About the book
A sweeping, heartland World War II family drama from the acclaimed historian and Sunday Times bestselling author.
A TIMES BEST SUMMER READ 2024
'A beautiful, evocative novel that captures the fear and mood of the early days of the war' Dermot O'Leary
________
Even at home, the war is never far away…
The village of Alvesdon has been home to the Castells for generations. But the year is 1939 and the peace and tranquillity there is about to be shattered once more by the storm clouds of war in Europe.
As three generations of the family gather, they must all face the prospect of their lives being transformed beyond recognition the moment Britain declares war on Germany.
When the inevitable happens and Britain finds itself at war, the younger members of the family and farm workers are called up to fight and those who remain must battle to keep the home fires burning and the farm afloat.
The gentle certainties of rural life are replaced by the urgent clamour of war, in the air, at sea and on land, where events unfold with dizzying rapidity and unexpected consequences…
Stretching from the glorious summer of 1939 to the Battle of Britain the following year, acclaimed historian James Holland paints a compelling and immersive fictional portrait of how the war changed everything.
________
'The depth and breadth of [Holland's] knowledge is evident in the vivid portrayal of all the varied theatres of conflict' The Times
‘James Holland’s greatest strength . . . is that he brings humanity to his work’ Spectator
James Holland, Sunday Times bestseller, September 2024
Editions of Alvesdon
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781787636705
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781804991411
- EBook
- ISBN 9781529901504
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9781529925180
Read an Excerpt
A sweeping, heartland World War II family drama from the acclaimed historian and Sunday Times bestselling author.
A TIMES BEST SUMMER READ 2024
'A beautiful, evocative novel that captures the fear and mood of the early days of the war' Dermot O'Leary
________
Even at home, the war is never far away…
The village of Alvesdon has been home to the Castells for generations. But the year is 1939 and the peace and tranquillity there is about to be shattered once more by the storm clouds of war in Europe.
As three generations of the family gather, they must all face the prospect of their lives being transformed beyond recognition the moment Britain declares war on Germany.
When the inevitable happens and Britain finds itself at war, the younger members of the family and farm workers are called up to fight and those who remain must battle to keep the home fires burning and the farm afloat.
The gentle certainties of rural life are replaced by the urgent clamour of war, in the air, at sea and on land, where events unfold with dizzying rapidity and unexpected consequences…
Stretching from the glorious summer of 1939 to the Battle of Britain the following year, acclaimed historian James Holland paints a compelling and immersive fictional portrait of how the war changed everything.
________
'The depth and breadth of [Holland's] knowledge is evident in the vivid portrayal of all the varied theatres of conflict' The Times
‘James Holland’s greatest strength . . . is that he brings humanity to his work’ Spectator
James Holland, Sunday Times bestseller, September 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alvesdon about?
A sweeping, heartland World War II family drama from the acclaimed historian and Sunday Times bestselling author.
A TIMES BEST SUMMER READ 2024
'A beautiful, evocative novel that captures the fear and mood of the early days of the war' Dermot O'Leary
________
Even at home, the war is never far away…
The village of Alvesdon has been home to the Castells for generations. But the year is 1939 and the peace and tranquillity there is about to be shattered once more by the storm clouds of war in Europe.
As three generations of the family gather, they must all face the prospect of their lives being transformed beyond recognition the moment Britain declares war on Germany.
When the inevitable happens and Britain finds itself at war, the younger members of the family and farm workers are called up to fight and those who remain must battle to keep the home fires burning and the farm afloat.
The gentle certainties of rural life are replaced by the urgent clamour of war, in the air, at sea and on land, where events unfold with dizzying rapidity and unexpected consequences…
Stretching from the glorious summer of 1939 to the Battle of Britain the following year, acclaimed historian James Holland paints a compelling and immersive fictional portrait of how the war changed everything.
________
'The depth and breadth of [Holland's] knowledge is evident in the vivid portrayal of all the varied theatres of conflict' The Times
‘James Holland’s greatest strength . . . is that he brings humanity to his work’ Spectator
James Holland, Sunday Times bestseller, September 2024
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Alvesdon?
Fiction > Family saga / generational saga fiction
Where can I read a sample of Alvesdon?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781787636705
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Alvesdon?
James Holland
Who is the Publisher of the book Alvesdon?
Transworld
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Alvesdon is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781787636705) and paperback(ISBN 9781804991411) and ebook(ISBN 9781529901504) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781529925180)
Where can I buy Alvesdon online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Alvesdon from below
Where can I buy Alvesdon?