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Childhoods Are Forever by Tony Muddimer

Apr12

Fascinating

Childhoods Are Forever by Tony Muddimer is a fascinating account of the second World War as experienced by the author. He was born in 1933, coinciding with Hitler becoming Chancellor of Germany. The book covers the years 1936-1945. We hear about the author’s life and also key points that happened during the war.

The author was brought up in Leicestershire before moving to Tenby where his father was stationed. We hear about the fear felt on 14th November 1940 as the bombers passed over Leicestershire on their way to destroying Coventry. “He [Hitler] could destroy our buildings, but he couldn’t destroy our spirit.” This perfectly encapsulates the attitude of the British people with their indomitable bulldog spirit.

The reader hears about the coming of the Yanks – much to the delight of the children who loved the sweets, and the women who loved the stockings!

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More Memoirs Of A Midwife by Carol Duncombe

Mar10

A Wealth Of Tales

More Memoirs Of A Midwife by Carol Duncombe is a fascinating account of the life of a community midwife.

Having read Carol Duncombe’s first book, I knew I was going to be in for a real treat with this one. Carol Duncombe certainly knows how to tell a tale. She engages the reader from the start with her personable, chatty style. She writes as if she is sat beside you, regaling the tale.

As a midwife for over forty years Carol Duncombe has a wide variety of stories. Some are sad, most are happy, some are bizarre and some are absolutely hilarious – I shall never forget the pet parrot who cheered on the mum having a home birth! I was literally laughing until the tears poured down my cheeks!

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Alamein To Berlin 1942-1945 by Francis Horsfield

Mar2

A Fascinating Snapshot

Alamein To Berlin 1942-1945  by Francis Horsfield is a short book of a World War II veteran’s diary.

The reader hears of the journey from England to Africa on board the Queen Mary. It was often turbulent causing seasickness, incredibly hot and an ever-decreasing quality of food for the troops. Francis Horsfield kept in good spirits as he wrote his daily diary.

There are also longer accounts of the battle of Alamein and D-Day.

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Waiting To Die by Sonia Murgatroyd

Feb18

Heart Breaking

Waiting To Die by Sonia Murgatroyd is a powerful true story of the author’s Belgium mother Rosina, mainly of the World War II years and beyond.

This is a book that will break your heart. Many suffered during World War II but for Rosina and her family in Belgium, they really seemed to have suffering heaped upon more suffering. They suffered the most unimaginable tragedies that would haunt Rosina for the rest of her life. It is a testament to her strength of character that she survived.

The author tells of Rosina’s life before and during the Nazi occupation of Belgium, as a loving and loyal family is ripped apart by circumstances beyond their control. It was a time of sheer terror and unimaginable horrors.

Rosina is a very likable young woman whose heart is kind. Her care of her younger sister Sara shows her sacrificial love in action.

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