Title: Days of GraceAuthor: Catherine Hall
Publisher: Viking
ISBN, PUB Date: 978-0-670-02176-5, May 27, 2010
Reviewed By: Tiffany Schlarman for Author Exposure
Set against the backdrop of World War II, Days of Grace 
is a moving and, at times, harsh novel. Nora Lynch’s life was forever changed when her mother decided to include her as one of the thousands of children evacuated during World War II to the safety of the English countryside. Nora, who never wanted to leave her mother, is picked by Grace Rivers, the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Rivers, to join their family as their “evacuee”. Grace and Nora, both twelve-years-old, form an instant bond of friendship. On the surface everything seems wonderful, but one decision catapults Nora to another world, further complicating it, and bringing forth the worst of evils in her.
is a moving and, at times, harsh novel. Nora Lynch’s life was forever changed when her mother decided to include her as one of the thousands of children evacuated during World War II to the safety of the English countryside. Nora, who never wanted to leave her mother, is picked by Grace Rivers, the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Rivers, to join their family as their “evacuee”. Grace and Nora, both twelve-years-old, form an instant bond of friendship. On the surface everything seems wonderful, but one decision catapults Nora to another world, further complicating it, and bringing forth the worst of evils in her. The novel switches from past to present with each chapter. The start of the book explains Nora’s life in the present and continues to unfold her story through her own memories. Days of Grace clearly gives a mental picture of what life was like for women during World War II. It’s as if the author takes the reader and transports them to this era as an observer. Catherine Hall writes with clarity and emotion as she addresses friendship, love, family, war, and repression.
Days of Grace really shocked me. For the most part, the novel focuses on Nora’s story and confessions. I had so many mixed feelings about Nora. Her story explains how she became the person she was. I was moved, surprised, disturbed, and amazed with Nora’s story. This novel left me wondering what Nora’s life would have been like if there was no World War II.
Days of Grace is very well-written and an enjoyable book to read. I would recommend it to adult readers. I did not feel the content was suitable for young adult readers for many reasons; most of all being that the full impact of the content would be lost if not read by a mature reader. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more books from this debut author.
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