The Summer Before The War

I very much enjoyed The Summer Before The War by Helen Simonson which is set in a small English town in the months leading up to and during World War I.  Fiercely independent Beatrice Nash wants to make her own way in life following the death of her beloved father.  She takes up a position as a Latin teacher in the town at a time when a woman daring to have a "career" was almost unheard of.  She meets two young men Hugh and Daniel who are visiting their Aunt Agatha.  War is looming and young men everywhere are making decisions about their future.  Some are pressured rather than willing to join the conflict.  Aunt Agatha has no children of her own and her nephews are very dear to her. The situation worsens when the town provides a sanctuary to Belgian refugees as the conflict begins.  As with any war, there are casualties.  Beautifully written. 41/2/5