The Blitz Sisters
Judith Eagle
At nearly 500 pages this is almost an encyclopaedic account of the war years and beyond (1939-1948) Without lingering it races through life-changing events such as evacuation, the bombings over London, loss and death, but all set against a backdrop of lighter moments – dancing the jitterbug, cooking in hayboxes and lots and lots of art. It is a glorious read.
The book is divided into three sections – one for each of the three sisters of the title: Lydia, Peggy and Teddy. Each section is a complete story in itself but once begun it is hard not to want to continue. The close and comforting relationship between the sisters is truly heart-warming. I liked the way that difficult issues weren’t avoided, there were several very poignant moments but overall this is a book which will be as much enjoyed for its characters as used to be informed about the social history of the time.
Lydia’s story: it’s 1939 and war has been declared.
Peggy’s story: it’s 1943 and the girls are back in London.
Teddy’s story: it’s 1946 and the girls are living through the war’s aftermath.
Published by Faber, 2026 (472 pages)
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