Children of the Blitz: 2memories of Wartime Childhood

Westall's 1975 novel The Machine Gunners, about a group of children in England during World War II, inspired many letters from readers who had themselves been children during the war. Their recollections form the basis of the present volume. What is most striking is the ability of almost every contributor to recapture the mood of childhood during the years from 1939 to 1945. There are accounts of the bombingswith reactions ranging from utter terror to adventurous excitementtales of food shortages, of the loss of friends and relatives, of American troops and POW farm workers. There is even a reminiscence of V-E Day by Queen Elizabeth. Many memorable black-and-white photos of people, propaganda posters and cartoons are included. The book is an excellent idea, well executed. January