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Violets
From a lyrical new voice in British fiction, an astonishing debut novel of motherhood and loss in the dying days of the Second World War - for readers of Max Porter and Pat Barker.
A young woman, Violet, lies in a hospital bed in the closing days of the war. Her pregnancy is over and she is no longer able to conceive. With her husband deployed to the Pacific Front and her friends caught up in transitory love affairs, she must find a way to put herself back together.
In a small, watchful town in the Welsh valleys, another Violet contemplates the fate she shares with her unborn child. Unwed and unwanted, an overseas posting offers a temporary way out. Plunged into the heat and disorder of Naples, her body begins to reveal the responsibility it carries even as she is drawn into the burnished circle of a charismatic new friend, Maggie.
Between these two Violets, sung into being like a babe in a nursery rhyme: a son. As their lives begin to intertwine, a spellbinding story of women's courage emerges, suffused with power, lyricism and beauty, from an exhilarating new voice in British fiction.
A young woman, Violet, lies in a hospital bed in the closing days of the war. Her pregnancy is over and she is no longer able to conceive. With her husband deployed to the Pacific Front and her friends caught up in transitory love affairs, she must find a way to put herself back together.
In a small, watchful town in the Welsh valleys, another Violet contemplates the fate she shares with her unborn child. Unwed and unwanted, an overseas posting offers a temporary way out. Plunged into the heat and disorder of Naples, her body begins to reveal the responsibility it carries even as she is drawn into the burnished circle of a charismatic new friend, Maggie.
Between these two Violets, sung into being like a babe in a nursery rhyme: a son. As their lives begin to intertwine, a spellbinding story of women's courage emerges, suffused with power, lyricism and beauty, from an exhilarating new voice in British fiction.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 11, 2022
I read this book due to its longlisting for the 2022 Desmond Elliott Prize for debut novelists.
Overall I thought it was a very strong book.
On one level a rather simple interleaved two part story with a trajectory of convergence that is implicitly established almost from the first page.
We follow, in approximately alternating chapters (sometimes the story stays with a character) the storylines of two Violets.
The first Violet opens the book with a graphic image of a pail of blood as she miscarries the babies she conceived with her soldier husband on one of his leaves from action, and the book follows her as she is released from hospital (after a hysterectomy) to effectively life on her own for the remainder of the war with her husband taking a promotional posting to Burma and the war in the Far East. This story can at times seem rather barren of action and threaded through with a sense of a life both on hold and unmoored but this of course is very deliberate and effective. When her husband eventually returns some time after VJ Day he has a decisive plan to kick start a family.
The second Violet, who lives in Wales, by contrast opens the book desperately looking for blood as she realises she is pregnant by a now departed, once wounded Polish soldier her mother had lodged. This Violet conceals her pregnancy and decides on an impulsive decision to volunteer for the ATS, where she is posted to Naples, falling somewhat under the spell of a charismatic but enigmatic fellow postee. Eventually late in the war, she has to admit to her pregnancy and return to England where she decides to place her child in a Mother and Baby home.
Both sections are written in a series of short paragraphs and in a rather sparse prose, in chapters which often have a cinematic quality in their dialogue or short action scenes and (at least in the second Violet’s sections) vivid South Italian settings.
But interspersed through the novel (particularly but not exclusively in the sections of the second Violet) are a series of free verse sections in italic which are effectively addressed by an omniscient narrator to Violet’s unborn child “Pram Boy”.
The above (apart perhaps from the poetry part) can seem very conventional, but it is elevated above that in four ways (in increasing order of impact):
Firstly, by its strong element of biography, originating in the story of the end of World War II birth of the author’s father and in particular the stories of his birth and adoptive mothers (both with the same name)
Secondly, in its nuanced exploration of motherhood. A view informed by the author’s own experience (starting after the birth of her first child in 2014 and finished after the birth of, I think, her fourth in 2021), but also by her research and teaching specialty on gender and “the ways in which women’s productive and reproductive labour is incorporated into nation-building projects through the institutions of marriage and the family.” – not just through the two main characters but by other characters around them including friends and fellow hospital-internees, we see various aspects of societal expectations around pregnancy during and after the second world war.
Thirdly in its juxtaposition of what can seem like very modern attitudes and frankness to women’s bodily functions, pains and desires, in a historical fiction contest. This was very striking and so I was fascinated after completing the book to see that the author has said “I really wanted to invest my characters with the kind of intimate habits and sensations that might not normally be included in historical novels, either because it’s assumed they don’t matter or maybe are taboo, especially in relation to women’s bodies. I think I wrote through a contemporary lens, addressing current concerns, to explore the limits of what we consider relevant or permissible to include in literary representations of WW2 today.”
Fourthly, and most memorable, by the very distinctive poetry voice that is threaded throughout the novel – written in a kind of (my phrase) spiky and jagged style. One which is reminiscent of some of the writing of Max Porter (with who the author once worked as a bookseller) and one which why it may not always work in each stanza, creates a memorable cumulative effect.
Some examples:
And the book for all its jaggedness and almost confrontational imagery and language has a memorable and moving ending which turns it into something of a memorial to a father and to two grandmothers, as well as for this reader elevating it from the good to the excellent.
For your mothers did not leave you, you were kept
Overall I thought it was a very strong book.
On one level a rather simple interleaved two part story with a trajectory of convergence that is implicitly established almost from the first page.
We follow, in approximately alternating chapters (sometimes the story stays with a character) the storylines of two Violets.
The first Violet opens the book with a graphic image of a pail of blood as she miscarries the babies she conceived with her soldier husband on one of his leaves from action, and the book follows her as she is released from hospital (after a hysterectomy) to effectively life on her own for the remainder of the war with her husband taking a promotional posting to Burma and the war in the Far East. This story can at times seem rather barren of action and threaded through with a sense of a life both on hold and unmoored but this of course is very deliberate and effective. When her husband eventually returns some time after VJ Day he has a decisive plan to kick start a family.
The second Violet, who lives in Wales, by contrast opens the book desperately looking for blood as she realises she is pregnant by a now departed, once wounded Polish soldier her mother had lodged. This Violet conceals her pregnancy and decides on an impulsive decision to volunteer for the ATS, where she is posted to Naples, falling somewhat under the spell of a charismatic but enigmatic fellow postee. Eventually late in the war, she has to admit to her pregnancy and return to England where she decides to place her child in a Mother and Baby home.
Both sections are written in a series of short paragraphs and in a rather sparse prose, in chapters which often have a cinematic quality in their dialogue or short action scenes and (at least in the second Violet’s sections) vivid South Italian settings.
But interspersed through the novel (particularly but not exclusively in the sections of the second Violet) are a series of free verse sections in italic which are effectively addressed by an omniscient narrator to Violet’s unborn child “Pram Boy”.
The above (apart perhaps from the poetry part) can seem very conventional, but it is elevated above that in four ways (in increasing order of impact):
Firstly, by its strong element of biography, originating in the story of the end of World War II birth of the author’s father and in particular the stories of his birth and adoptive mothers (both with the same name)
Secondly, in its nuanced exploration of motherhood. A view informed by the author’s own experience (starting after the birth of her first child in 2014 and finished after the birth of, I think, her fourth in 2021), but also by her research and teaching specialty on gender and “the ways in which women’s productive and reproductive labour is incorporated into nation-building projects through the institutions of marriage and the family.” – not just through the two main characters but by other characters around them including friends and fellow hospital-internees, we see various aspects of societal expectations around pregnancy during and after the second world war.
Thirdly in its juxtaposition of what can seem like very modern attitudes and frankness to women’s bodily functions, pains and desires, in a historical fiction contest. This was very striking and so I was fascinated after completing the book to see that the author has said “I really wanted to invest my characters with the kind of intimate habits and sensations that might not normally be included in historical novels, either because it’s assumed they don’t matter or maybe are taboo, especially in relation to women’s bodies. I think I wrote through a contemporary lens, addressing current concerns, to explore the limits of what we consider relevant or permissible to include in literary representations of WW2 today.”
Fourthly, and most memorable, by the very distinctive poetry voice that is threaded throughout the novel – written in a kind of (my phrase) spiky and jagged style. One which is reminiscent of some of the writing of Max Porter (with who the author once worked as a bookseller) and one which why it may not always work in each stanza, creates a memorable cumulative effect.
Some examples:
Pram boy, pill boy, You know who
No flood for you
no gush or release
of blood into water,
filaments and threads
For it is you who will be carried
While the others are shed
(I’ll take the one with the curls your mother said)
There take heart, Pram Boy, you see?
Yolk sac floating, placenta growing in
all smooth with your transparent skin ….
And those other mothers’ wombs removed
while you the perfect pill-boy settle in
And the book for all its jaggedness and almost confrontational imagery and language has a memorable and moving ending which turns it into something of a memorial to a father and to two grandmothers, as well as for this reader elevating it from the good to the excellent.
For your mothers did not leave you, you were kept
December 1, 2021
Somewhere between 3 - 3.5
A beautifully written - you can tell the author is a poet almost immediately! - debut novella following two different women, both named Violet. Their stories are separate and told alternately but include a number of similarities (mostly relating to the war, loss, isolation and motherhood).
As is often the case with novels with dual storylines there was definitely one Violet whose story I was more interested in and felt like the stronger narrative. Despite this minor criticism Hyde's debut still has much to recommend it - the internal lives of the characters are vividly evoked and the writing excellent.
Thank you Netgalley and Granta for the advance copy, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.
A beautifully written - you can tell the author is a poet almost immediately! - debut novella following two different women, both named Violet. Their stories are separate and told alternately but include a number of similarities (mostly relating to the war, loss, isolation and motherhood).
As is often the case with novels with dual storylines there was definitely one Violet whose story I was more interested in and felt like the stronger narrative. Despite this minor criticism Hyde's debut still has much to recommend it - the internal lives of the characters are vividly evoked and the writing excellent.
Thank you Netgalley and Granta for the advance copy, which was provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2022
For me, book number 7 from the Desmond Elliott long list, a prize for debut novels. As an aside, this is proving to be a very strong list which I am enjoying reading.
The basic facts about Violets are in all the reviews: there are two Violets, one who loses a baby in the first few pages of the book and one who becomes pregnant outside of marriage (a problem in the time the book is set as World War II draws to a close). We follow both Violets’ lives as they deal with not becoming a mother when they expected to or with becoming a mother when they didn’t expect to.
The novel is structured as two interleaved stories which, given both protagonists have the same name, can be a bit confusing. It’s confusing at the start of the book, becomes less confusing as the stories progress, but then becomes (deliberately, I think) more confusing as the stories meet. The way the stories will come together is pretty much clear from the initial chapters (no spoilers here). Interspersed between these two parallel narratives there are sections of poetry addressed to the child.
There are lots of things to like about this book. I didn’t realise as I read it but it has a large family connection with the author and is basically a fictionalised version of her father’s story. Learning this after reading increases the emotional impact of the book. I also thought the detail around women’s bodies, which might be referred to as “unflinching” (because childbirth is not a tidy experience!) added to the book’s power: I know from talking to my own mother that things like this were often kept hidden at the time in which the book is set so it’s interesting to read a book that is more open about that kind of thing. The way the two stories play against each other and gradually merge makes for a well-observed study of motherhood. And I found that the poetry enhanced the book.
All that being said, somehow I didn’t quite fully engage with the book. I think it’s actually a book I would have preferred to be a lot longer than it is. It’s quite short and it tells us two stories plus some poetry which necessarily means that each part is shorter still and I would happily have read more detailed and longer versions of each story.
It’s not often that I mark a book down for not being long enough but that’s my reaction to this one. It’s 3.5 stars for me and I’m round up for now but will think about it more before settling on that.
The basic facts about Violets are in all the reviews: there are two Violets, one who loses a baby in the first few pages of the book and one who becomes pregnant outside of marriage (a problem in the time the book is set as World War II draws to a close). We follow both Violets’ lives as they deal with not becoming a mother when they expected to or with becoming a mother when they didn’t expect to.
The novel is structured as two interleaved stories which, given both protagonists have the same name, can be a bit confusing. It’s confusing at the start of the book, becomes less confusing as the stories progress, but then becomes (deliberately, I think) more confusing as the stories meet. The way the stories will come together is pretty much clear from the initial chapters (no spoilers here). Interspersed between these two parallel narratives there are sections of poetry addressed to the child.
There are lots of things to like about this book. I didn’t realise as I read it but it has a large family connection with the author and is basically a fictionalised version of her father’s story. Learning this after reading increases the emotional impact of the book. I also thought the detail around women’s bodies, which might be referred to as “unflinching” (because childbirth is not a tidy experience!) added to the book’s power: I know from talking to my own mother that things like this were often kept hidden at the time in which the book is set so it’s interesting to read a book that is more open about that kind of thing. The way the two stories play against each other and gradually merge makes for a well-observed study of motherhood. And I found that the poetry enhanced the book.
All that being said, somehow I didn’t quite fully engage with the book. I think it’s actually a book I would have preferred to be a lot longer than it is. It’s quite short and it tells us two stories plus some poetry which necessarily means that each part is shorter still and I would happily have read more detailed and longer versions of each story.
It’s not often that I mark a book down for not being long enough but that’s my reaction to this one. It’s 3.5 stars for me and I’m round up for now but will think about it more before settling on that.
November 26, 2021
Set towards the end of the Second World War, the book tells the story of two women, both called Violet, with the narrative alternating seamlessly between the experiences of the two women.
The first Violet we meet has just suffered a miscarriage and she and her husband, Fred, find themselves without any prospect of having the child they have longed for, and prepared for. ‘And the room upstairs, ready and waiting, the walls still bare. No summer baby, she thought. No noise and mess.’ With Fred posted abroad, Violet has to bear her grief alone and try to pick up the pieces of her life.
The second Violet is in the opposite position, pregnant as the result of a brief relationship. Desperate to hide the fact from her mother and fearful of the response to her unmarried state, she signs up for the ATS and is posted abroad. On the voyage to Italy she meets the vibrant and worldly Maggie and they form an unlikely friendship. Despite Violet going to greater and greater lengths to disguise the fact she is expecting a child, discovery is inevitable.
The way the lives of the two Violets intersect is perhaps not that surprising but still provides a resolution for both of them, and for Fred, a character I loved.
However, the most remarkable aspect of the book, and the feature which sets it apart from other books I’ve read, are the lyrical passages which interrupt the text from time to time. Addressed to ‘Pram Boy’, the unborn son of Violet, these passages are poetic in nature and contain some striking imagery. They chart the progress of the child Violet is carrying from conception, through gestation, to birth. Often the passages use metaphors linked to Violet’s experiences at the time, such as this during her voyage to Italy.
So wait then, stay your course
Decked and berthed and set in the hold, darkly stowed
That’s you, mother-lover, filling her up.
Deep in the womb glow, sweet loving cup.
Finally, Pram Boy makes the journey from being ‘a rounded pod of seed’ in his mother’s womb to the outside world.
Come now, hush
A moment’s respite, release,
Before your un-knit skull crowns to the air
To the burn of a ragged tear
And your Mama a cat panting its litter-runt free
Perhaps the only criticism I can make of the book is that the ‘second Violet’s’ story is more eventful and compelling but this is a minor quibble because Violets is a remarkable debut and I think Alex Hyde is an author to look out for in the future.
The first Violet we meet has just suffered a miscarriage and she and her husband, Fred, find themselves without any prospect of having the child they have longed for, and prepared for. ‘And the room upstairs, ready and waiting, the walls still bare. No summer baby, she thought. No noise and mess.’ With Fred posted abroad, Violet has to bear her grief alone and try to pick up the pieces of her life.
The second Violet is in the opposite position, pregnant as the result of a brief relationship. Desperate to hide the fact from her mother and fearful of the response to her unmarried state, she signs up for the ATS and is posted abroad. On the voyage to Italy she meets the vibrant and worldly Maggie and they form an unlikely friendship. Despite Violet going to greater and greater lengths to disguise the fact she is expecting a child, discovery is inevitable.
The way the lives of the two Violets intersect is perhaps not that surprising but still provides a resolution for both of them, and for Fred, a character I loved.
However, the most remarkable aspect of the book, and the feature which sets it apart from other books I’ve read, are the lyrical passages which interrupt the text from time to time. Addressed to ‘Pram Boy’, the unborn son of Violet, these passages are poetic in nature and contain some striking imagery. They chart the progress of the child Violet is carrying from conception, through gestation, to birth. Often the passages use metaphors linked to Violet’s experiences at the time, such as this during her voyage to Italy.
So wait then, stay your course
Decked and berthed and set in the hold, darkly stowed
That’s you, mother-lover, filling her up.
Deep in the womb glow, sweet loving cup.
Finally, Pram Boy makes the journey from being ‘a rounded pod of seed’ in his mother’s womb to the outside world.
Come now, hush
A moment’s respite, release,
Before your un-knit skull crowns to the air
To the burn of a ragged tear
And your Mama a cat panting its litter-runt free
Perhaps the only criticism I can make of the book is that the ‘second Violet’s’ story is more eventful and compelling but this is a minor quibble because Violets is a remarkable debut and I think Alex Hyde is an author to look out for in the future.
June 29, 2022
68th book of 2022.
This is Alex Hyde's first novel. Before now, I believe she has been a poet. It shows in the novel. This is a reimagining of her own father's story, the story of his birth. I'm off work today, ill (no Covid, thankfully), and started this in the morning. It's a fast read: the whole novel is divided into short chapters with tiny paragraphs and therefore lots of white space. Sometimes it breaks into a sort of prose-poetry sort of thing. There are two characters, both called Violet, and the chapters flip between their respective lives before their paths inevitably cross at the end. Though there are some nice lines written, on the whole I found the novel too short and flowery to really amount to anything. I didn't particularly care about either Violet. That's the problem with prose-poetry a lot of the time, it never quite captures the power of either form. It's not as beautiful as pure poetry and its narrative isn't strong enough for a novel, so it floats in this 'meh' middle-ground. But, not terrible. If you're interested in post-WW2 England, motherhood and 'women's courage' (as the blurb says) then you may as well read it, being so short and quick to do so.
This is Alex Hyde's first novel. Before now, I believe she has been a poet. It shows in the novel. This is a reimagining of her own father's story, the story of his birth. I'm off work today, ill (no Covid, thankfully), and started this in the morning. It's a fast read: the whole novel is divided into short chapters with tiny paragraphs and therefore lots of white space. Sometimes it breaks into a sort of prose-poetry sort of thing. There are two characters, both called Violet, and the chapters flip between their respective lives before their paths inevitably cross at the end. Though there are some nice lines written, on the whole I found the novel too short and flowery to really amount to anything. I didn't particularly care about either Violet. That's the problem with prose-poetry a lot of the time, it never quite captures the power of either form. It's not as beautiful as pure poetry and its narrative isn't strong enough for a novel, so it floats in this 'meh' middle-ground. But, not terrible. If you're interested in post-WW2 England, motherhood and 'women's courage' (as the blurb says) then you may as well read it, being so short and quick to do so.
July 11, 2022
Well that was an emotional ride ! We discover both violets in the wartime are both having similar experiences despite not being connected. However they are connected by the trials and cruelty of the war,motherhood and bloody men! Yes I know I'm a man but my feelings are to empathise with the female characters in the book . How you can not shed a tear if you read it then you're missing out! My emotions and sensitivity were all over the place. It's lyrical and poetic,beautiful and sad. But there is much to smile about too it's not depressive. I think Alex Hyde conjures up a real gem and I can't wait to read more from her works!
From Pontypridd to Naples it captures the sheer rollercoaster of life. It's rich tapestry. It is scary and uncertain as both violets are caught up in not just world war two but their own personal battles. These women had a war too and it was a hard life. To rebuild your life after such a horrific six years . This novel will stay with me for a long time and I will re-read it again. Full five stars!
From Pontypridd to Naples it captures the sheer rollercoaster of life. It's rich tapestry. It is scary and uncertain as both violets are caught up in not just world war two but their own personal battles. These women had a war too and it was a hard life. To rebuild your life after such a horrific six years . This novel will stay with me for a long time and I will re-read it again. Full five stars!
January 27, 2024
not for me sorry
April 17, 2023
(2.5) I was intrigued by the sound of this debut novel, which juxtaposes the lives of two young British women named Violet at the close of the Second World War. One miscarries twins and, told she’ll not be able to bear children, has to rethink her whole future; another sails from Wales to Italy on ATS war service, hiding the fact that she’s pregnant by a departed foreign soldier. Hyde’s spare style – no speech marks; short paragraphs or solitary lines separated by spaces – alternates between their stories in brief numbered chapters, bringing them together in a perhaps predictable way that also forms a reimagining of her father’s life story. The narration at times addresses this future character in poems that I think are supposed to be fond and prophetic but I instead found strangely blunt and even taunting (as in the excerpt below). There’s inadequate time to get to know, or care about, either Violet.
Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.
Can you feel it, Pram Boy?
Can you march in time?
A change, a hardening,
the jarring of the solid ground as she treads,
gets her pockets picked.
[…]
Quick! March!
And your Mama, Pram Boy,
yeasty in her private parts.
Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.
July 22, 2024
Didn’t love but the writing was beautiful
December 20, 2023
Violets is a hidden gem that has surprisingly become one of my favorite historical fiction novels.
Alex Hyde takes a refreshing approach to World War II fiction by telling the story from the perspectives of two mothers, the two 'Violets'. Instead of being the main focus, the war is used as a backdrop to propagate two very intimate storylines.
What makes Violets distinct and memorable, however, is the ornate writing that weaves poetry and prose together to create an impactful piece of work. The use of rich metaphors, lyrical language, and evocative imagery creates an almost ethereal atmosphere, making each page feel like a delicate brushstroke on a canvas.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys vivid prose and a fresh take on historical fiction.
Alex Hyde has crafted a masterpiece that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.
Alex Hyde takes a refreshing approach to World War II fiction by telling the story from the perspectives of two mothers, the two 'Violets'. Instead of being the main focus, the war is used as a backdrop to propagate two very intimate storylines.
What makes Violets distinct and memorable, however, is the ornate writing that weaves poetry and prose together to create an impactful piece of work. The use of rich metaphors, lyrical language, and evocative imagery creates an almost ethereal atmosphere, making each page feel like a delicate brushstroke on a canvas.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys vivid prose and a fresh take on historical fiction.
Alex Hyde has crafted a masterpiece that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.
February 10, 2022
I liked this but failed to love it. I loved how the story was based on the author's own family history, and I sort of liked the stripped back style of it but it was almost to the point of not really getting enough character. I really didn't like the way it was interspersed with poetry. I'm not a big poetry fan generally, which didn't help, but I just didn't feel it added anything to it, other than trying to be a bit more clever. I did find it strangely unputdownable and consumed it in a couple of days though!
July 20, 2024
Enjoyed - 3.5 but not quite a 4.
June 8, 2023
Follows two pregnant women during WWII, and the way in which their lives intersect. The author is recounting the story of her own father, and how he came to be adopted.
August 14, 2023
My 100th book of 2023! 🎉
Any book that makes me cry gets an automatic 5 stars, always. Loved this story and the way in which it was told on the page; great narration by Rebecca Trehearn also, smoothly delivering multiple convincing accents. Listened to the audio alongside reading the hardback, my favourite way to consume books at the moment. Stylistically, reminded me of Eimear McBride and Max Porter in equal parts, two authors I love, so this was a safe bet of enjoyment very early on for me. Lovely one sitting read/listen; highly recommended!
Any book that makes me cry gets an automatic 5 stars, always. Loved this story and the way in which it was told on the page; great narration by Rebecca Trehearn also, smoothly delivering multiple convincing accents. Listened to the audio alongside reading the hardback, my favourite way to consume books at the moment. Stylistically, reminded me of Eimear McBride and Max Porter in equal parts, two authors I love, so this was a safe bet of enjoyment very early on for me. Lovely one sitting read/listen; highly recommended!
January 24, 2022
(3.5 stars) Lilting, lyrical and poetic, ‘Violets’ is a beautiful exploration of motherhood, love, and loss, set against the backdrop of the denouement of the Second World War.
‘Violets’ follows two different titular characters: one Violet has miscarried twins at the start of the book, and the other is an unmarried mother who is just coming to turns with her own pregnancy. I felt like ‘Violets’ had some exceptionally strong writing, but the more interesting sections were with the second Violet, who hides her pregnancy and travels to Italy. In comparison, the development of the other Violet felt quite flat, which was a shame.
The highlight of the novel was the poem that weaves throughout the narrative, entitled ‘pram boy’. Towards the beginning it was a little disconcerting, but as the story continued it really began to flourish and vividly depicted the relationship between mother and son in flowing and melodic prose.
The ending was absolutely beautiful and made me shed a tear; was also incredibly interesting to discover the events of the story are inspired by the real life of the author’s father, made me appreciate the actions of the Violets even more. Would recommend
‘Violets’ follows two different titular characters: one Violet has miscarried twins at the start of the book, and the other is an unmarried mother who is just coming to turns with her own pregnancy. I felt like ‘Violets’ had some exceptionally strong writing, but the more interesting sections were with the second Violet, who hides her pregnancy and travels to Italy. In comparison, the development of the other Violet felt quite flat, which was a shame.
The highlight of the novel was the poem that weaves throughout the narrative, entitled ‘pram boy’. Towards the beginning it was a little disconcerting, but as the story continued it really began to flourish and vividly depicted the relationship between mother and son in flowing and melodic prose.
The ending was absolutely beautiful and made me shed a tear; was also incredibly interesting to discover the events of the story are inspired by the real life of the author’s father, made me appreciate the actions of the Violets even more. Would recommend
September 15, 2023
3.5 🌟
'Turn then, Pram Boy
Turn your sweet head.
As the afternoon falls quiet
in the dry September breeze;
rustling,
leaves.
Turn,
swim down,
take your last amniotic sips.'
'Turn then, Pram Boy
Turn your sweet head.
As the afternoon falls quiet
in the dry September breeze;
rustling,
leaves.
Turn,
swim down,
take your last amniotic sips.'
November 5, 2022
This re-imagined family story is a startling wonderful piece of creative writing.
Its kernel is motherhood and loss during the Second World War. The reader however is tasked with unweaving the threads of two women called Violet and a third voice, a siren of a foetus aka Pram Boy. The writer's skill of developing the pregnancy in an almost nursery rhyme way enhances a feeling of portent which is picked up in the prose by sections echoing the poetic rhyme.
As we are tossed between the Welsh Valleys to Naples I was mesmerised by such an inventive way of spinning the tales of these pragmatic women forced by circumstance and time.
Its kernel is motherhood and loss during the Second World War. The reader however is tasked with unweaving the threads of two women called Violet and a third voice, a siren of a foetus aka Pram Boy. The writer's skill of developing the pregnancy in an almost nursery rhyme way enhances a feeling of portent which is picked up in the prose by sections echoing the poetic rhyme.
As we are tossed between the Welsh Valleys to Naples I was mesmerised by such an inventive way of spinning the tales of these pragmatic women forced by circumstance and time.
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April 10, 2022
This was a beautifully told story of motherhood and loneliness. The writing was very lyrical with snippets of poetry throughout.
As WW2 comes to an end, Violet lays in a hospital bed recovering from the loss of her pregnancy and the realisation that she can no longer have children. With her husband deployed and her friends preoccupied, she must try to regain some of her former self whilst also attempting to accept her new fate alone.
Meanwhile, in a small welsh town, a different Violet finds herself pregnant, unwanted and alone. She follows an oversees posting to Naples in the hopes of concealing her pregnancy from her mother. Here she meets the vibrant and characteristic Maggie and the two form an unlikely friendship.
At first, it was difficult to interpret which story you were following but I soon realised that each chapter alternated. Although, this seemed intentional as a way to further entwine their lives. The writing was very clever and almost hazy at times, blurring between each alternate Violet.
I preferred the second Violet’s narrative, whose story held more substance. I also adored the snippets of poetry addressed to ‘Pram Boy’ - Violet’s unborn son, as she comes to terms with motherhood, her changing body and how to provide for her child.
It was an emotional story of motherhood, loneliness and the courage of these two women. It is one I raced through and will definitely reread in the future. Also, that cover is 👌🏼 I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
CW: miscarriage, motherhood, war
Thank you to Granta for my gifted copy
As WW2 comes to an end, Violet lays in a hospital bed recovering from the loss of her pregnancy and the realisation that she can no longer have children. With her husband deployed and her friends preoccupied, she must try to regain some of her former self whilst also attempting to accept her new fate alone.
Meanwhile, in a small welsh town, a different Violet finds herself pregnant, unwanted and alone. She follows an oversees posting to Naples in the hopes of concealing her pregnancy from her mother. Here she meets the vibrant and characteristic Maggie and the two form an unlikely friendship.
At first, it was difficult to interpret which story you were following but I soon realised that each chapter alternated. Although, this seemed intentional as a way to further entwine their lives. The writing was very clever and almost hazy at times, blurring between each alternate Violet.
I preferred the second Violet’s narrative, whose story held more substance. I also adored the snippets of poetry addressed to ‘Pram Boy’ - Violet’s unborn son, as she comes to terms with motherhood, her changing body and how to provide for her child.
It was an emotional story of motherhood, loneliness and the courage of these two women. It is one I raced through and will definitely reread in the future. Also, that cover is 👌🏼 I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
CW: miscarriage, motherhood, war
Thank you to Granta for my gifted copy
May 22, 2022
This book is on the longlist for the Desmond Elliot prize. The book spans the waning days of WWII to slightly after the conclusion of the war with Japan. I did not read the book jacket and hence did not immediately appreciate that I was reading the stories of two Violets, not just one. But eventually I sorted it out and caught the two threads, both involving pregnancy.
Voilet I was Welsh and had a liason with a Polish lad who returned to Poland. Violet told him about the pregnancy. He sent two pills and wished her a good live. Violet II was English and miscarried twins. Her husband was present for the miscarriage but shortly after was back at the front -- in Asia.
The stories of the two women alternate. The Welsh Violet talks to her baby in the womb using poetry. Ultimately a connection is made between the women.
The Violets' stories are sad and wistful. The book is quite atmospheric. I enjoyed it.
Voilet I was Welsh and had a liason with a Polish lad who returned to Poland. Violet told him about the pregnancy. He sent two pills and wished her a good live. Violet II was English and miscarried twins. Her husband was present for the miscarriage but shortly after was back at the front -- in Asia.
The stories of the two women alternate. The Welsh Violet talks to her baby in the womb using poetry. Ultimately a connection is made between the women.
The Violets' stories are sad and wistful. The book is quite atmospheric. I enjoyed it.
February 21, 2023
hmm. unsure about this one. it started well, but it didn’t really come together for me. it’s a braided story of two Violets, which I found confusing, as they’re written in such similar style – the chapters alternated perspectives and then sometimes didn’t? – with little flashes of baby-cooed rhymey poetry along the way, and none of it moved me in any real capacity.
(perhaps another qualm is that the Violet story I found most engaging was the one that got the least screen time.)
kind of strange in a max porter way, but without the big beating heart. it’s like the novel was put on a burner accidentally set at too low a temperature and none of the flavors came together – the whole thing is a bit watery.
(perhaps another qualm is that the Violet story I found most engaging was the one that got the least screen time.)
kind of strange in a max porter way, but without the big beating heart. it’s like the novel was put on a burner accidentally set at too low a temperature and none of the flavors came together – the whole thing is a bit watery.
March 15, 2022
Violets is one of those books that gets its rating upped right at the end, because it made me cry. It's a beautifully and lyrically written book - Hyde's poetry background is evident throughout. I had slight difficulty with constantly wanting to untangle fact from fiction in my head - I almost would rather not have known the back-story. That said, I'm not sure if everything was explored fully enough in the novel without knowledge of it.
Nonetheless, I found Violets to be a quick and moving read - I greatly enjoyed being gently towed along its path.
Thanks to Granta and Netgalley for the ARC.
Nonetheless, I found Violets to be a quick and moving read - I greatly enjoyed being gently towed along its path.
Thanks to Granta and Netgalley for the ARC.
July 17, 2022
3.5*
September 30, 2022
Violets is the story of two British women, unconnected at first, during WWII. It's about the experience of women, loss, motherhood, and connection. Prose interspersed with poetry, dreamlike, spare, evocative and melancholy, yet hopeful.
February 13, 2022
I was bowled over by this novella. I wasn't expecting much as I picked this up in the shop on a whim attracted by the beautiful cover. I didn't know much about the book other than it was about motherhood and having a 8 month old this theme is obviously now very interesting to me. I devoured it in a day and I am still reeling. Beautiful yet simple prose and a heartbreaking, hopeful story that left me in floods of tears. The sprinkling of poetry throughout sets the book apart. I loved it and will definitely be rereading.
March 15, 2022
Poetry and a novel combination
Poetry is not something I would normally choose to read but I did think the use of poetry here allowed me to see what the protagonists were feeling. It was cleverly done.
It was an atmospheric emotional tale
Poetry is not something I would normally choose to read but I did think the use of poetry here allowed me to see what the protagonists were feeling. It was cleverly done.
It was an atmospheric emotional tale
December 21, 2023
Such a beautiful, moving novel.
March 8, 2022
in literal tears. (review to come)
full review (08/03/2022)
This is one of my favourite reads of 2022 already, and I read it in February. I thought that the writing, the storytelling, the characters, were exquisite. Violets follows two women called Violet at the tail-end of World War II, and follows them through their experiences of pregnancy, friendship, relationships and work throughout this turbulent time.
At the time of reading this, I was going through a bit of a rocky patch, I was struggling to read, struggling to relax, and struggling to take full care of myself. This book really changed that, on a personal note, it really helped me feel like my life can be manageable. One of my favourite things about books is that the story, the characters, can be relatable and inspiring, no matter what you’re going through. You can take the lessons learned throughout the book, and help yourself through a hard time.
This book does mention a few sensitive topics, mainly surrounding pregnancy, but Hyde has written it in such a respectful, informative way, which I find a huge positive within the story. I loved both Violets equally, I really felt like I connected with them, I felt like I knew them, which is even more special considering the book is under three-hundred pages. Everything that was included was essential to the story, it was concise and succinct but still incredibly meaningful. I would recommend this to everyone, whether you like historical fiction or not, I really think that this is a book that should be read widely. I’m definitely excited to read Hyde’s future work.
full review (08/03/2022)
This is one of my favourite reads of 2022 already, and I read it in February. I thought that the writing, the storytelling, the characters, were exquisite. Violets follows two women called Violet at the tail-end of World War II, and follows them through their experiences of pregnancy, friendship, relationships and work throughout this turbulent time.
At the time of reading this, I was going through a bit of a rocky patch, I was struggling to read, struggling to relax, and struggling to take full care of myself. This book really changed that, on a personal note, it really helped me feel like my life can be manageable. One of my favourite things about books is that the story, the characters, can be relatable and inspiring, no matter what you’re going through. You can take the lessons learned throughout the book, and help yourself through a hard time.
This book does mention a few sensitive topics, mainly surrounding pregnancy, but Hyde has written it in such a respectful, informative way, which I find a huge positive within the story. I loved both Violets equally, I really felt like I connected with them, I felt like I knew them, which is even more special considering the book is under three-hundred pages. Everything that was included was essential to the story, it was concise and succinct but still incredibly meaningful. I would recommend this to everyone, whether you like historical fiction or not, I really think that this is a book that should be read widely. I’m definitely excited to read Hyde’s future work.
May 22, 2023
I’m not a huge fan of poetry and this book it written in verse which makes it very quick read as there’s so much white space too! The tales of two women, both called Violet, whose stories are very different, are told in this very short read.
July 9, 2022
"Will he come, your daddy,
a soldier clean and new?
Grinning like a boy
made to love a boy like you."
3 stars
The premise of this novel fascinated me. Based on the true story of the author's father, I was excited to read her fictional take on the story of his adoption. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The poetry sections (like the one I quote above) are numerous and just didn't work for me. I felt like she spent more time focusing on the poetry than the actual meat of the story which felt skimmed over. All in all I just wanted more depth, more detail, more of everything but those pages and pages of poetry that took the space the story could have used for more elaboration.
a soldier clean and new?
Grinning like a boy
made to love a boy like you."
3 stars
The premise of this novel fascinated me. Based on the true story of the author's father, I was excited to read her fictional take on the story of his adoption. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The poetry sections (like the one I quote above) are numerous and just didn't work for me. I felt like she spent more time focusing on the poetry than the actual meat of the story which felt skimmed over. All in all I just wanted more depth, more detail, more of everything but those pages and pages of poetry that took the space the story could have used for more elaboration.
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