‘The Soldier’s Daughter’ Brings Important Life Lessons

Fiona McIntosh propels her readers back to a haunting time that many will still recall vividly.

Key points:

Based between 1930 – 1945, A Soldier’s Daughter (sequel to The Champagne War) follows the Nash family as they navigate life in a world that is at war.

Violet Nash and her father Charlie on the surface appear to be fighting the same battle.

But McIntosh highlights the reality that people are often at war within themselves, that parents especially will put on a brave face to protect those they love, whilst desperately finding a way to push through their own challenges with minimal casualties.

Based between 1930 – 1945, A Soldier’s Daughter is the sequel to The Champagne War.

As Charlie is called back to the frontlines of World War 2, Violet is left behind to fight for their whiskey business and family legacy.

As she is forced to make decisions that will affect her future, she uncovers truths about her family that have long been buried but are calling out for recognition and acknowledgement.

I wasn’t prepared to learn as much about the whisky distilling process as I did… however it lends itself to the notion that knowledge is power.

If I’m being honest, I wasn’t prepared to learn as much about the whisky distilling process as I did whilst reading The Soldier’s Daughter, however it lends itself to the notion that knowledge is power.

Alongside a couple of other strong side characters, Violet is uncommonly determined and focussed on the family business in an era where women primarily cared for their homes.

This meant her relationship status remains a firm ‘single’ while her skillset grows and dominates in her field.

I think Fiona McIntosh laces some important messages through her works of fiction.

These include the importance of setting our children up to be the best they can be and teaching them skills that they can use in the real world; and encouraging a spirit of boldness and tenacity, which are crucial to help you pursue your goals.

Brittany gives this book 4 stars.

Additionally, the importance of staying true to yourself and developing your character are steps that all young people should focus on before seeking love – find someone who compliments you, builds you up, encourages you to pursue your dreams!

While the shoptalk continued for longer than I personally would have liked, I think the weight of the messages coupled with the little splashes of romance that build through the novel, makes The Soldier’s Daughter a nice addition to your reading list.

I give this book 4 stars.

Feature image: Penguin