I was so excited to pick this book up, not only because it’s from my favourite historical fiction time period (WWII), but also because it’s based in Belfast, which I know nothing about from this period.
These days follows the story of two sisters and how their lives, and their loved ones lives are affected by the Blitz in Belfast.
I really enjoy books with multiple points of view when it is made clear whose point of view is being used. Although this book didn’t make it explicit, it didn’t usually take me long to figure out who was being focused on. My only issue was that from the premise I figured it would only be the two sisters that were used, and that was not the case. Which is fine, except some characters had only 1 or 2 chapters dedicated to their perspective, which ended up feeling a bit confusing. I would have rather had these characters added in one of the main characters storylines instead.
Caldwell’s writing led to some harrowing reading at times. I truly felt like I was experiencing the aftermath of the Blitz. I had two small issues with the writing style. I wasn’t keen on the lack of speech marks, I found it hard to follow what was speech and what wasn’t. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the random addition of bad language. I don’t ever have an issue with bad language, but it felt almost clunky and forced in this book and made me feel a little uncomfortable. That being said, I loved the powerful message that was conveyed in this book. This book is set in a time that was very different for women and other minority groups. Seeing the power of people willing to just be themselves was very moving (and I believe some of them were influenced by real people!). I also loved how short the chapters were, it’s such a small thing but it always makes me so happy because I feel like I’m flying through the book!
I recommend this to historical fiction fans who want to learn more about Belfast during the Blitz! I want to thank Readers First, Faber & Faber Publishers and Lucy Caldwell for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.
These days follows the story of two sisters and how their lives, and their loved ones lives are affected by the Blitz in Belfast.
I really enjoy books with multiple points of view when it is made clear whose point of view is being used. Although this book didn’t make it explicit, it didn’t usually take me long to figure out who was being focused on. My only issue was that from the premise I figured it would only be the two sisters that were used, and that was not the case. Which is fine, except some characters had only 1 or 2 chapters dedicated to their perspective, which ended up feeling a bit confusing. I would have rather had these characters added in one of the main characters storylines instead.
Caldwell’s writing led to some harrowing reading at times. I truly felt like I was experiencing the aftermath of the Blitz. I had two small issues with the writing style. I wasn’t keen on the lack of speech marks, I found it hard to follow what was speech and what wasn’t. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the random addition of bad language. I don’t ever have an issue with bad language, but it felt almost clunky and forced in this book and made me feel a little uncomfortable. That being said, I loved the powerful message that was conveyed in this book. This book is set in a time that was very different for women and other minority groups. Seeing the power of people willing to just be themselves was very moving (and I believe some of them were influenced by real people!). I also loved how short the chapters were, it’s such a small thing but it always makes me so happy because I feel like I’m flying through the book!
I recommend this to historical fiction fans who want to learn more about Belfast during the Blitz! I want to thank Readers First, Faber & Faber Publishers and Lucy Caldwell for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.