*Goodbye Liverpool was previously published as Au Revoir, Liverpool

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, particularly World War II novels set in England and France, Goodbye Liverpool by Maureen lee might already be on your radar. But is it worth your time? In this honest, emotionally charged book review, I explore the highs and lows of this wartime drama that takes readers from pre-war Liverpool to Nazi-occupied France and back again.

Searching for a compelling WWII novel with a strong female lead? Keep reading….

What is Goodbye Liverpool About?

Before diving into my thoughts, here’s the official blurb to give you a taste of what this novel promises:

A heartbreaking story of wartime love, loss and courage, from No.1 Sunday Times bestseller and queen of saga, Maureen Lee.

Liverpool, 1937. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Jessica endures her husband’s petty cruelty for the sake of her two young children. Her only escape is the local cinema, where she can lose herself for an hour or two in the glamour and passion of the silver screen. But when she is offered a glass of champagne in a Liverpool hotel – and with it, the thrill of her own romance, her quiet life is shattered forever.

When her husband uncovers the truth, he is ruthless in his revenge. Left without a home, and separated from her beloved children, Jessica is alone and desperate.

But as the storms of war begin to gather, there are others in even greater need. Attempting to help a friend and her children escape from France, Jessica finds herself stranded in Paris under German occupation. To care for her new family in this darkest hour, she must find a courage she never knew she possessed.

Sounds dramatic, right? And it is. But as I’ll explain, this story doesn’t always unfold the way you might expect.

First Impressions: A Slow Start With Unrelatable Characters

I picked up Goodbye Liverpool craving a rich, emotional wartime story. Though the book begins in the pre-war years, the blurb hinted at a deeper plunge into the Second World War – just what I was looking for. That said, it took a while to truly get into the story. The main characters, particularly Jessica, felt distant at first. Maybe it was the middle-class setting, which felt far removed from the grittier, working-class stories I typically connect with.

Jessica’s husband? From the get-go, I couldn’t stand him. Controlling, emotionally cold, and manipulative – he instantly made my skin crawl. And yet, given the era, I assumed he’d stick around as a permanent fixture. Spoiler alert: not quite.

Shocking Turns and Rushed Twists

One of the most jarring moments was when Jessica suddenly has an affair. It came out of nowhere and felt out of character and rushed. While it added drama, the emotional fallout felt underdeveloped. However, the book does redeem itself by later peeling back the layers of her husband’s calculated cruelty and emotional abuse, adding much-needed depth.

Trigger Warning: This novel touches on themes of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Sensitive readers should proceed with caution.

Occupied France: Surprisingly the Strongest Section

Now, I’ll be honest. I’m not big on stories set in France (yes, even Emily in Paris is about my limit). So when the narrative moved to occupied France, I was hesitant. But to my surprised, this section was the most gripping part of the book.

Maureen Lee captures the tension and fear of living under Nazi rule, the bravery of ordinary people, and the high cost of resistance. Still, one thing didn’t sit right with me: Jessica is an Englishwoman hiding in an occupied town, yet almost everyone keeps her secret. This felt a bit too convenient and unrealistic given the risk.

The Return to England & Jessica’s Transformation

Back in England, we see a new Jessica – stronger, wiser, and more independent. Her personal growth is undeniable, especially when she’s forced to confront her past and her abusive husband one last time. This transformation is a testament to the book’s central theme: the quiet strength of women during wartime.

What I loved:

• The “Keep Calm and Carry On” British spirit, especially embodied by Jessica.
• Vivid, sometimes haunting, descriptions of life in occupied France.
• The honest portrayal of how VE Day wasn’t joyful for everyone – some people were still grieving.
• A bittersweet but satisfying ending.

What Fell Short:

• A slow and emotionally distant beginning.
• Certain plot points felt rushed or underdeveloped.
• The difficult topics of rape and emotional abuse, while necessary for the story, might be triggering for some.

Final Thoughts: Should You Read Goodbye Liverpool?

If your enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads, emotional complexity, and an immersive WWII setting, this book is definitely worth reading. While it has a few pacing issues and some heavy themes, the emotional payoff and character development makes it a rewarding journey.

Final Verdict – A gripping WWII drama with a brave heroine and vivid setting.

Let’s chat:

Have you read Goodbye Liverpool by Maureen Lee? What did you think about Jessica’s choices or the French setting? Did the ending work for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I’d love to hear your take!

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