We are returning to the Second World War today, to wartime London, for A Ration Book Christmas by Jean Fullerton. This is Book 2 of The Ration Book Series but can be read as a standalone.
With Christmas approaching, the Brogan family of London's
East End are braving the horrors of the Blitz. With the men away fighting for
King and Country and the ever-present dangers of the German Luftwaffe's nightly
reign of death and destruction, the family must do all they can to keep a stiff
upper lip.
For Jo, the youngest of the Brogan sisters, the perils of
war also offer a new-found freedom. Jo falls in love with Tommy, a man known
for his dangerous reputation as much as his charm. But as the falling bombs
devastate their neighbourhood and rationing begins to bite, will the Brogans
manage to pull together a traditional family Christmas? And will Jo find the
love and security she seeks in a time of such grave peril?
My Thoughts
Wartime London is always a fascinating period to read about and I am struck by the research which must have gone into the writing of this book. It is full of period detail and really conjures up the spirit of the Blitz. From the descriptions of the destroyed streets to the courage of the Home Front, from the making do and mending to the saving up for ingredients for Christmas, the pages drip with authenticity.
In Jo and Tommy's families, you could not have more of a contrast. Tommy shows his mettle through his instinctive reactions and has to prove that he can rise above the criminality he was brought up in. Jo is a delightful character. Full of good intentions, she nevertheless proves that she is not to be trifled with. Her dealings with the wife of the family she has been evacuated with shows you that she is no one's fool. The Brogans are a great family unit, family loyalty being stronger than any little disagreements. You feel that they could each have a book, so strongly are they evoked.
In short: Love grows amid wartime shortages.
About the Author
Jean Fullerton is the author of eleven novels all set in
East London where she was born. She also a retired district nurse and
university lecturer. She won the Harry
Bowling prize in 2006 and after initially signing for two East London
historical series with Orion she moved to Corvus, part of Atlantic Publishing
and is half way through her WW2 East London series featuring the Brogan family.
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