Bowen’s ‘The Heat of the Day’ appeared to have a lot of potential: a book set in blitz era London surrounding espionage reflecting Bowen’s real affairs that she became engaged in during her experience of the Second World War.  It however did not meet this potential, as somehow nothing happened. The book was such a slog, many characters served absolutely no purpose and the one notable plot point was brushed over in about two pages. I have so little to say about this book as it was nothing but boring, after 330 pages I could hardly say much about the plot. Bowen is regarded as one of the great literate perspectives of the Second World War, but honestly don’t waste your time with her.