The Photograph By Virginia Ellis

Reviewed by Elaine Williams

In Ellis’ previous novel The Wedding Dress, she told the story of three women at home during the Civil War. This time, Ellis outdoes herself with the story of women on the home front during World War II.

Using alternating narratives, Ellis tells the story of Maddy Marshall, a girl of seventeen who experiences her first time away from home, and of her sister-in-law Ruth Marshall, who must send her young husband off to war so soon after suffering a miscarriage. Ruth and Maddy enter the wartime world of Miami, Florida, where soldiers and sailors are thick on the streets and women are involved in factory work and Red Cross volunteerism. Maddy is just beginning to lose her heart to the dashing Royal Air Force pilot Lt. Tull-Martin on the night when she, Ruth, and a large group of soldiers and sailors have their photograph taken together at the Pier, a fast-paced dancing club and canteen. Later that night, Maddy is brutally attacked by a drunken, agitated soldier who is getting ready to ship out, and her new wartime freedom becomes an ugly nightmare. At about this time that Ruth begins to notice changes in the photograph that was taken at the Pier: some people have changed in appearance, and others have disappeared altogether. Will anyone believe that this photograph is a window with a view of the future? And is it a curse or a blessing to be able to see the future clearly?

The Photograph successfully captures the atmosphere of the 1940’s and the issues women had to face when their men went off to war. The addition of the photograph speaks to our desire to keep watch over loved ones that are far away. Ellis also uses letters to connect those at war with their loved ones at home. Ruth and Maddy’s bond becomes stronger as time passes, and this is a very positive element in the story. The love story between Maddy and Lt. Tull-Martin is also sweet and tender in stark contrast with the attack on Maddy. Ellis seems to be saying here that hard times and unexpected joys often go hand in hand.

The Photograph is highly recommended for readers who would enjoy a sentimental journey to the 1940’s, with a touch of wistful fantasy. Try it if you like Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, or James Michael Pratt’s The Last Valentine.