Love in the Afternoon

Summary

«Love in the Afternoon» is the story of Beatrix Hathaway, the youngest daughter of the Hathaway family, who adores nature and animals. She begins a correspondence with Captain Christopher Phelan, who is on the front lines. The letters Beatrix writes on behalf of her friend gradually evolve into something more than just friendly exchanges. When Christopher returns from the war, he is determined to find the girl who wrote to him and soon realizes it was Beatrix. Their relationship develops amidst the challenges of his traumas and her independent spirit. The story explores themes of love, acceptance, and healing.

Main Ideas

• Love and war: an exploration of how war impacts personal relationships and how love can be a refuge in difficult times.
• Correspondence as a means of communication: the importance of letters in developing the relationship between the characters when they are far apart.
• Overcoming prejudices: the characters face social and personal prejudices that they must overcome for the sake of love.
• Character development: the transformation of the main characters through trials and personal experiences that help them become better people.
• The power of female friendship: the support and understanding among women that help them cope with life's challenges.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Beatrix Hathaway - a young woman who loves nature and animals. She is independent and free-spirited, which sets her apart from other women of her time. As the story unfolds, Beatrix reveals her depth and capacity for compassion, especially through her correspondence with Captain Phelan.
• Captain Christopher Phelan - a soldier enduring difficult times on the front. His character develops through the letters he writes and his internal struggles. He starts as someone who doesn't understand the true values of life, but through his relationship with Beatrix, he finds love and understanding.

Book Review

Lisa Kleypas's book «Love in the Afternoon» has received positive reviews from critics for its emotional depth and well-crafted characters. It is the final installment in the «The Hathaways» series and continues the author's tradition of creating engaging and touching love stories. The main characters, Beatrix Hathaway and Captain Christopher Phelan, have won readers' hearts with their sincerity and complex personalities. Critics note that Kleypas successfully blends the romantic storyline with elements of historical context, adding depth and realism to the narrative. The author's ability to convey the emotions and inner experiences of the characters is also highlighted, making them relatable and understandable to the reader. Overall, «Love in the Afternoon» is considered a worthy conclusion to the series, leaving a pleasant aftertaste and a desire to revisit the Hathaway story once more.