Review : Flora by Gail Godwin

Tittle : Flora : A Novel

Author : Gail Godwin
Publication date : May 7, 2013 by Bloomsbury USA

To tell you the truth, even though I call myself a historical fiction lover, this is the first time I read a book that set in 1940s. Not my typical pick, because usually I prefer much much older tale where there are kings or queens and the mighty warriors (alright, it's Game of Thrones, and it's not historical fiction, but you get the idea), and guess what, reading books outside your comfort zone is quite fun and enjoyable.

Flora is a story about 11 year old Helen Ansruther and her first cousin once removed, Flora Waring. Helen was still in deep sadness because her grandmother's passing when her father decided to go to the war. Helen was left alone, well not alone though because Flora was there to take care of here. The problem is, Flora wasn't like her grandmother. She was fragile and cried very easily, emotional and awkward.  One day the polio plague haunted the town, and being a polio victim himself, Helen's father asked them to stay home all the time during summer. They were not allowed to go out and like it or not Helen was "forced" to be with Flora all the time.

If I could say one word to describe Flora, it would be "crisp" and just like crispy food, you ask for more. I feel in love with it as soon as I reach the very first paragraph. I adore Godwin's writing style, she knew how to keep readers interested till the very end. It's not they type of book that makes my heart pounding fast like thriller does, but still, it's as good. 

Now let's talk about Helen. She's such a smartypants and I love her for that! Being 10 (almost eleven), she is very intelligent even more sometimes she sounds a lot smarter than Flora who is 22. Helen is a child, but she's not childish, if that makes sense and she is indeed a very lovable character. And her love-hate relationship with Helen is somehow amuses me. 

As for Flora, there are some of her scenes that makes me scratch my head, but that's the appeal, I think. Her weirdness, those tears that easily fallen, I think she's just adorable in her own way. I have to say that I really care about her (and Helen) and that kept me go on reading. 

I believe this story has every potential to be a boring one, since the scenes are mainly indoor because Helen and Flora were not allowed to go out of the house for quite some time. Yet, it's far from boring, thanks to Godwin's talent. It's not a thick book, but it absorbs the whole story just fine. And the ending, well, it really touched my heart and until now, it still does. It's the kind of story that sticks on your head. Well, a lesson learned, a book doesn't have to be full of blood or tragedy to make it memorable, right?

Now it's time for a quote:

What was lost was I now knew Flora didn't adore my mother as much as I had thought, but so what? How important was it that someone like Flora should adore my mother?

I strongly recommend this book for historical fiction lovers, especially those who like reading story that set in World War II. If you are tired reading a those thick tomes and feel like taking a break, this book is for you. Want some light reading but not interested in chicklit? Add this to your to-read list, seriously!

High 5 rating for Flora. I find it to be a sweet and memorable book. Now, your turn. Have you read this novel or other works by Godwin? Did you like them?


More book from a child's point of view :

Review : Roseflower Creek by Jackie Lee Miles
Review : The Famished Road by Ben Okri