Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Beauty Shop
Subtitle:
Author: Suzy Henderson
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, History
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series? No
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32549885-the-beauty-shop
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This book tells the story of the brilliant plastic surgeon, Sir Archibald MacIndoe, who treated severely burned Airman during the second World War in England. This work of fiction is strongly based in the real history of this New Zealand surgeon. It also follows John ‘Mac’ MacKenzie, an American pilot and Stella Charlton, an English WAAF recruit. This book is a lovely mix of stories from history, fiction and romance.
What I liked about the book:
I particularly liked the detail in the description of the surgical skill and the romance developing. Further the details of the missions the pilots went on and the feelings they went through were such that I felt I was there with them at times.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I liked this book in its entirety and there is not one thing I did not like about it.
My favourite bits in the book:
I loved where Stella persisted in her attempts to bring Mac around to accepting their love after his horrendous injuries. The tenacity with which Mac worked towards his recovery was also admirable. I also enjoyed the way the author included an epilogue detailing occurrences years after the book ended.
My least favourite bits in the book:
The book was great in its entirety and there were no points that I disliked.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I understand that this was a stand-alone book.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book reminded me of Soldier of Orange, Oorlogs Winter (a Dutch book about the war and resistance in The Netherlands) and some other books relating the Second World War. This book was at least on par with those books.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
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Children
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No
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Young Adult
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Possibly
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Adult
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Yes
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If you like Historical Fiction, Romance or History this book is the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
England, 1942. After three years of WWII, Britain is showing the scars. But in this darkest of days, three lives intertwine, changing their destinies and those of many more.
Dr Archibald McIndoe, a New Zealand plastic surgeon with unorthodox methods, is on a mission to treat and rehabilitate badly burned airmen – their bodies and souls. With the camaraderie and support of the Guinea Pig Club, his boys battle to overcome disfigurement, pain, and prejudice to learn to live again.
John ‘Mac’ Mackenzie of the US Air Force is aware of the odds. He has one chance in five of surviving the war. Flying bombing missions through hell and back, he’s fighting more than the Luftwaffe. Fear and doubt stalk him on the ground and in the air, and he’s torn between his duty and his conscience.
Shy, decent and sensible Stella Charlton’s future seems certain until war breaks out. As a new recruit to the WAAF, she meets an American pilot on New Year’s Eve. After just one dance, she falls head over heels for the handsome airman. But when he survives a crash, she realises her own battle has only just begun.
Based on a true story, "The Beauty Shop" is a moving tale of love, compassion, and determination against a backdrop of wartime tragedy.
Dr Archibald McIndoe, a New Zealand plastic surgeon with unorthodox methods, is on a mission to treat and rehabilitate badly burned airmen – their bodies and souls. With the camaraderie and support of the Guinea Pig Club, his boys battle to overcome disfigurement, pain, and prejudice to learn to live again.
John ‘Mac’ Mackenzie of the US Air Force is aware of the odds. He has one chance in five of surviving the war. Flying bombing missions through hell and back, he’s fighting more than the Luftwaffe. Fear and doubt stalk him on the ground and in the air, and he’s torn between his duty and his conscience.
Shy, decent and sensible Stella Charlton’s future seems certain until war breaks out. As a new recruit to the WAAF, she meets an American pilot on New Year’s Eve. After just one dance, she falls head over heels for the handsome airman. But when he survives a crash, she realises her own battle has only just begun.
Based on a true story, "The Beauty Shop" is a moving tale of love, compassion, and determination against a backdrop of wartime tragedy.
About the Author:
Suzy Henderson lives with her husband and two sons in Cumbria, England, on the edge of the beautiful Lake District. She never set out to be a writer, although she has always had an insatiable appetite for books.
Some years ago after leaving an established career in healthcare, Suzy began to research family history, soon becoming fascinated with both World War periods. After completing a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, she took a walk along a new path, writing from the heart. She writes historical fiction and has an obsession with military and aviation history.
Other interests include music, old movies, and photography – especially if WW2 aircraft are on the radar. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society. Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was released 28th November 2016.
Some years ago after leaving an established career in healthcare, Suzy began to research family history, soon becoming fascinated with both World War periods. After completing a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, she took a walk along a new path, writing from the heart. She writes historical fiction and has an obsession with military and aviation history.
Other interests include music, old movies, and photography – especially if WW2 aircraft are on the radar. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society. Her debut novel, The Beauty Shop, was released 28th November 2016.
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