The FitzOsbornes at War is the third and final novel in The Montmaray Journals by Michelle Cooper.
Being that is an epic (in my opinion) three-part story I almost must insist that you read them! Below, my review is going to have practically no synopsis because I want to give nothing away to fans of the two previous books. So, it’ll be safe to read for it’ll contain pretty much just my opinion.
Yet, I want to include links to my reviews of the two prior books so you can check them out and READ THEM as soon as you can. What an utterly incredible trilogy!
First Book: A Brief History of Montmaray
Second Book: The FitzOsbornes in Exile
As I said before, I don’t really want to go into detail as to the plot of The FitzOsbornes at War except to point out that it focuses on all the journal entries of Her Royal Highness Princess Sophia and encompasses all the events of the FitzOsborne family during the World War II era during 1939 – 1944.
A Brief History of Montmaray introduced us to this eccentric, charismatic, tremendously close family and the scandals, tragedies, and exultations they undergo. They’re a royal family of a country very few have heard of (fictional to the real world) called Montmaray. They inhabit a crumbling castle, their king is a bit mad, and they have almost no other residents on their small island kingdom.
Then the rumblings of World War II began and everything changed for this family.
Again, I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. As far as I’m concerned, The FitzOsbornes at War is a conclusion to a truly grand, sweeping saga!
It’s an impressive 552 pages – and I loved every second of it!!!
Sophie’s clever, natural tone is comforting to read. It’s a fascinating historical time period and gives a mixture of family drama and ominous foreshadowing of the war – giving way to actual wartime.
Our narrator is a delightful, smart, truly likable young woman and oh! how I care for her family. The stark realties of war are unmistakable – and The FitzOsbornes at War made me feel like I was there - hearing the sirens warning of the air raids, taking shelter underground, hearing the explosions and feeling that hollow fear of, “How many died? Anyone I know? Will I survive?” The grief of death, of seeing all that was once sturdy crumble. Undergoing food rationing, standing in queue only to go home without. Michelle Cooper writes this like an authentic journal, and writes it very, VERY well!!!
The FitzOsbornes at War is exquisite, understated, yet exceptionally powerful. Taking place over five years, this is an epic, heart-stopping intimate conclusion. A momentous wartime novel that incorporates Sophie’s coming-of-age.
It’s shocking, horrifying, and so very sad at times.
I mean, really, the last line about made me bawl. I reread that last line a few times just because of the utter beauty of it.
This is a lasting, stunning story and any fans of historical fiction should be hurrying to grab their copies and be taken on this unforgettable journey.
I am so very proud to have a quote from my own humble blog on the inside back jacket cover (the author bio section). I’m honored, because I think this might be one of my favorite books that I’ve been quoted on.
As a bibliophile I feel contented yet mourn the end. I feel a bit emotionally drained, actually.
It was more than worth it.
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