This book is set Belfast during their Blitz in 1941 , something of which I am ashamed to say I knew nothing at all. Obviously I was aware that Belfast did suffer: particularly due to the importance of its shipyards, but I glad to read more. I thought that the descriptions of the raids and people’s reactions to them were visceral and moving. I like the style of writing which was elliptical and required some work on the part of the reader. That is not, I think, a bad thing. The main protagonists are the middle class Bell family. The cover states that the book is about two sisters, Audrey and Emma but I also found the story of their mother Florence to be of equal interest. Their father, Philip was only slightly sketched him and Audrey’s fiancee Richard somewhat of a stereotype. I also enjoyed the story of young Maisie and her family and found myself rooting for their survival
There were one two stylistic curiosities to my mind but I am reluctant to comment more bearing in mind but I was reading an uncorrected proof. I will not forget this novel for its description of the destruction of a city especially given the troubles which were to come
There were one two stylistic curiosities to my mind but I am reluctant to comment more bearing in mind but I was reading an uncorrected proof. I will not forget this novel for its description of the destruction of a city especially given the troubles which were to come