After reading – and absolutely loving – Sarah Jio’s debut novel, The Violets of March, I was anxious to get my hands on a copy of her latest effort, The Bungalow (affiliate).
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The story begins in present day when Anne Calloway’s granddaughter, Jennifer, brings her a letter written by a stranger on the other side of the world, asking about events that happened one mysterious night seventy years before.
Set primarily in Bora Bora during World War II, The Bungalow is a tale of mystery, heartache, and love. The central character in the tale is 21 year old Anne, a recently engaged nurse who enlists with the Army Nurse Corps to serve her country, along with her best friend Kitty. Leaving behind her wealthy fiancé, Gerard, Anne is determined to experience more of the world than just being a wife and mother.
Almost immediately after landing on the island, she meets a soldier by the name of Westry, and the pair quickly develop a strong bond. In short order, the friendship develops into love, as they spend time in an abandoned beach bungalow they discovered. Despite warnings from locals that the bungalow is cursed, the pair continue to visit. Their relationship develops both in the time they’re together, but also in the letters they leave for each other in the times they are apart.
As their relationship continues to grow, Anne is plagued by guilt, knowing she has a fiancé who also enlisted and is serving in Europe. I appreciate that not only did their relationship grow slowly, but that Anne struggled with the fact she was already engaged to a man who deeply loved her back home.
After their year in Bora Bora comes to a close, Anne returns to her home in Seattle while Westry moves on to serve in Europe. It is not until Anne returns to Bora Bora seventy years later that she is able to unpack the truth of events that happened on the island so many years before.
Much like in The Violets of March, Jio has a mastery with words and creates vivid imagery of Bora Bora. I could envision the home away from home Anne and Westry created in the bungalow, smell the salty ocean air, feel the sand, and imagine life on base. The writing flows seamlessly; I felt invested in the characters and the story until the very last page. The Bungalow is another successful effort from the talented Sarah Jio.
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I really have liked both books by Sarah Jio, too. I’d love to read some more great historical fictions from World War 2.
I’ve heard such great things about Sarah’s writing. Will have to add this book to my to-read list!
Shari recently posted..Some Kind of Wonderful.
I have never read of Sarah’s books.. Will have to check them out.. Thanks for the recommendation.
I just bought this yesterday
I loved The Violets of March so I’m looking forward to reading it!
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