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The Chestnut Tree
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Plot Summary of The Chestnut Tree
"

Dunne, Mar 2003, 24.95, 336 pp.
ISBN: 0312307594

In 1939, much of Europe prepares for the “little war” while politicians on both sides claim it will be over before the year is out. All over England, civilian residents rehearse how to behave in the case of invasion or air assaults. In the fishing village of Bexham facing France, the locals understand that a Nazi invasion could come through here or some of the nearby other Sussex ports and most males join the military. Even vets from the “Great War” sign on to serve in the Senior Corps.

Their wives, mothers, and daughters adapt to a world where France quickly falls as the Bexham villagers, mostly female relatives of the soldiers, are determined to help defeat Hitler. The younger generation whose lovers will die on the continent or become MIA defend their country joined by their mothers in ways no one could have fathomed in 1939. In this little village, nothing but the sacred Chestnut Tree will ever be the same even when their men come home victorious and expect the pre war status quo to return.

THE CHESTNUT TREE is an intriguing character study cozy exploring the metamorphosis of English women during World War II. These courageous females become the mothers and older sisters of the 1960s women's movement. Readers will cherish these feisty characters who do what they must to help their country win except revert back to their subservient prewar role once victory occurs.

Harriet Klausner
"

Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar



Review Analysis of The Chestnut Tree
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Tone of book? - thoughtful
Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
War/Revolt/Disaster on civilians Yes
Conflict: - War, general - War, WW II

Main Character
Gender - Female
Profession/status: - homemaker
Age: - 20's-30's
Ethnicity/Nationality - British
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Very much smarter than other characters
Physique - very athletic

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - infantry soldier
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character? - hard edged
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters
Physique - very athletic

Setting
Europe Yes
European country: - England/UK - France - Germany

Style
Person - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths
Unusual Style: - a lot of play on words - a lot of flashback and forwards - No single main character?
Amount of dialog - significantly more dialog than descript
Most similar books to The Chestnut Tree
The Geisha's Granddaughter by Chayym Zeldis
Bridge to Holy Cross by Paullina Simons
Harry's War by D. Edward Bradley
War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk
The Winds of War by Herman Wouk


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