This is a deeply moving social history made up of the accounts of ordinary people caught up in the Second World War. In 2005 the BBC commissioned a laThis is a deeply moving social history made up of the accounts of ordinary people caught up in the Second World War. In 2005 the BBC commissioned a large oral history project to mark 60 years since the end of WW2, now 20 years later a selection of these accounts have been collated into book form. In no other book have I felt such a visceral sense of what it must have been like to have found oneself pulled into the turmoil of such a conflict. On an individual level I really valued the significant inclusion of personal stories relating to the war in the Pacific, growing up I had a vague understanding of a distant family member being held as a POW in the East and these, often forgotten, stories helped me make sense of what he went through and his deep trauma. ...more
Such a beautiful book, what can only be described as a devastatingly sad story is presented with care and intention. I hope that through it Olive BranSuch a beautiful book, what can only be described as a devastatingly sad story is presented with care and intention. I hope that through it Olive Branson’s complex and vivid life can become celebrated and known by many more people. At the same time, it evocatively brings to life 1920s Provence; a place about to change completely. There has been so much care taken in this book to thoroughly explore the place and the people involved in the case. ...more
I absolutely adored this book. In it, the author selects a number of British pilgrimages and poetically lays out their experience undertaking them. SoI absolutely adored this book. In it, the author selects a number of British pilgrimages and poetically lays out their experience undertaking them. Some are well known, others more of a mystery. Who knew that the ‘holy grail� had links to Bristol? It encourages you to look at Britain in a different way and stop and question the land you are on. It’s quirky, reflective and mindful - and made me want to set out on the pilgrimages myself! ...more
People think they know the Dr Crippen case, but a lot of what is out there is legend, shaped by the social norms, prejudices and expectations of the tPeople think they know the Dr Crippen case, but a lot of what is out there is legend, shaped by the social norms, prejudices and expectations of the time. This impacts how we perceive the victims, the crime and the perpetrator. It becomes entertainment and we can readily point blame at those who challenge norms. Hallie Rubenold turns this case on its head. As in The Five the victim, or more likely - victims, are front and centre. Their stories are powerfully reclaimed whilst the perpetrator is shown for the manipulative fraud he was.
This is a thoroughly researched, dramatic and compelling book that powerfully reorientates understands of the Crippen case and mercilessly critiques the society which allowed it to happen. ...more
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