Title: Dear Mrs Bird
Author: A J Pearce
Publishers: Picador
Genres: Novel, Historical Fiction
Synopsis
‘London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the formidable Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman's Friend magazine. Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not those from the lovelorn, grief-stricken or morally conflicted.
But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer at this most desperate of times becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back - after all, what harm could that possibly do?’
My Review:
A charmingly sweet story about a young woman living and working in London during WW2.
The novel feels more like a short story, a vignette filled with friendship, hope, love and a glimpse at the struggles women faced during that period.
A great introduction to historical fiction for those looking to dip their toe in. It is incredibly immersive and well-written.
During the war, Women were left at home, expected to keep a stiff upper lip, do their bit and make the best of things. Emmy does precisely that.
Despite being set in a particular period of Britain’s history, it gently illuminates the difficulty of transition from one era to another. Young women, emerge into the workplace with new ideas and ways of looking at the world, bravely having to fight against the old, inherited beliefs.
The reader is introduced to a cast of loveable characters and a little old-school romance. This isn’t groundbreaking literature it is the reading equivalent of a rather pleasant cream tea. A perfect palette cleanser with a warm spirit, that will make you smile.
A quick, well-paced, easy read, that is both witty and observant. I would highly recommend it.
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