The Heat of the Day

by Elizabeth Bowen
The Heat of the Day cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 10460
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9781446485927
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2015-06-11
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of wartime London, 'The Heat of the Day' explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and trust. Stella's world begins to crumble when she learns that her lover, Robert, is suspected of selling information to the enemy. As British intelligence agent Harrison closes in, Stella finds herself caught between two men, unsure of who she can trust. The novel delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters, painting a vivid picture of a city and its inhabitants grappling with the uncertainties of war. /n/n The narrative is rich with atmospheric detail and moral ambiguity, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and psychological drama. The author's intricate prose and nuanced character development elevate the story beyond a simple spy thriller, offering a profound exploration of human nature and the consequences of war.

Reviews
Ex-Puritan · 2026-01-25
intriguing 3.50

The characters' stoicism is noted as a defining feature, making heart-to-heart conversations unnecessary in their reality. The novel's depth and atmosphere are praised, despite the characters' reserved nature.

The reviewer appreciates the novel's atmosphere and depth, highlighting the characters' stoicism as a key element. They note that the characters' reserved nature makes heart-to-heart conversations unnecessary, which adds to the realism of their world. The novel's scope and insight are commended, making it a chamber masterpiece that is mostly conversational in nature.

Quick quotes

    Bowen's characters are too stoic for the sort of heart-to-heart I was trained for.

    Nor is soul-bearing necessary in their “reality.”

    This is a chamber masterpiece that is mostly conversational in nature.

Reading 1900-1950 · 2022-10-07
perplexing 3.00

The plot is compared to a thriller but falls short as a spy novel due to its vagueness. The reviewer advises to trust the author's language and enjoy the story despite its perplexing moments.

The reviewer finds the plot intriguing but notes that it falls short as a spy novel due to its vagueness. They advise readers to trust the author's language and enjoy the story despite its perplexing moments. The novel's atmosphere and character development are praised, making it a worthwhile read. The reviewer appreciates the author's observations of love during the blitz, adding depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    Stated baldly, the plot belong in a thriller, but as a spy novel this is not really very good.

    We never get to know exactly what Robert was doing.

    Trust Elizabeth Bowen and enjoy to her language.

The Guardian · 2015-01-12
brilliant 4.50

The novel is praised for its vivid evocation of wartime London and its brilliant insights into the human heart. The atmosphere of London during the blitz is perfectly captured.

The reviewer highly recommends this novel for its vivid descriptions of life in wartime London. They appreciate the brilliant insights into the human heart, making it a standout piece of literature. The atmosphere of London during the blitz is perfectly captured, adding to the novel's depth and realism. The characters and their interactions are also noted as magnificently characterised.

Quick quotes

    Elizabeth Bowen's 1948 novel perfectly captures the atmosphere of London during the blitz.

    Providing brilliant insights into the human heart.

    The Heat of the Day is terrific; tense, atmospheric, sublimely written and magnificently characterised.

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