Set during the traumatic period of the First World War, ‘In the Dark’ tells the story of the people left at home, including those who profited from the conflict. Eithne Clay, along with her son, Ralph, and maid, Winnie, struggles to run the boarding house which they share with a variety of somewhat unconventional lodgers. Understandably, maintaining normality in the face of the war is difficult, and all their lives are altered irrevocably with the arrival of Neville Turk, the lusty and imposing butcher, who falls in love with Eithne. While so many face only death and despair, Eithne and Neville begin a relationship that affects not only Eithne’s son but the whole of the boarding house.

This novel is both enjoyable and accessible, perhaps because it deals with the everyday life and decisions that faced those who remained at home during the war. Occasionally, the text feels a little clunky, especially with some touches which seem present only to flesh out characters during the early stages of the novel. The relationship between Eithne and Neville seems slightly unconvincing, simply because Neville seems to have very few redeeming qualities, except perhaps that he’s attractive and can supply all sorts of goods. However, Eithne’s obsession with Neville is extremely well written, the desire and passion that she feels for this man is so completely demonstrated that, what ever the reasons for her loving him, we understand the profound way in which he touches her life.

Ultimately, ‘In the Dark’ was pleasurable to read and by the end of the novel many of the characters had become more than just words on the page, especially the overworked and lovable Winnie who has many worries to cope with. This is a novel not about the War, but a novel about people. Although many aspects of war affect these characters lives, Deborah Moggach has created a world in which their relationships with one another are more important. ( )

I took this book on holiday for a light summer read on the beach. However, after struggling through two thirds, I abandoned it. It was a plot-driven novel set in mid-century England. It was schmatzy and did not engage me. Not my kinda thing. ( )

Enjoyable read with interesting use of language and imagery- very masculine, almost brutal feel to the book in places. Atmosphere and tone of London during the first world war are well evoked. ( )

A very enjoyable read. Quite light and easy going, but not total nonsense. Really made me think about how the people who were left in England during the war managed and how those that profited from the terrible situation lived with themselves. Interesting. ( )

Moggach continues to find new worlds to explore in her unsentimental, realistic and enthralling novels. Here a young war widow runs a boarding house in WWI London with her son and a trusted servant. Although life is a struggle that is just the way things are until a wealthy and strangely compelling butcher inveigles himself into their world. Everything changes, not all for the better. ( )