A Chord Of Three Strands

Under A Sky On Fire by Suzanne Kelman is a powerful historical novel set in London in 1940-1941 at the height of the blitz.

The novel follows the fortunes of three women – two WAAF’s and one who works in Churchill’s cabinet war rooms. They are all brave young women fighting on the home front for a better tomorrow.

The reader witnesses their bravery and their bulldog spirit as lives continue living and loving in spite of the bombs falling. There is camaraderie where souls help each other get through the darkest of times.

There is a hope, a hope that life will get better and families will be reunited. Evacuation of children was hard but necessary. Both parents and children found it difficult to do.

No one wins in war. Women on both sides mourn their losses as Suzanne Kelman points out in a poignant scene in church.

Suzanne Kelman is a masterful author. She captures the spirit of war-torn London. We see the agonies of doing the right thing whilst being emotionally vulnerable. The folk on the home front are brave with a fighting spirit. They will never give in.

Under A Sky On Fire is a story of love, loss, family and tenacity. It is a powerful read that will tug at your heart.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON