There are some things which even the closest friendship cannot survive . . .
Neighbours Edie Kelsey and Lil Horton have been friends for over twenty years, sharing the joys and sorrows of a tough life as the wives of fishermen in Grimsby. So it was no surprise that their children were close and that Edie's son, Frank, and Lil's daughter, Irene, would fall in love and marry at a young age.
But the declaration of war in 1939 changed everything. Frank went off to fight, and Irene and baby, Tommy, along with Edie's youngest son are sent to the countryside for safety. With Edie's husband, Archie, fishing the dangerous waters in the North Sea and daughter Beth in London doing 'important war work', Edie's family is torn apart.
Friendship sustains Edie and Lil, but tragedy follows and there's also concern that Beth seems to have disappeared. But it is Irene's return, during the VE day celebrations, that sends shock waves through the family and threatens to tear Edie and Lil's friendship apart forever.
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Review by Tanya
I enjoy reading about the home front in the Second World War
as I think it’s interesting and that although it is a story it will contain
elements of truth. Also I find it very
interesting having family that were involved with the home front and now family
that actually fought for the German side. This book was great as it covered both sides of the story in some way.
The main part of the story was set around two great friends
and Neighbours that live in the fishing town of Grimsby. Edie Kelsey and Lil Horton have been great
friends for over 20 years and their children have grown up being happy to go
into each other’s houses. Lil only has one daughter Irene as her husband was killed at sea. However Edie and her husband Archie have
Laurence, Frank, Beth Shirley and little Reggie. Of course many of them are old enough to do
their bit for the country. There are
some shocks and upsets along the way and lots of twists and turns.
I loved the story of Beth’s adventures during the war and
was fascinated with her story. The story
of Reggie was surprising, but maybe something that happened to many
families. I loved the fact that Beth’s
story was overlapped by events in Grimsby. Also Irene’s adventures were a shock and again I expect that this
went on a lot.
The friendship and love between the two families was amazing
and it was lovely to read about the support and love that they had for each
other. I think that the story shows how
the war affected people on the home front and how camaraderie built between
families. The characters in the story were fantastic and they were all
believable. I liked the different
characteristics that each of Edie’s children had and how they still worked as a
family.
The story was really well researched and this shows in the
writing. All that time spent on the
research was worth it. Welcome Home is a great read and it's now one of my favourite home front
books. I think this is a really great read.
Heard so many great things about this one but I was not really ready to buy it but now have read your review, this straight goes to my cart. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it. Please let me know Tanya
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