Childrens Unit and Bletchley. Whilst Conrad is with the German Paratroopers.
This is a story of war from two sides, although I have read a great deal on the war there is something always to learn.... Read Full Review
A great read for World War History enthusiasts – featuring a fast-paced, dual storyline between lovers Missie, a talented translator working at Bletchley Park and Conrad, reluctant Luftwaffe Conscript who find themselves on opposing sides of the brutal conflict.
This novel begins in Germany 1938 in a Europe on the brink of war where Missie Ormesby, a young Englishwomen, finds herself falling for Conrad Van Echlau, a fervent anti-Nazi who has recently been conscripted into the German Air Force. Their union is brief but deeply passionate and when war breaks out, they find themselves on opposite of the conflicts, torn between their love for each other and their loyalty to their family and country.
Throughout the novel the action switches between Missie, now working as a translator at Bletchley Park, and Conrad, a senior member of the Luftwaffe preparing with his team to undertake a daring British invasion.... Read Full Review
A beautifully written Second World War novel of forbidden love, Bletchley Park secrets and impossible choices.
Munich, 1938. Europe is on the brink of war when Julia 'Missie' Ormesby, a young Englishwoman, meets Conrad von Echlau, a German aristocrat whose conscience is increasingly at odds with the country he serves.
Their connection is instant, consuming - and impossible.
As Germany darkens under Nazi rule, Missie and Conrad are pulled apart by history. He remains bound to the Luftwaffe, while she returns to England, where her fluency in German leads her to Bletchley Park and the hidden world of enemy intelligence.
But when Conrad is chosen for a secret German mission, the war brings them back into each other's orbit in the most devastating way.
Now Missie must confront the truth: the man she once loved is no longer just a memory. He is part of the enemy war machine. And as Britain's intelligence chiefs close in, love, duty and country collide.
Haunting, atmospheric and emotionally powerful, Beyond the Edge of Light is an unforgettable wartime novel about loyalty, honour and the unbearable cost of choosing a side.
Perfect for readers of The Rose Code, All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale and Restless.
Beyond the Edge of Light features in the following genres: Debut Books of the Month, Debuts, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance / Relationship Stories, Thriller and Suspense, Historical Fiction, Second World War fiction, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Thriller and Suspense, Narrative theme: Sense of place
Beyond the Edge of Light is available in Hardback
Beyond the Edge of Light was written by Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton and published by Bantam Press an imprint of Transworld
Beyond the Edge of Light has 352 pages
£15.29
