A collection of true accounts of how ordinary folk from all walks of life managed through the festive period during the WWII period is most definitely a way to make you feel incredibly humbled in what is now such a materialistic time of year.
What is so refreshingly original about this book is that the collections are directly from the source. This isn't a historian's opinion of what life was like for the civilians left at home.
Taggart has collected accounts from all demographics; from the affluent to the poor, from the peril filled cities (mostly London) to the hardy rural areas. Rationing affected those in the cities most, but all felt the pinch when it came to things such as sugar, eggs and butter. Reading the lengths they went to in order to replicate a cake made with real eggs and how brilliant they were in making clothes last as long as possible as material was so hard to come by made me feel proud.
Whilst not glossing over some of the heart breaking aspects, this book is full of cheer. Even the most destitute who could afford nothing, or at best having something so little as a few nuts or an orange in a stocking gave young children a huge boost...it kind of make today's consumer-loving tots look shameful.
The most sobering accounts of those in POW camps, not just for one year but for many and how they tried so very hard with practically nothing to lift their spirits really hit me in the feels.
I loved that this was so easy to pick up and put down as the sections of everyone's accounts are nicely broken up. Meaning if you want to delve in and out of the book (which is perfect in a busy festive period) then you won't lose your momentum.
Whilst some of the accounts are definitely rose tinted (as nostalgic tales can often be), it was an incredibly heart warming book, which reinforces my respect for the many great British folk that had to make do and mend. A perfect gift for anyone.
A brilliant 4 star read for me.
I would like to thank Readers First and John Blake Books for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.