Ordinary Heroes

While We’re Apart by Ellie Dean is a historical offering set in England in 1942 at the height of World War II. The reader is treated to the lives of ordinary heroes – the brave men and women on the homefront. There are partings from loved ones in the forces. There are deaths as destruction rains down from the Luftwaffe.

There is a camaraderie. A pulling together. A sharing of what little they have. Hearts and homes are opened to those in need.

The question of illegitimate children arises. A stigma is attached which horrifies the audience of today. We all want to know our roots but it seems that some roots are best kept hidden.

A heartfelt story that is evocative of a bygone era where people were kind and neighbourly. War had a way of focusing people on what really mattered.

JULIA WILSON