Moggach has written a wonderfully researched and compelling World War I novel that barely ventures outside the confines of South London. Eithne Clay runs a boarding house full of doomed and damaged people. While her husband is at the front, she is assisted by her son, Ralph, and their maid, Winnie. Through this misfit group of people, Moggach tells the story of the homefront - of deprivation, uncertainty, tragedy, and the human cost of war, even for those far from the action. Her characters are well-developed and the story moves along at a good pace. I became invested in the characters and loved the ending. A really good read. ( )

I'm an avid fan of Deborah Moggach and this, her latest novel, doesn't disappoint. As one reviewer from the Mail on Sunday said, "the book exudes quiet excellence." Considering the story is about meat, sex and war, I was pleased to not have to sit through any Danielle Steel-style grimy, sweaty, meaty sex scenes. Ms Moggach's prose is indeed quite vivid and refined, she is a great storyteller. I enjoyed In the Dark so much that I just bought Tulip Fever and Hot Water Man and I'm looking forward to sticking my nose in both of them. ( )

World War I as seen from back home in London, through the eyes of various inhabitants of a boarding house. As always, Deborah Moggach writes with tremendous wit and lively description. Up there with the best of her books. ( )

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. ( )