I don’t usually reach for or enjoy WW1/2 fiction, I find they often romanticise war and are almost identical in themes. However, this one was pleasantly refreshing as it’s set in Ireland instead of London and more about the Influenza pandemic (which I didn’t know much about) rather than the war. It also doesn't glamourise the war in any way, which is my main problem with most WW1/2 books.
 
The characterisation in this book was really strong, Julia in particular was such a believable character right from the first page, and felt like a fully realised person.

I was annoyed with the lack of quotation marks at the beginning of the book (truly, why do authors do this??), but because the book was so readable, I found myself getting lost in it and got used to this confusing affectation after a while. 

Unfortunately, the romantic relationship between Julia and Bridie soured this book for me. Until the relationship turned this book was going to be a solid 4 star read if not higher, but the relationship just made it uncomfortable. It was weird and kind of creepy – we spent the book being told Bridie is a naive, vulnerable, under-schooled, kind of clueless (yet bright) figure, almost childlike in her naiveite – and now she’s snogging a 30-year-old?? It felt very weird, even if she is 22. There was a clear power imbalance, both in class and status, as well as strong student/teacher vibes. 

The gay stuff also felt a little disingenuous, even though the author is gay herself. It was obviously just used as misery porn/shock factor in the brother's case, and honestly I thought it was just unnecessary between Julia and Bridie.