“Lovely War” by Julie Berry is a story that explores the conflicts among the Greek Gods, as well as the struggles among countries during World War I. Both of these portray the lives of regular civilians and their own love stories.
The center of the novel is a storyline of the Gods Aphrodite, Ares, Apollo, and Hades, who provide their perspectives on love and war in a court setting.
The novel opens with Aphrodite presenting a love story between the main characters, Hazel and James, and Aubrey and Colette. She does this in an attempt to defend herself against the allegations of a love affair with Ares, by her husband Hephaestus.
The lives of the couples are heavily impacted by the presence of World War I, providing rich historical content that makes the story seem like it truly happened.
Hazel, a pianist from London, meets James, who is about to be deployed to the front line. Their storyline is filled with hope, portraying the belief that young love can endure despite the challenges.
On the other hand, Aubrey, an African American soldier falls in love with Colette, a Belgian singer. Their story is filled with conflicts related to racism and the traumas of war.
Berry takes the time to dive deep into each character’s storyline and personality. Her lyrical writing brings the characters to life and develops an emotional connection between the reader and the characters.
The layering of narratives keeps the reader engaged. However, it can initially be difficult to follow the different storylines.
In addition to weaving storylines, the novel addresses many important social issues, such as racism, the role of women during wars, feminism, and the overall brutality and horrors of war.
Although this novel is set during wartime of the early 20th century, many of these themes are relevant today, providing a sense of relatability for readers.
The intertwined storylines of the mythological Greek Gods add a unique theme that illustrates how love and war exist in aspects of human life, regardless of power, wealth, or standing.
