In Memoriam is the debut novel by Alice Winn. Alice Winn was born in Paris, educated in the UK and currently lives in Brooklyn.
In Memoriam was a huge success after it’s 2023 release, becoming an international bestseller and winner of the Waterstones 2023 Debut Fiction prize.
I’ve read a lot of 20th century historical fiction, especially books set during WW2, but I’ve read very few stories around the first world war. I was therefore intrigued to read In Memoriam, especially considering the rave reviews.
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Plot
As World War 1 is raging, Henry Gaunt, Sidney Ellwood and their friends could not be further from the action. Safely ensconced in their idyllic boarding school in the English countryside, the violence of the war seems exciting and adventurous. They’re too young to enlist and they’re envious of those fighting on the front, even as news comes through about the many causalities. What could be more heroic than dying for your country?
Meanwhile, Gaunt is tormented by his love for poetic dreamer Ellwood. He has hidden his true feelings from his best friend for years, having no idea that Ellwood loves him too.
When Gaunt’s German mother begs him to enlist to protect the family from anti-German attacks, Gaunt despite being a pacifist, doesn’t hesitate. He simply lies about his age and hopes the war will be a welcome escape for his overwhelming feelings.
However Ellwood and their classmates soon follow Gaunt to the horrors of trenches. Though Ellwood and Gaunt find fleeting moments of solace, they realise the front line is not the heroic adventure they envisaged. Their friends are dying in front of them, and at any moment they could be next.
In Memoriam Book Review
I decided earlier on this year that it was going to be very difficult to top Demon Copperhead as my favourite book of the year. However In Memoriam is right up there with it. It had everything. Characters I really cared about, romance, tension and a fast moving plot.
I found it so hard to believe it’s a debut as it’s so beautifully written. Alice Winn has clearly done a lot of research as she doesn’t shy away from retelling the harrowing details of the front line. She expertly captured the horrors of the war but also the tenderness and warmth between these brothers in arms.
The story itself was devastatingly beautiful and I was captivated from the first page. It’s a story of forbidden love, friendship and brotherhood. However, the war isn’t just a backdrop. This is also very much a war story. The descriptions of the trenches were so vivid and what these young men had to endure was horrifying. The section about The Somme was as harrowing as you would expect.
However amongst the devastation, there was also so much warmth. The friendships between these young men was so touching. My heart ached for them as I read about their courage and comradery. It’s incredible to think how young many of these men were. So many of them were still in their teenage years and having to face the most appalling situations.
Ellwood and Gaunt were perfect main characters and I rooted for them both. I loved how Ellwood’s passion contrasted against Gaunt’s cautiousness. I loved them both but Gaunt held a special place in my heart. While Ellwood was quite dramatic and demonstrative when it came to his feelings, I loved Gaunt’s quiet, patient yet unwavering love for Ellwood. I loved his kindness and how reserved but compassionate he was.
While the story was certainly harrowing in places, it was almost whimsical in others. I really enjoyed the contrast between the devastation of war and the tentative blossoming romance between Ellwood and Gaunt. The use of poetry and dry humour provided a much needed lift to the story. I loved Ellwood’s love for Tennyson and felt anguished when he struggled to still see the beauty in the world.
Overall, I adored this book. It was heart wrenching, powerful and Ellwood and Gaunt are characters that will stay with me for a very long time. I can’t wait to read whatever Alice Winn writes next.
What to read next
If you’re looking for another poignant historical fiction read, I’d highly recommend The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel.