This Time of Dying

This is a beautiful love story set amidst the horror of the Spanish flu epidemic in England. Restraint and refinement are the rules of the day. Class struggle is present. Death, destruction and middle aged love make a very enjoyable read. I look forward to another offering from Reina James.

The Great War is drawing to a close when the influenza epidemic of 1918 takes its hold. Set in London during a three week period, this novel conveys the horror of the war and, with the end of the war almost within reach, the emergence of the deadly influenza pandemic which killed millions around the world. At the same time as conventional society is crumbling through the combined impacts of war and influenza, class distinctions remain important. Henry Speake, the undertaker, is the central character in this novel. His friendship with a widow, Mrs Allen Thompson, causes them both considerable social grief because of class differences. This is not a light read but, once started, I found it very hard to put down. This is Ms James's first novel, and it is beautifully presented. Amongst the pain and suffering are some wonderful examples of humanity and the glimmerings of hope for a better future. Highly recommended. Jennifer Cameron-Smith