I genuinely think about War Changes Everything by Melanie Hughes all the time. It really is a wonderful piece of literature.

Historical fiction isn’t normally my thaaang unless it’s related to WW2 or the Tudor period, but I adored this.

The plot:

We follow the protagonist, Nita, who was born in the First World War. At grammar school she meets Yolanda who introduces her to the vibrant Italian community; when they become involved in the left-wing intellectual life of London, you will become so attached to the story.

Nita meets Rikh, an activist in the India League. And then war is declared, and I’ll leave you to find out what happens next…

A genuine work of art, and I’m sure I’ll be thinking about it for many years to come.

With wonderful characters and imagery which will transport you back in time, War Changes Everything needs to be on your radar.

I found myself looking up several bits of information and history, which is vital for historical fiction, from my point of view. Although it is a work of fiction, I love the fact that this story is so well-embedded with historical fact, it leaves you questioning whether Hughes transported herself back in time (if Hughes has the secret, I definitely want to know).

I’ve read this about three times since January 2018, and I get goose bumps at exactly the same point. Page 141, if you have the book. A genuine work of art, and I’m sure I’ll be thinking about it for many years to come.

From the lady herself, Melanie Hughes on War Changes Everything, says: “a modern woman in a not yet modern age. The freedoms we take for granted were forged fitfully and painfully by the lives of women like Nita and war was a huge catalyst for change.” OBSESSED.

There is also a second book, called Midnight Legacy, which I’ve yet to read (because knowing me I would combine the two in my brain and accidentally give spoilers), but it is so high up on my TBR list, that you’ll be seeing it on socials soon.

Bookmark That. You won’t regret it.

War Changes Everything, Melanie Hughes, RRP £9 (paperback); Book Depository

Midnight Legacy, Melanie Hughes, RRP £9 (paperback); Book Depository

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book nor the content of my review. All opinions are my own.