There's a treasure in The Dark Side of the Sun

Recently my book club's choice was The Dark Side of the Sun by Elizabeth Palmer. Since I'd never heard of either the book nor the author, I wasn't too excited. My attitude quickly changed as I got into this delightful and comparatively short book. It has everything I'm hoping for when I read: original story, interesting locale, well developed characters and a wonderful writing style that's
not-one-word-wasted crisp. I couldn't put it down!

The story begins in 1925 in the pastoral English countryside when 12-year-old Mary Fox's secretive and mysterious mother, Sybil, takes on the job of governess for a family who can't seem to keep household help for more than a few months, the eccentric and very wealthy Hardings. Father,Geoffrey (gruff and autocratic), Mother, Davina (disconnected and frazzled), and their undisciplined children: incredibly handsome Geoffrey, twins William and Jonathan ("Jonty") and Venetia ("Nettie") who is the same age as Mary. Mary and Nettie, though totally opposite in personality, upbringing and social position, become fast friends and develop a life-long sisterhood bond.

We get to follow the girls as they grow up during the grueling years of World War II and the devastating bombings of London. Both the girls help in the war effort, though in completely different ways: one works for the top secret military de-coding center and the other uses her talents in other ways to help in the fight against Hitler.

I usually include quotes in my reviews, but I was so caught up in this story I didn't want to stop to make notes. Here's just a little example of Ms Palmer's way with words: picture one of the Harding boys piloting a fighter plane over enemy territory during a horrific dog fight when "...the searchlights, which located the plane in their lunging, swinging beams and, having caught it, pinned it like an iron butterfly to the backdrop of the night sky." What a talent Ms. Palmer has for creating a you-are-there atmosphere with just words on a printed page.

It's amazing that so much could be packed so beautifully in just 306 pages: friendship, love, battlefield experiences, lust, revenge, death, divorce, adultery, hate, sorcery, forbidden relationships, social status, prejudice, disappointment, betrayal, sex ... and more! There's mystery and secrecy woven throughout the whole book. The author never once leaves you wondering who is who or what is what and ties up ever loose end securely and completely, which I appreciate! I also appreciate the way she handles sex: discretely. There are no detailed descriptions of panting, sweaty liaisons; she tells you just enough to get your own imagination working overtime.
What a great story!

Did I tell you the story?....NO!! At the risk of getting criticisms and low ratings for an incomplete review, I'm deliberately not telling you more. I don't want to risk spoiling it for you. I want you to read this book! Is it the next great American novel? No. Will it be a classic? Probably not. Is it a good read? YES!!

ENJOY!!!