Book Blurb:
A Moving Epistolary Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day…
London, 1942.
An instant and undeniable attraction ignites when a guarded British postal censor meets a sheltered US infantryman. But it's difficult to stoke the embers of a new relationship in the middle of a war. Lost to Fire explores their journey to reconcile their love with their Christian faith and maintain their relationship amid cultural differences, separation, and tragedy. Can they afford to play with fire…or will their story go up in smoke?
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/EWbv
Editorial Review:
Rion, First and foremost, I offer my congratulations to you and Enid on the birth of your daughter. I wish I could meet her, though I fear I shall never have the chance. Rosie is a gorgeous name, so I know it must be of Enid’s creation rather than your own. I hope she is recovering well, but I am sure by now the long hours of labour have been forgotten. A new life is a beautiful thing, and I know it has been long-anticipated by you both.
Beginning with a letter penned on the 17th or October in 1942, this story is written as a series of letters between Basil Meyers (using a pseudonym of Atlas) and Rev. Orion Brennan and from Atlas and August, as well as other individuals.
Jones captures our attention right once with a moving assessment of how the conflict has affected interpersonal relationships. The first paragraph introduces the reader to a tale of forbidden love and hidden signals, making them want to read the entire conversation in order to learn more about the innermost thoughts and emotions of each character.
V. V. Jones's moving story, Lost to Fire, is set against the turbulent backdrop of World War II. Honoring the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the story is told in an interesting epistolary fashion. It depicts the burgeoning romance in 1942 between a young American infantryman stationed in London and a British postal censorship expertly.
The tragedies of war, their fervently held Christian religion, and the stark cultural divide between them all pose challenges to the two characters' quick and irresistible attraction. It pulls you in from the start, making you want to learn more, and to root for them.
While there are many historical fiction stories written about World War II, this one is unique due the nature of the relationship between the two main characters, and also because of the letter-style of the writing. From the start, we learn of their backgrounds, when and where they are in the world, and where they stand in their religious beliefs. From the start, Atlas confesses to the Reverand how he may judge him for his sinful desires. But the Reverand Rion is quick to remind that we all sin and “the Lord is quick to forgive.”
I can see your disgust—I see yours and the others’ every time I close my eyes. This is why I am writing to you. Now, your profession most likely demands that you send me a letter condemning my desires, informing me they are against the Will of the Lord and imploring me to commit myself to Him so I will be cured of this damnable ailment. I will save you the trouble by telling you I have tried— God knows I have tried! I have prayed, fasted and flagellated. Nothing works. No matter how desperately I plead for this to be taken from me, I never receive an answer. I cannot be among the Elect, for it is clear the Father has abandoned me to sin. His message of love and promise of salvation does not extend to me.
No…no such letter will be of use to me, so I do not want one. I need to know how you yourself turned from sin to live a holy life—how you tied yourself to one woman when you desired so many others. How did you do it, and how can I do the same? How can I purge myself of my desire when I feel its embers crackling in my stomach until the wind changes and it flares and devours until there is nothing left?
Lost to Fire excels because of its thoughtful and in-depth character development. In stark contrast to the idealism and innocence of the American infantryman, the reserved British postal censor conceals a deep sensitivity and need for connection through his role of monitoring communications. Their growth throughout the book, fueled by their conversations and letters to one another, presents a nuanced portrait of people fighting to maintain their morals and meet their emotional needs in the midst of one of the worst times in human history.
Dear August, I am afraid I must disappoint you on both accounts. I attempt not to violate anyone’s privacy if I can help it. The first days of my employment, I was meticulous in analysing each letter. After reading many explicit letters wives sent to their husbands who were off fighting in France, I began to merely skim each one. I had to blackout several mentions of the weather lest the enemy deems the weather conducive to an attack, but that was the only major infraction. As to your other question, I do not foresee being able to see my niece in the near or distant future. The war aside, there are certain animosities between me and certain members of my family that I would rather not recount. Although I am sure there are infinite differences between us, I cannot imagine I would be a subject you would find worthwhile of study. Believe me when I say I am not outstanding in any regard. Basil
Jones skillfully weaves historical events into the private lives of the individuals without losing sight of how their relationship is growing, ensuring excellent narrative continuity. Every letter develops upon the one before it, expressing reactions to the war's advancement as it happens in real time. Plot and character dynamics are seamlessly integrated, maintaining the narrative's coherence and interest.
In Lost to Fire, the epistolary style works especially effectively, providing a novel viewpoint on the well-traveled routes of World War II fiction. Jones offers a unique and compelling perspective to the genre by concentrating on the censors, who are frequently treated as minor characters in war novels. This allows Jones to examine the significance of censorship during a fight and the power of language.
V. V. Jones writes with a level of skill that is impressive, capturing the spirit of the time with genuine dialogue and in-depth details. I especially loved how the personalities and character traits come out from each character in their letters, and you can easily tell that they are individual, unique people. Her expertise as a writer is demonstrated by her ability to communicate complex emotional realities just through letters.
Dear August, I will neither confirm nor deny that I am a criminal. The quality you see in me that you deem ‘mysterious’ is merely my personality. Britons do not wear their hearts upon their sleeves—as seems to be the custom amongst you Yanks. Though I am flattered you regard me as a person of note, I can assure you that your admiration is misguided. I am the furthest thing from interesting. As I told you, my leg was injured in my youth, and it never had the chance to properly heal. There is no grand story behind it. There are no grand stories regarding any aspect of my life. Onto a more compelling subject: Tell me, how are you getting along in Britain? Is it so different to what you are accustomed? Basil
The book is edited well, making it easy to read. Each new letter is labeled so that we know who is writing to whom. It is simple to follow the conversation threads since the letters are clearly spaced and distinct, and each character has a distinct yet consistent voice. The formatting helps to highlight the geographical difficulties and time-lapse that affect the narrative's pacing and tension. This attention to detail makes sure that there are no startling grammatical or typographical problems that break the reader's immersion in the story.
Lost to Fire's story arc is masterfully written, with each chapter making a significant contribution to the larger plot. The storyline tracks not only the course of a conflict but also the heroes' personal conflicts over duty, love, and faith. The tension builds to a perfectly timed climax, rewarding the early emotional and conceptual investments. The tempo is skillfully controlled.
Without giving anything away, Lost to Fire has a very fulfilling and emotional climax that is appropriate for the tone of the narrative and the characters' journeys. Whether happy or sad, the conclusion captures the reality of relationships during a period of war: they are characterized by few interactions and protracted distances but are also emphasized by the enduring value of shared experiences.
To sum it up, V. V. Jones' Lost to Fire is an outstanding and unforgettable addition to the historical war romance genre. Romance and historical fiction lovers should both read it because of its exceptional character development, profound emotional impact, and distinctive viewpoint.
*****
“Lost to Fire” by V. V. Jones receives 5 stars and the 'Highly Recommended' award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
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