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A review by katiecatbooks
Dear Mrs Bird by A.J. Pearce
4.0
Historical fiction. Advice column. WWII.
Story: In London, December 1940, Emmeline works as a secretary and volunteers with the war efforts. On her way home one night, she spots an ad in the newspaper for her dream job, a journalist. She has no experience, but lots of enthusiasm and the idea of being a Lady War Correspondent sounds adventurous. But the job turns out to be much different than she anticipates.
Language: This is a historical fiction that reads like a contemporary. The character of Emmy is so believable, and many topics in the book could be transposed into today. The book is told in first person, and Emmy's work and friends allow the reader to see and not see events and situations going on around her. That said, the reader is drawn right into the past with descriptions of landscapes, clothing, food and a plethora of time fitting slang and expressions. The pace is fast, with short chapters and many letters, and the book is a page turner for those who enjoy themes of friendship, women's lives during WWII and advice columns.
Characters: Emmaline (or Emmy) is a young woman in her early 20's. She is hard working and patriotic and has a fiance who is a soldier off in the war. Bunty is Emmy's best friend. Around the same age, they share a flat and adventures and are the best of friends, even if they don't always agree.
I couldn't resist a book about advice columns during WWII set in England, but I never expected to read through it so fast. Highly enjoyable. My only criticism is that while the book's ending was written well, I would have loved an extra chapter or two or even some resources where I could read real historic advice columns. Also, the endpapers are delightful.
Story: In London, December 1940, Emmeline works as a secretary and volunteers with the war efforts. On her way home one night, she spots an ad in the newspaper for her dream job, a journalist. She has no experience, but lots of enthusiasm and the idea of being a Lady War Correspondent sounds adventurous. But the job turns out to be much different than she anticipates.
Language: This is a historical fiction that reads like a contemporary. The character of Emmy is so believable, and many topics in the book could be transposed into today. The book is told in first person, and Emmy's work and friends allow the reader to see and not see events and situations going on around her. That said, the reader is drawn right into the past with descriptions of landscapes, clothing, food and a plethora of time fitting slang and expressions. The pace is fast, with short chapters and many letters, and the book is a page turner for those who enjoy themes of friendship, women's lives during WWII and advice columns.
Characters: Emmaline (or Emmy) is a young woman in her early 20's. She is hard working and patriotic and has a fiance who is a soldier off in the war. Bunty is Emmy's best friend. Around the same age, they share a flat and adventures and are the best of friends, even if they don't always agree.
I couldn't resist a book about advice columns during WWII set in England, but I never expected to read through it so fast. Highly enjoyable. My only criticism is that while the book's ending was written well, I would have loved an extra chapter or two or even some resources where I could read real historic advice columns. Also, the endpapers are delightful.