The Indomitable Spirit
Felicity’s War by Jean Fullerton is an absolutely marvellous historical novel that held my attention from the start. It is the third book in The Stepney Girls series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books for character continuity and progression.
The action is set in the east end of London during 1941, and therefore, at the height of the Blitz. The indomitable bulldog spirit is alive as the people pull together. Up all night as the bombs fell, the community still goes about its’ daily duties. Ordinary life continues.
There are those who take advantage. We witness the black marketeers and looters in action. As if housing being destroyed wasn’t enough, the criminals take advantage and the food prices rocket.
Leading lady, Fliss, is a woman ahead of her time. She writes for a newspaper, is active in the Labour party, wears trousers and campaigns for fairer prices for food. She even finds time to organize a peaceful protest which turns ugly due to an over-zealous young policeman. Despite being a thoroughly modern miss, cupid’s arrow can still hit its’ mark.
The police force has much to contend with – even more so in wartime than peacetime. Some go about their tasks with due diligence. Others are like a bull in a china shop.
Old class systems are beginning to break down but there are still those who cling to old ways. The snobbery of Fliss’s mother is in direct contrast to Fliss and her sister, with their open-hearted philanthropic spirits.
All the characters are well drawn and believable. Jean Fullerton is masterful at her craft. It is easy to picture Fliss’s mother in her twinset and pearls, Fliss in her trousers and the black marketeer spivs (I picture the late, great George Cole as he appeared as Harry in the St Trinian movies of the 1950’s).
I thoroughly enjoyed Felicity’s War, and I am looking forward to more books in this series.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
Felicity’s War
1941. Whilst London is battered by air raids, Felicity ‘Fliss’ Carmichael has troubles of her own. Reeling from her fiancé’s betrayal, she flees to her
family home at St. Winifred’s Rectory.
Though heartbroken, Fliss finds purpose again as a journalist. On assignment, she crosses paths with Detective Inspector Timothy Wallace, who shares
her passion for truth and justice – though not necessarily her political beliefs. Despite their differences, an instant spark ignites between them.
In a city under siege, Fliss and Tim forge an unlikely bond. But can their blossoming romance endure the perils ahead?
Purchase Links
Author Bio –
Born and bred in East London Jean was a District Nurse by trade working throughout East London. She had published twenty-three sagas, including the popular WW2 RATION BOOK, which like all her books is set in East London. Jean has also written her autobiography A Child of the East End, about growing up in post-war Stepney and Wapping. She is currently working on first book of her new four book WW2 series.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3sjifVL
X (formally Twitter): JeanFullerton_
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean_fullerton/
Amazon: Jean’s Amazon Page https://amzn.to/3GSWMam
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