what_heather_loves's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"Here we are, she thinks bitterly, the eighth of April 1941, the pinnacle of Western so-called civilisation, hiding in a bloody wee cupboard under the stairs while the world ends around us."
Belfast, Northern Ireland , April 1941 , which saw the 'Belfast Blitz', as a result of the city's contribution to the Allied war effort (ships, aircraft and munitions) and its poor preparation and defences. Split into three parts, The Dockside Raid, The Easter Raid and The Fire Raid, the author describes the lives of the Bell family and others they meet during this period. Father Philip is a beleaguered doctor; mother Florence (pining for a long-lost love) is a housewife; grown-up daughter's Audrey and Emma are struggling with their romances, against the backdrop of war and; younger son Paul dreams of joining the troops. Four days and nights in their lives are described with such richness and emotion 'It's hard to believe Caldwell didn't live through the Belfast Blitz" (as Tracy Chevalier's epigraph describes). Dread following the first raid, is accompanied by the violence, destruction and loss of wartime life. Whilst the narrative standpoint shifts (and the absence of inverted commas is noticeable) the style and story never loses focus. Incredibly sad, the stoicism of the women, who are the novel's focus, stand out. Gloriously engaging, this piece of historical fiction is impeccably researched whilst the characters' narratives are raw and emotional. A fitting tribute to the Belfasters who lived through this tragic period of the city's history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Animal death, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
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