Structured around three of the main raids during the ‘Belfast Blitz’ in April and May 1941, These Days ostensibly follows the coming of age of two sisters, Audrey and Emma Bell. Audrey is engaged to be married and Emma is beginning a relationship with a woman. In the midst of sudden death and mass destruction, both women confront truths about themselves, their desires and their future. Whilst both characters are skilfully created there is still, perhaps, more that could have been explored and they are not quite present enough to be the heart of the story.
The strength of the novel, though, is Caldwell’s depiction of the impact of the bombings on individuals and communities. We are granted insights from other characters including Florence, Audrey and Emma’s mother, and six-year-old Maisie, and get a glimpse of how those from different classes are affected. Whilst privilege offers no protection from the actions of the enemy, those who have little disproportionately bear the cost. Betty, who works a few days a week for the Bells, tells Florence that they are taking in relatives whose home was hit:
‘At least Florence thinks, with a rush of shame, I am paying Betty well, better than she might get elsewhere. But seven of them already, another to come, in a two-up two-down, and cheerfully taking four more in. She thinks of the widow in the Gospels, throwing in her two mites, to the scorn of the rich, who flick in their gold coins. There would come a time, Jesus said, in which there shall not be one stone left upon another that would not be thrown down. These days, she thinks, are upon us.’ (p.207)
Whilst the drama of the bombings is understated, Caldwell focusses on the domestic and ordinary routines, showing how no amount of preparation can equip people for the devastation and loss of war. These Days is a collage of stories and pictures, all woven together to invite us to experience a slice of life in such days and to wonder how a city and its inhabitants put themselves back together.
The strength of the novel, though, is Caldwell’s depiction of the impact of the bombings on individuals and communities. We are granted insights from other characters including Florence, Audrey and Emma’s mother, and six-year-old Maisie, and get a glimpse of how those from different classes are affected. Whilst privilege offers no protection from the actions of the enemy, those who have little disproportionately bear the cost. Betty, who works a few days a week for the Bells, tells Florence that they are taking in relatives whose home was hit:
‘At least Florence thinks, with a rush of shame, I am paying Betty well, better than she might get elsewhere. But seven of them already, another to come, in a two-up two-down, and cheerfully taking four more in. She thinks of the widow in the Gospels, throwing in her two mites, to the scorn of the rich, who flick in their gold coins. There would come a time, Jesus said, in which there shall not be one stone left upon another that would not be thrown down. These days, she thinks, are upon us.’ (p.207)
Whilst the drama of the bombings is understated, Caldwell focusses on the domestic and ordinary routines, showing how no amount of preparation can equip people for the devastation and loss of war. These Days is a collage of stories and pictures, all woven together to invite us to experience a slice of life in such days and to wonder how a city and its inhabitants put themselves back together.