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Books matching: air raids

16 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 16 
  1. #1

    Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman
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    A captivating, uplifting WWII story with a Hawaiian twist and a wonderful cast of women. Perfect for historical fiction lovers who appreciate sisterhood, resilience, and a side of swoon-worthy romance.

    Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman is a historical fiction novel set in Hawaii during World War II, following the story of Daisy, a strong and independent woman who finds herself caught in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The book explores the role of women in the war effort, specifically focusing on Daisy's journey as she joins the Women's Air Raid Defense and learns to operate radar to help protect the islands. The plot is filled with thrilling moments, heartwarming friendships, and a touch of romance, all set against the backdrop of a war-torn era. Sara Ackerman's writing style is praised for its ability to vividly capture the essence of Hawaii, create engaging character descriptions, and keep readers hooked from start to finish.

    Daisy's character is highlighted for her uniqueness in defying gender stereotypes of her time, making her a relatable and intriguing protagonist. The story also delves into the relationships between the women in the book, showcasing their camaraderie and support for each other during challenging times. The book touches on themes of friendship, resilience, and the empowerment of women, providing a fresh perspective on historical fiction set in a less commonly explored location during World War II.

    On Sunday mornings, while everyone else was singing and praying to the Lord above, Daisy could be found underwater with the pufferfish and the eagle rays. Not that she had anything against God, in fac...
    July 2021
    358 pages

  2. #2

    Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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    A wild, thought-provoking anti-war classic that blends dark comedy, sci-fi, and history into something unforgettable - definitely worth reading at least once, even if just to see what all the fuss (and "so it goes") is about.

    Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes unstuck in time. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping between events such as the bombing of Dresden during World War II, Billy's childhood, hospitalization, and abduction by aliens. Vonnegut's writing style is a blend of dark humor, satire, and science fiction elements, creating a narrative that challenges the reader to question reality and the nature of war.

    All this happened, more or less. The war parts, anyway, are pretty much true. One guy I knew really was shot in Dresden for taking a teapot that wasn’t his. Another guy I knew really did threaten to h...
    June 1968
    231 pages

  3. #3

    A Long Way from Verona by Jane Gardam
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    A quirky, insightful coming-of-age gem - more poignant than typical YA and a delight for fans of clever, character-driven fiction. Gardam’s first novel, and already a standout.

    Set during WWII, 'A Long Way from Verona' follows the story of Jessica Vye, a headstrong and vocal teenager who refuses to conform to societal expectations. Divided into three chapters, the book explores Jessica's journey of self-discovery, from her decision to become a writer after meeting a famous author, to her experiences during a German bombing in a slum. The narrative captures themes of coming of age, unconventional friendships, and the impact of war on everyday life in England, all depicted with delightful humor and poignant moments.

    I ought to tell you at the beginning that I am not quite normal, having had a violent experience at the age of nine. I will make this clear at once because I have noticed that if things seep out slowl...
    1971
    210 pages

  4. #4

    Millennium by John Varley
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    Wacky, entertaining time travel fun if you don’t mind a few logical leaps and a dash of 80s flair. Best enjoyed as a popcorn sci-fi adventure rather than a deeply philosophical exploration of time.

    'Millennium' by John Varley is a science fiction novel that intertwines the present and future timelines, involving time travel and the manipulation of events to ensure the survival of the human race. The story follows Louise, a woman from the future, and Smith, a present-day NTSB investigator, as they navigate through a complex plot involving rescuing passengers from doomed accidents to populate the future Earth. The narrative is filled with twists, logical progression, and believable characters, keeping readers engaged and turning the pages to uncover the mysteries of time travel and paradoxes.

    I once spent seven hundred dollars for an alarm clock. It wasn't an alarm clock when I bought it and it was a lot more than that when I got through with it. The heart of the thing was a World War Two...
    January 1983
    272 pages

  5. #5
    A Year in the Merde
    Book 1 in the series:Paul West

    A Year in the Merde - Paul West by Stephen Clarke
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    A quick, cheeky romp through French culture, full of snark and slapstick - hilarious if you’re in the mood for light comedy, but skip it if you want something deeper or less crude.

    'A Year in the Merde' by Stephen Clarke is a humorous novel following the experiences of Paul West, an Englishman working in France to set up English tea rooms. The book provides insights into French culture, work ethics, and societal norms from the perspective of a foreigner, with a mix of comedic observations and witty commentary on cultural differences. The plot revolves around Paul's misadventures, romantic escapades, and struggles to navigate life in a different country, capturing the essence of his year-long journey in Paris.

    It’s also when every French project, from a new hairdo to a nuclear power station, gets under way, which is why, at 9am on the first Monday of September, I was standing a hundred yards from the Champs...
    1998
    357 pages

  6. A delightful, gently humorous collection of letters painting a very human portrait of life on the English home front - perfect for those craving comfort reading with a side of history and wit.

    Henrietta Sees It Through by Joyce Dennys is a charming continuation of Henrietta's War, following Henrietta's life during WWII through a series of letters she writes to her childhood friend, Robert. The book captures the daily life in a rural English village during the war, showcasing the struggles, humor, and resilience of the characters as they navigate through wartime challenges. Dennys' writing style, presented in an epistolary format, offers a light and entertaining glimpse into village life, filled with witty observations, humorous moments, and touches of poignancy.

    ‘It’s all very well for skinny people like you,’ said Lady B - and I knew how upset she must be to call me skinny, for she is practically the only person here who is kind enough to describe me as slim...
    1945
    208 pages

  7. #7

    Mr. Churchill's Secretary - Maggie Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal
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    A fun, fast-paced start to a cozy WWII mystery series - perfect for fans of spunky heroines and historical adventures, even if it’s not always 100% historically precise.

    In "Mr. Churchill's Secretary," the first book in the Maggie Hope mystery series by Susan Elia MacNeal, readers are introduced to Maggie Hope, a highly educated and intelligent young woman who takes a job as a typist for Winston Churchill during World War II. As Maggie delves into code-breaking and espionage activities involving the IRA and Nazis, she uncovers secrets about her family and becomes entangled in murder mysteries, spy networks, and historical events. The book offers a blend of historical, spy, mystery, action, and romance elements set against the backdrop of wartime London, providing a charming and engaging narrative that captures the spirit of the era.

    “IWOULD SAY to the House, as I’ve said to those who have joined this Government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We hav...
    April 2012
    445 pages

  8. #8
    Blackout
    Book 1 in the series:All Clear

    Blackout - All Clear by Connie Willis
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    A richly detailed, slow-burning blend of time-travel and WWII historical fiction, best for patient readers who don’t mind cliffhangers and love getting deeply lost in a story.

    'Blackout' by Connie Willis is a historical time travel novel set in London during World War II. The book follows a group of historians from the future who travel back in time to study this tumultuous era, but things go awry as they face challenges such as air raids, blackouts, and missed assignations. The novel offers a detailed and immersive portrayal of life during the Blitz, highlighting the resilience and camaraderie of Londoners amidst the chaos of war. Willis weaves together multiple storylines and characters, creating a complex puzzle of a plot that combines vivid historical detail with elements of suspense and drama.

    The writing style of 'Blackout' is praised for its rich historical context, well-developed characters, and engaging narrative. Readers are drawn into the story through vivid descriptions and meticulous research, which bring the setting of WWII London to life. The book explores themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the impact of war on individuals, blending elements of science fiction with historical fiction to create a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    COLIN TRIED THE DOOR, BUT IT WAS LOCKED. THE PORTER, Mr. Purdy, obviously hadn’t known what he was talking about when he’d said Mr. Dunworthy had gone to Research. Blast it. I should have known he was...
    January 2010
    610 pages

  9. #9

    A Time to Love and a Time to Die by Erich Maria Remarque
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    A haunting, beautifully written wartime tale that’s as much about love as the deep scars of war - poignant, powerful, and definitely not for the faint of heart.

    A Time to Love and a Time to Die by Erich Maria Remarque is a poignant story set during World War II, focusing on a German soldier named Ernst Graeber. The book delves into the struggles and issues faced by the protagonist while on furlough in his hometown, navigating the destruction caused by the war and the harsh realities of life in a war-torn Germany. Through vivid descriptions and powerful storytelling, the author captures the horrors of war, the moral decay experienced by the young soldier, and the delicate balance between love and survival in a world full of hatred.

    The narrative beautifully portrays the emotional journey of Ernst Graeber as he navigates the brutality of war on the Eastern Front, his blossoming romance with Elizabeth Kruse, and the challenges of finding redemption amidst the nightmare of conflict. Remarque's writing style immerses the reader in the trenches of war, evoking the senses to feel, smell, and taste the wartime experiences, while also offering a deeper insight into the human psyche and the impact of war on individuals and society.

    DEATH smelled different in Russia than in Africa. In Africa, under heavy English fire, the corpses between the lines had often lain unburied for a long time, too; but the sun had worked fast. At night...
    1954
    397 pages

  10. A sweet, moving tribute to bookshops and the strength of ordinary people in extraordinary times - comforting, if a bit predictable, and a treat for book lovers.

    The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin is a heartwarming novel set during World War II, focusing on the protagonist Grace who discovers the joy of books while working at a bookstore in war-torn London. The book portrays the resilience and humanity of people amidst the horrors of the London Blitz, highlighting themes of community, friendship, and the power of literature to provide solace during difficult times.

    The train pulled to a stop within Farringdon Station, its name clearly marked on the wall inside a strip of blue set within a red circle. People hovered on the platform, as eager to get on as those wi...
    April 2021
    318 pages

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