Thanks to the publisher and goodreads for my free copy.

This book took me awhile to warm up to, and I just realized why: because I'd seen it compared to Atonement, and in my view, that does the book a big disservice.

It isn't that the End of Innocence doesn't hold up against Atonement -- it definitely does. It's just that they're so different.

Basically, I opened this book thinking about Atonement, and instead I got this touching, hilarious, devastating blend of Jane Austen, Downton Abbey, and something that is utterly its own.

And once I realized that, wow, did I ever love the End of Innocence.

This was especially true for the sections dealing with Helen's student days. She is a fantastic character, and I easily could have read an entire novel just about her time at Harvard.

There were things -- especially related to the romantic aspect -- that I felt moved a little too quickly or come out of nowhere. But... in some ways, I think that's all the more realistic. I've heard story after story about relationships going at breakneck speed during the world wars because of the soldiers' risk of death.

And the level of historical detail was amazing. It's clear that the author has done an incredible amount of research, and it really allows the reader to become immersed in the place and time.

So, overall, this was an amazing read. Not what I was expecting, but amazing. ( )

How often can we say that read a great book today? One that made us think and feel, that made us a better person — perhaps more tolerant, more forgiving — for having read it? The End of Innocence is such a saga, a powerful story that opens on the eve of World War I at Harvard University in 1914.

The writing flows like fine aged wine, passages conjure a tumultuous past, and the story maintains taut tension. At the heart of the book is a love story, however, deep questions about reconciliation among people and nations are also addressed, lifting this novel into thought-provoking realms.

The End of Innocence blooms with the promise of first love between Helen and Wils, who are students at Radcliffe College and Harvard University, respectively. Warring political factions soon demand the return and sacrifice of young lives on frozen battle fields.

Author Allegra Jordan — a graduate of Harvard Business School — breathes life into Harvard Yard of a hundred years ago. The disparities between women and men, as well as shifting political climes, are expertly rendered in an era-appropriate manner.

Then, as now, families, friends, and couples are torn asunder when nations declare war. In today’s world of increased communication and travel, never has this been more true.

Jordan’s inspiration occurred during a visit to Harvard’s Memorial Church, when she saw an odd little Latin plaque honoring German students of Harvard who fought in World War I under the Kaiser. This was a controversial honor, even though these students fought before the United States entered the war.

Jordan’s comments at the end of the book are particularly insightful; be sure not to miss these, especially a quote from Peter J. Gomes, which reads, in part:

"Go out there, then, with courage, grace, and imagination. ...So go for it, for God’s sake, and for your own."

The End of Innocence is a historical masterpiece of love, honor, and reconciliation during World War I, and an expertly crafted Ivy League novel. Five stars for superb literary storytelling. ( )

Great historical novel about WWI. I highly recommend this book. Read my full review here: http://thebookbindersdaughter.com/2014/07/29/world-war-i-centenary-a-review-of-t... ( )