Publication
Picador, c2018.
Series
Status
Available
Description
"London, 1940. Emmeline Lake is Doing Her Bit for the war effort, volunteering as a telephone operator with the Auxiliary Fire Services. When Emmy sees an advertisement for a job at the London Evening Chronicle, her dreams of becoming a Lady War Correspondent suddenly seem achievable. But the job turns out to be working as a typist for the fierce and renowned advice columnist, Henrietta Bird. Emmy is disappointed, but gamely bucks up and buckles down. Mrs. Bird is very clear: letters containing any Unpleasantness must go straight in the bin. But when Emmy reads poignant notes from women who may have Gone Too Far with the wrong men, or who can't bear to let their children be evacuated, she is unable to resist responding. As the German planes make their nightly raids, and London picks up the smoldering pieces each morning, Emmy secretly begins to write back to the readers who have poured out their troubles"--… (more)
Media reviews
A jolly romp through London in the blitz sounds like an unlikely idea for a novel, but Dear Mrs Bird is full of poignant moments that cut through the froth of its narrator’s voice...And though at times the book seems like an Evelyn Waugh pastiche crossed with a Radio 4 comedy drama, complete
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with hilarious misunderstandings and some dodgy dialogue, Emmy is truly charming. When her upper lip finally wobbles, the reader’s will, too....In the end, the novel’s spirit is madly winning, and its foregrounding of wartime women seems spiffingly modern. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member jessibud2
It's 1941, London is being bombed nightly by the Germans, and Emmeline Lake just wants to be a war correspondent, a journalist. A Lady Journalist. She is a 23-year old woman, full of energy and determined to do her part for the war effort. She works as a secretary, and also volunteers a shift at a
What follows is a picture of determination and grit, good humour and kindness. Emmy is initially terribly disappointed when she realizes that the job she is hired for is, in fact, not at all the job she thought she was applying for. It turns out she is to type letters for the advice column, and as if that weren't enough of a let-down, her main boss, the *Mrs. Bird* readers write to, is an old, insensitive windbag, who rejects any letter that isn't Pleasant. This doesn't sit well with Emmy, who battles mightily with her conscience, but finds a way to salvage some of the most poignant letters and answer them, signing Ms. Bird's name. What ensues reveals the true essence of Emmy.
But Emmy is not a one-dimensional character and her job is not the only story line. First-time author AJ Pearce has absolutely captured the era and feel of war time London. She has an ear for the way people really spoke, the idioms, the expressions, the humour of the time. Also, the Keep Calm, Carry On spirit as well as the real fears and tensions of living through the Blitz. Pearce really writes so well and though there are many heartbreaking moments in this book, I also found myself laughing out loud many times. I cheered for Emmy and I cried for Emmy.
I also loved Pearce's notes at the end, saying how she was inspired to write this book after finding a woman's magazine from 1939 and being intrigued and impressed at not only the letters people wrote, seeking help or solace, but also by the quality of the responses, as well. She called this her bridge into a world she wanted to write about. I found the ending a bit pat, but as a first-time novel, I thought the book was excellent and I look forward to more from AJ Pearce.
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local fire station when, on her way home one evening, she sees an ad in the paper and decides this is the break she has been waiting for. The London Evening Chronicle is advertising for a junior position and Emmy decides she is perfect for the job. What follows is a picture of determination and grit, good humour and kindness. Emmy is initially terribly disappointed when she realizes that the job she is hired for is, in fact, not at all the job she thought she was applying for. It turns out she is to type letters for the advice column, and as if that weren't enough of a let-down, her main boss, the *Mrs. Bird* readers write to, is an old, insensitive windbag, who rejects any letter that isn't Pleasant. This doesn't sit well with Emmy, who battles mightily with her conscience, but finds a way to salvage some of the most poignant letters and answer them, signing Ms. Bird's name. What ensues reveals the true essence of Emmy.
But Emmy is not a one-dimensional character and her job is not the only story line. First-time author AJ Pearce has absolutely captured the era and feel of war time London. She has an ear for the way people really spoke, the idioms, the expressions, the humour of the time. Also, the Keep Calm, Carry On spirit as well as the real fears and tensions of living through the Blitz. Pearce really writes so well and though there are many heartbreaking moments in this book, I also found myself laughing out loud many times. I cheered for Emmy and I cried for Emmy.
I also loved Pearce's notes at the end, saying how she was inspired to write this book after finding a woman's magazine from 1939 and being intrigued and impressed at not only the letters people wrote, seeking help or solace, but also by the quality of the responses, as well. She called this her bridge into a world she wanted to write about. I found the ending a bit pat, but as a first-time novel, I thought the book was excellent and I look forward to more from AJ Pearce.
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LibraryThing member Twink
Oh, do you know that delicious thrill you get a few pages into a new book - just knowing that it's going to be an absolutely wonderful read? That was the case with A.J. Pearce's debut novel - Dear Mrs. Bird.
I loved the cover - those typewriter keys, colours and fashion style set the stage for the
1940 London, England. With the war raging, everyone must Buckle Down and Do Their Part. Emmy Lake volunteers as a telephone operator with the Auxiliary Fire Services. She dreams of being a Lady War Correspondent as well. When she sees an ad for a position with a newspaper, she leaps at the chance. She gets the job, but it ends up being a typist position for an advice column in a women's magazine - Dear. Mrs. Bird. "Finally I gave what I hoped was a plucky Everything Is Absolutely Tip Top Smile. I had taken entirely the wrong job." Mrs. Bird is quite strict about what should be published - there is an Unacceptable Topics list. But Emmy feels bad about those whose letters go unanswered. You know what's coming next, don't you? Yes, she begins to reply..... (And before you think I've made some mistakes with capitalization in this post - they are part of Emmy's inner dialogue and denote important information.)
Pearce has created an absolutely delightful character in Emmy. She's plucky, irrepressible and so darn likeable. The supporting cast including best friend Bunty, and the magazine staff are just as well drawn. Mrs. Bird is in a class of her own.
Pearce has captured the stalwart attitude of the Brits in the war years. "My mother steadfastly referred to the war as This Silly Business, which made it sound like a mild fracas over a marmalade sponge." Pearce's descriptions of a London being bombed nightly, the damage, the loss of life, the rescue workers and more paint the backdrop of this tale and underscore the reality of those war years.
Dear Mrs. Bird had me laughing out loud many, many times. As the book progressed, things did take a more serious turn. And I couldn't stop turning pages. I was so invested in Pearce's tale. I loved reading the letters, from the advice column as well as those Emmy writes to friends and family. Letter writing is such a lost art nowadays.
Pearce says 'the inspiration for Dear Mrs. Bird began when I came across a 1939 copy of a women's magazine. It was a wonderful find - a glimpse into an era and world where I could read about everything from recipes for lamb's brain stew to how to knit your own swimwear.""Many of the readers' letters in Dear Mrs. Bird were inspired by the letters and advice, articles and features printed in those wartime magazine. I found them thought-provoking, moving and inspirational, and my admiration for the women of that time never stops growing....It is a privilege to look into their world and remember what incredible women and girls they all were."
I absolutely adored Dear Mrs. Bird and I know you will too - definitely recommended.
I loved the cover - those typewriter keys, colours and fashion style set the stage for the
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story within.1940 London, England. With the war raging, everyone must Buckle Down and Do Their Part. Emmy Lake volunteers as a telephone operator with the Auxiliary Fire Services. She dreams of being a Lady War Correspondent as well. When she sees an ad for a position with a newspaper, she leaps at the chance. She gets the job, but it ends up being a typist position for an advice column in a women's magazine - Dear. Mrs. Bird. "Finally I gave what I hoped was a plucky Everything Is Absolutely Tip Top Smile. I had taken entirely the wrong job." Mrs. Bird is quite strict about what should be published - there is an Unacceptable Topics list. But Emmy feels bad about those whose letters go unanswered. You know what's coming next, don't you? Yes, she begins to reply..... (And before you think I've made some mistakes with capitalization in this post - they are part of Emmy's inner dialogue and denote important information.)
Pearce has created an absolutely delightful character in Emmy. She's plucky, irrepressible and so darn likeable. The supporting cast including best friend Bunty, and the magazine staff are just as well drawn. Mrs. Bird is in a class of her own.
Pearce has captured the stalwart attitude of the Brits in the war years. "My mother steadfastly referred to the war as This Silly Business, which made it sound like a mild fracas over a marmalade sponge." Pearce's descriptions of a London being bombed nightly, the damage, the loss of life, the rescue workers and more paint the backdrop of this tale and underscore the reality of those war years.
Dear Mrs. Bird had me laughing out loud many, many times. As the book progressed, things did take a more serious turn. And I couldn't stop turning pages. I was so invested in Pearce's tale. I loved reading the letters, from the advice column as well as those Emmy writes to friends and family. Letter writing is such a lost art nowadays.
Pearce says 'the inspiration for Dear Mrs. Bird began when I came across a 1939 copy of a women's magazine. It was a wonderful find - a glimpse into an era and world where I could read about everything from recipes for lamb's brain stew to how to knit your own swimwear.""Many of the readers' letters in Dear Mrs. Bird were inspired by the letters and advice, articles and features printed in those wartime magazine. I found them thought-provoking, moving and inspirational, and my admiration for the women of that time never stops growing....It is a privilege to look into their world and remember what incredible women and girls they all were."
I absolutely adored Dear Mrs. Bird and I know you will too - definitely recommended.
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LibraryThing member Elainedav
I'm not a huge fan of wartime fiction, but every now and again something extraordinary comes along, like The Book Thief or All The Light We Cannot See and the description grabs me and I want to read it. This book is one of those. It is really well researched and written. The language throughout is
Brilliant!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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consistent with how I imagine people spoke back then. The descriptions, actions and narration bring the time to life and make you think about what it must have been like to live in London during the blitz. Added to that, the storyline is unique and different. It is the sort of fiction that will stay with me for a long time - a book I will remember.Brilliant!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
Set in 1940/41, this features Emmeline, who volunteers as a telephonist with the London fire service and accidentally gets a job assisting an agony aunt (Mrs Bird) on a little-read women's magazine. Mrs Bird will only answer the most
Initially I found this overly-upbeat in a "that pesky war" kind of way, but it quickly settled down into a more realistic representation of life under Luftwaffe bombing. There was a little romance and a lovely portrayal of Emmeline's bonds with her parents and brother. The ending was perhaps a touch neat and convenient, but overall an enjoyable read.
Set in 1940/41, this features Emmeline, who volunteers as a telephonist with the London fire service and accidentally gets a job assisting an agony aunt (Mrs Bird) on a little-read women's magazine. Mrs Bird will only answer the most
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anodyne of letters and Emmeline starts answering some herself.Initially I found this overly-upbeat in a "that pesky war" kind of way, but it quickly settled down into a more realistic representation of life under Luftwaffe bombing. There was a little romance and a lovely portrayal of Emmeline's bonds with her parents and brother. The ending was perhaps a touch neat and convenient, but overall an enjoyable read.
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LibraryThing member itchyfeetreader
1920s / 1030s school girl story meets contemporary fiction, Dear Mrs Bird is a touching story of a young woman in the midst of the London blitz and the and bravery she finds. Decidedly stylised in both language and plot this may not be for everyones taste but I found it full of joy and inner
No one should be expected to just buck up after being through something awful. I realised that more than ever just now
Plot in a Nutshell
It is 1941 and Emmy and her best friend Bunty are young women in London living through the daily terrors of the blitz. Emmy is keen to become more involved in the war effort and applies for a job as a war correspondent. Errors follow and she ends up assisting an indefatigable, yet old fashioned agony aunt. Upset that so many of the letters are ignored as containing ‘unpleasantness’ and destroyed Emmy decides to start offering her own advice to the upset and lovelorn correspondents with moving consequences.
Thoughts
It’s probably worth starting with the writing style. AJ Pearce as shamelessly filled her prose with 40s style slang and lots of very random capitalisations. It is initially distracting but I quickly went along with it and thought it was an effective way of setting both the scene and characters. I could easily imagine Emmy as a solid middle class girl who had attended St Clare’s or the Chalet School and was now Making Do in London despite the terrible challenges of the blitz. As a huge fan of those kind of school stories I quickly warmed to Emmy and her friends and enjoyed the contrast between the language and the backdrop of war torn London but I some readers may not enjoy.
It would be easy to dismiss this novel as disposable but despite the ‘girls own’ plot ending there was a depth to the characters that I appreciated. Emmy undoubtedly grows in confidence and self awareness through the novel and her relationships with Bunty as well as her colleagues at both the magazine and her war work fire job are touching and neatly described.
Pearce has undertaken a huge amount of research reading period magazines and problem pages and it shows in the letters that Emmy finds herself reading and responding to. The period of social change; girls bristling against parental control, women struggling with spouses away and unplanned pregnancies, is pitch perfect and highlights the cultural changes happening on the home front brilliantly and giving women a voice in a male dominated period.
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strength. No one should be expected to just buck up after being through something awful. I realised that more than ever just now
Plot in a Nutshell
It is 1941 and Emmy and her best friend Bunty are young women in London living through the daily terrors of the blitz. Emmy is keen to become more involved in the war effort and applies for a job as a war correspondent. Errors follow and she ends up assisting an indefatigable, yet old fashioned agony aunt. Upset that so many of the letters are ignored as containing ‘unpleasantness’ and destroyed Emmy decides to start offering her own advice to the upset and lovelorn correspondents with moving consequences.
Thoughts
It’s probably worth starting with the writing style. AJ Pearce as shamelessly filled her prose with 40s style slang and lots of very random capitalisations. It is initially distracting but I quickly went along with it and thought it was an effective way of setting both the scene and characters. I could easily imagine Emmy as a solid middle class girl who had attended St Clare’s or the Chalet School and was now Making Do in London despite the terrible challenges of the blitz. As a huge fan of those kind of school stories I quickly warmed to Emmy and her friends and enjoyed the contrast between the language and the backdrop of war torn London but I some readers may not enjoy.
It would be easy to dismiss this novel as disposable but despite the ‘girls own’ plot ending there was a depth to the characters that I appreciated. Emmy undoubtedly grows in confidence and self awareness through the novel and her relationships with Bunty as well as her colleagues at both the magazine and her war work fire job are touching and neatly described.
Pearce has undertaken a huge amount of research reading period magazines and problem pages and it shows in the letters that Emmy finds herself reading and responding to. The period of social change; girls bristling against parental control, women struggling with spouses away and unplanned pregnancies, is pitch perfect and highlights the cultural changes happening on the home front brilliantly and giving women a voice in a male dominated period.
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LibraryThing member ErickaS
3.5-4 stars
Dear Mrs. Bird is a sweet, charming story; almost saccharine, but nevertheless lovely with a satisfying plot.
Recommended for readers who liked Letters from Sky by Jessica Brockmole, or As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner, or The Memory of Us by Camille de Maio. It's also reminiscent
In London during WWII, Emmeline is a young woman longing for a career in journalism, and she unwittingly takes a job as a typist for a brash woman, Mrs. Bird, who writes an advice column for a ladies' magazine. Em takes it upon herself to respond to the "inappropriate" letters that Mrs. Bird refuses to answer, getting more and more daring and ultimately sneaking them into the magazine.
Em's self-appointed career as an advice columnist is only part of the story. This book raises some deeper issues regarding women's often overlooked trials during the war. Losing spouses either to combat or desertion, rationing, and the constant bombings throughout the city led to some unprecedented struggles with grief, guilt, and fear. The women left behind at home were told to "buck up" and put on a brave face for the men returning from the fight. They weren't allowed to feel the pain of their fears and sacrifices. Dear Mrs. Bird addresses this issue with finesse around an enchanting story.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Dear Mrs. Bird is a sweet, charming story; almost saccharine, but nevertheless lovely with a satisfying plot.
Recommended for readers who liked Letters from Sky by Jessica Brockmole, or As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner, or The Memory of Us by Camille de Maio. It's also reminiscent
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of shows like "Call the Midwife" and "Land Girls". In London during WWII, Emmeline is a young woman longing for a career in journalism, and she unwittingly takes a job as a typist for a brash woman, Mrs. Bird, who writes an advice column for a ladies' magazine. Em takes it upon herself to respond to the "inappropriate" letters that Mrs. Bird refuses to answer, getting more and more daring and ultimately sneaking them into the magazine.
Em's self-appointed career as an advice columnist is only part of the story. This book raises some deeper issues regarding women's often overlooked trials during the war. Losing spouses either to combat or desertion, rationing, and the constant bombings throughout the city led to some unprecedented struggles with grief, guilt, and fear. The women left behind at home were told to "buck up" and put on a brave face for the men returning from the fight. They weren't allowed to feel the pain of their fears and sacrifices. Dear Mrs. Bird addresses this issue with finesse around an enchanting story.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member crosenar
Dear Mrs. Bird - By A. J. Pearce
I loved this book from beginning to end! It was silly, heartwarming, and heartbreaking - all in one. Set in London during World War II, the main characters, Emmeline Lake and her best friend Bunty, were charming and delightful, and their friendship was one to be
I loved this book from beginning to end! It was silly, heartwarming, and heartbreaking - all in one. Set in London during World War II, the main characters, Emmeline Lake and her best friend Bunty, were charming and delightful, and their friendship was one to be
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admired. I was instantly captivated by the multi-layered story: Emmy's dream of being a war correspondent and how she mistakenly settled for a job as a typist at Woman's Friend Magazine; her secret job answering forbidden letters doomed for the shredder from Mrs. Henrietta Bird's advice column mailbag; and the valient and heroic war-effort volunteers of London's dangerous Auxiliary Fire Service. Written in the first-person, Emmeline unwittingly tells the story of courageous young men and women of war-torn London who overcame great obstacles and hardships, but still carried on and persevered. "The courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times," this sweet story did not dissapoint and has warmed my heart. Show Less
LibraryThing member ethel55
What an enjoyable story. This takes place during the Blitz, when many left behind on the home front are taking on a variety of unusual jobs, sometimes multiple ones. When Emmeline, who wishes to become a war correspondent, applies for a job at a news magazine, she doesn't realize the
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misunderstanding until too late. She is hired as a typist to the advice columnist at a floundering women's magazine. When she can't stop herself from secretly replying to some of the letters Mrs. Bird finds too Scandalous, you just know things are going to go Awry. I really enjoyed her relationship with her best friend Bunty and how both girls and many other Londoners make their way through this tumultuous time. Show Less
LibraryThing member kimkimkim
December, 1940, World War II is looming large; Hitler and his Luftwaffe are dropping bombs on London every night wreaking destruction and mayhem. “The world has become ugly and mad.”
Told In the first person, Emmaline Lake, thinking she was interviewing for a job that would lead to her ultimate
Unfortunately Emmy has a tendency to disregard the rules and takes matters a step or two out of bounds. She is risking her job, her friendships, everything, and it gets worse. She is thrown over by her fiancée Edmund, and if there is any comfort to be had, her mother reminds Emmy that “men are such fatheads”. Just delightful.
There is also a strong and important back story and tribute to those women in the Auxiliary Fire Service and the London firemen who responded to the calls of fires and collapsed buildings caused by the nightly bombings. Death and loss is not left out of the narrative, but strengthened by it. Well, that part is not delightful but told with sensitivity.
I loved this book; it made me laugh, sigh, gasp, shed a tear, and have hope. This would have been a great 1940’s movie.
Thank you Netgalley and Scribner for a copy.
Told In the first person, Emmaline Lake, thinking she was interviewing for a job that would lead to her ultimate
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goal of becoming a war correspondent, accepts only to discover that she has once again rushed in without paying attention to the fine print. After all when she saw the announcement in the paper she was just “cock-a-hoop”. Ah, but the job isn’t with The Chronicle as she had thought, but with “Woman’s Friend”. She is to be a typist to “Henrietta Helps”, a Dear Abbey type who has pages of word she finds objectionable and therefore will also only answer the most generic letters with fatuous comments. Well, Emmy has hopes of being a journalist and her best friend Bunty thinks this is surely her first step and it is just going to be grand. “Things had really perked up.” Just delightful.Unfortunately Emmy has a tendency to disregard the rules and takes matters a step or two out of bounds. She is risking her job, her friendships, everything, and it gets worse. She is thrown over by her fiancée Edmund, and if there is any comfort to be had, her mother reminds Emmy that “men are such fatheads”. Just delightful.
There is also a strong and important back story and tribute to those women in the Auxiliary Fire Service and the London firemen who responded to the calls of fires and collapsed buildings caused by the nightly bombings. Death and loss is not left out of the narrative, but strengthened by it. Well, that part is not delightful but told with sensitivity.
I loved this book; it made me laugh, sigh, gasp, shed a tear, and have hope. This would have been a great 1940’s movie.
Thank you Netgalley and Scribner for a copy.
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LibraryThing member trinityM82
THis was an easy read. It showed an interesting perspective of a civilian living through World War 2 - the loss the women suffered as they tried to "keep calm and carry on."
LibraryThing member bookappeal
Emmeline Lake thinks she's landed her dream job and will finally be able to make a difference in the world by reporting on the war. When her position turns out to be typist for an advice columnist, Emmy tries to make the best of her tragic mistake. A refreshingly joyful WWII story, told by a
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charming and plucky young heroine, with a narrative style that is highly amusing. The book doesn't shy away from the realities of WWII in London but finds a path through the pathos by viewing war from the perspective of the young and hopeful women living through it. Though not without tragedy, this is a satisfying, well-written, feel-good book that stands alone but will hopefully have a sequel! Show Less
LibraryThing member pdebolt
Emmy Lake is the endearing main character in this novel, which is set in the west end of London during WWII. Emmy eagerly responds to a help wanted ad for a junior typist at a publishing company, convinced that she will be working for a newspaper and eventually moving into the role of a wartime
The effects of the bombings, destruction and air raids in London are also seen in the book, as is the courage and stoicism of the English people. When Emmy's life is severely altered after a bombing, she gains a new perspective on herself and the people she loves. There are moments in this book of poignancy, humor and great sadness, which all combine to create a memorable novel. AJ Pearce has admirably captured the zeitgeist of that era in English history.
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correspondent. The reality is she will be typing responses in an advice column for the formidable Mrs. Bird, a no-nonsense woman with a total aversion to any letters that seek her advice on anything she deems salacious. The effects of the bombings, destruction and air raids in London are also seen in the book, as is the courage and stoicism of the English people. When Emmy's life is severely altered after a bombing, she gains a new perspective on herself and the people she loves. There are moments in this book of poignancy, humor and great sadness, which all combine to create a memorable novel. AJ Pearce has admirably captured the zeitgeist of that era in English history.
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LibraryThing member shazjhb
Loved the book. Hope there is a follow you as I want to know what happens to everyone. It ends in summer 1941. Long time before the war ends. It would make a great movie.
LibraryThing member Pmaurer
A bit of fluff book that also mixes in the life of a young woman located in London during the blitz. The main character, Emmy, is the lackey to a highly opinionated Mrs Bird, whose function is to select letters for Mrs Bird to answer. The problem is in finding acceptable letters that don't cross
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the "unacceptable" line (hugely expansive) that MB has set out. Fun book, but yet gives you the idea of what life at that time period would have been like for those left at home. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookczuk
I used to love reading advice columns in papers and magazines. I once found a stack of ladies magazines from the 40's and of course went to the advice column right off. Apparently, the same thing happened to AJ Pearce, with a stack of ladies journals from WWII. Those were the inspirations for this
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book, and some of the letters are the basis of letters used in the book. Dear Mrs Bird was an enjoyable romp back in history, in a refreshingly different vein from the plethora of WWI books flooding the market of late. Show Less
LibraryThing member tshrope
Charming but predictable. I definitely think this book should be marketed as YA. As I have written in other reviews, I read YA and I like YA novels, but I wish I knew the book was YA before reading it.
While the writing is good and Emmeline’s character well drawn, the plot is simplistic and
The only reason I finished it is because I listened to it on audio and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator.
If you are looking for a light fluffy historical YA beach read I would recommend it, but not if you are looking for a little more substantial adult historical read.
While the writing is good and Emmeline’s character well drawn, the plot is simplistic and
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rather juvenile. The only reason I finished it is because I listened to it on audio and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator.
If you are looking for a light fluffy historical YA beach read I would recommend it, but not if you are looking for a little more substantial adult historical read.
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LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian
3.5 Stars, rounded up to 4. Emmeline Lake, Emmy, works for a solicitor by day and volunteers by answering phones for the fire brigade a few nights a week due to London being blitzed regularly by the Luftwaffe. This is not her dream job. She dreams of becoming a war correspondent or a journalist
"Dear Mrs. Bird" is a historical fiction novel that elicits a lot of feelings and emotions. The reality of what happened in London during the blitz is heartbreaking. This book is a tribute to the women remaining at home in a country under siege. This is reflected with Emmy who is also a volunteer with the Fire Brigade, answering calls each night as the bombings occur, as well as with those who write letters to Henrietta Bird seeking advice as they try to deal with their real problems. At times it is funny and light, but also sad and horrifying as we see the destruction and losses. There were a few times that I was very frustrated with Emmy. She tended to be a bit overbearing and dishonest at various times in the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story and if you like WWII stories, historical fiction, women's stories, then I recommend you give this book a try. The publisher, Scribner, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The ratings, ideas and opinions are my own.
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covering political intrigue. Discovering a newspaper ad for part-time work at The London Evening Chronicle, she immediately applies for this part-time job and is hired. Imagine her surprise when she finds out that the job she has gotten is nothing more than a junior typist job for Woman's Friend Magazine. She is to read letter sent in to Mrs. Bird, then type her responses for the column Henrietta Helps. The only problem is that the imposing Mrs. Bird has a list of unacceptable topics or words, so she answers very few letters. Because Emmy reads the letters and feels badly for those who will not get a reply, she secretly decides to send kindly responses to women desperate enough to write in and sign them Mrs. Bird. When the bombing of London hits too close to home for Emmy, she has to deal with her best friend's injuries and emotional problems. "Dear Mrs. Bird" is a historical fiction novel that elicits a lot of feelings and emotions. The reality of what happened in London during the blitz is heartbreaking. This book is a tribute to the women remaining at home in a country under siege. This is reflected with Emmy who is also a volunteer with the Fire Brigade, answering calls each night as the bombings occur, as well as with those who write letters to Henrietta Bird seeking advice as they try to deal with their real problems. At times it is funny and light, but also sad and horrifying as we see the destruction and losses. There were a few times that I was very frustrated with Emmy. She tended to be a bit overbearing and dishonest at various times in the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story and if you like WWII stories, historical fiction, women's stories, then I recommend you give this book a try. The publisher, Scribner, generously provided me with a copy of this book to read. The ratings, ideas and opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member TheEllieMo
Oh, golly, this is such a tremendously plucky little novel. I really did expect that I’d thoroughly enjoy it. But, I’m not sure whether it was Anna Popplewell’s frightfully perky narration, or the way the book itself was written, but it did all seem frightfully jolly hockey-sticks! A rather
*OK, I borrowed that from a spoof of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five.
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far-fetched story squeezed in between a few terribly horrible Luftwaffe raids and some rather unfortunate incidents, but it all turned out alright in the end, hurrah! Time for a picnic and lashings of ginger beer!!**OK, I borrowed that from a spoof of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five.
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LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
Dear Mrs. Bird is the debut historical fiction novel by AJ Pearce. It combines the story of a young woman making her way in London during WWII, her friendships, romances, and new job with the horror and devastation of the blitz, the bombings, the noise, and the destruction. It is at times
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
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lighthearted, even humourous and at others heart wrenching. The characters are, for the most part, likeable and clearly the author did her research on of what life was like in Britain during the war - the slang, the shortages, the attempts at normalcy between attacks, and the bravery and fear that the bombings brought out in people. I enjoyed this book quite a bit and recommend it highly.Thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
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LibraryThing member bookworm12
London during WWII was a fascinating time for young women. This story follows an ambitious woman who finds herself typing up letters for an advice column. It's full of British charm, though it doesn't shy away from the horrors of war. I felt like it could have been edited a bit shorter, but really
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enjoyed it regardless. Show Less
LibraryThing member DonnaMarieMerritt
Loved the voice of this debut novelist. 1940, London. Emmy's dream is to become a war correspondent and she has the support of her best friend, Bunty. When she answers the ad of a well-respected, established publishing house and is hired, she thinks she is on her way—until she discovers that she
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is merely typing up answers to a "problems page" in a woman's magazine. Worse, the editor, Mrs. Bird, refuses to answer any letters that involve "unpleasantness," including giving advice about relationships and any opinion about the war. Surely it wouldn't hurt for Emmy to answer a few on her own and sign Mrs. Bird's name? It's warm and lighthearted, but is set in the middle of the WWII Blitz, where Emmy and Bunty encounter the real Unpleasantness, the kind that truly matters and that tests their ultimate friendship. A cast of friends and family round out this story nicely. I look forward to more from AJ Pearce. Show Less
LibraryThing member cburnett5
4.5 stars
Dear Mrs. Bird is a Gem of a Book. A.J. Pearce uses a clever writing style and capitalizes the protagonist Emmy Lake’s expressions that are Important or Exciting which makes for an entertaining and enjoyable read. As the book begins in 1940 London, Emmy shows up for a newspaper interview
Based on the book’s blurb, I was expecting a light-hearted read when in fact the story is thought-provoking, occasionally heart-wrenching, and simply beautiful. Pearce’s descriptions of blitzed and war torn London are so vivid that at times I felt I was right there with Emmy and her friends. The plot is Creative and Original, and I am so glad I read Dear Mrs. Bird. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more from A.J. Pearce. I received the book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Dear Mrs. Bird is a Gem of a Book. A.J. Pearce uses a clever writing style and capitalizes the protagonist Emmy Lake’s expressions that are Important or Exciting which makes for an entertaining and enjoyable read. As the book begins in 1940 London, Emmy shows up for a newspaper interview
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thinking the position is for a lady war correspondent when instead the position is to sort through letters written to a Dear Abby type named Mrs. Bird. Unhappy with Mrs. Bird’s position on many of the letters she receives (and Mrs. Bird’s refusal to answer any that she deems unpleasant), Emmy decides to secretly answer some of the truly desperate letters, and the tale unfolds from there.Based on the book’s blurb, I was expecting a light-hearted read when in fact the story is thought-provoking, occasionally heart-wrenching, and simply beautiful. Pearce’s descriptions of blitzed and war torn London are so vivid that at times I felt I was right there with Emmy and her friends. The plot is Creative and Original, and I am so glad I read Dear Mrs. Bird. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more from A.J. Pearce. I received the book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member BoundTogetherForGood
This book takes an interesting look at WWII, through the eyes of those left in England during the war.
For about the first half of the book though, I felt the characters were rather narrow. Eventually, the author kicked things up a notch and I became hooked in the way that I had hoped.
For about the first half of the book though, I felt the characters were rather narrow. Eventually, the author kicked things up a notch and I became hooked in the way that I had hoped.
LibraryThing member smorton11
I have loved a good World War II novel for a very long time and have been a deep lover of the genre of historical fiction as a whole for more than two decades (which is more than two thirds of my life given that I’m just shy of 30). A few years ago, though, it seemed to be all I read – great
Then our Simon & Schuster sales rep gave me and ARC of Dear Mrs. Bird. When it came out and I still hadn’t read it, he sent me a finished copy. When he stopped in to see us and I still hadn’t read it, he very kindly told me (lectured me) about not doing so. He thought it’d be perfect for me. I should have listened to him sooner.
When the holiday staff table was looking like it needed a jolt of historical fiction, I figured it was the perfect time to read this most delightful of books. Did I cry? Of course I did – it’s a World War II novel and is not without it’s share of doom and gloom. But that’s not the main point. That’s not the main plot. It’s not the driving force of Emmy’s life. Is it perfect? No. It’s a debut and the pacing and plot can be clunky and lacking. But it is a most enjoyable and delightful read and an excellent addition to the genre.
So, if you’re a WWII lover like me but are feeling a bit broken by each book trying to be the next Book Thief or Nightingale, take a look at Dear Mrs. Bird. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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for giving recommendations as at the bookstore, not so great for mental health and reading enjoyment. I felt broken – scenes in concentration camps no longer elicited any feelings from me. I should be bawling my eyes out and I wasn’t. I should have felt something more than simple blase. So I took a break.Then our Simon & Schuster sales rep gave me and ARC of Dear Mrs. Bird. When it came out and I still hadn’t read it, he sent me a finished copy. When he stopped in to see us and I still hadn’t read it, he very kindly told me (lectured me) about not doing so. He thought it’d be perfect for me. I should have listened to him sooner.
When the holiday staff table was looking like it needed a jolt of historical fiction, I figured it was the perfect time to read this most delightful of books. Did I cry? Of course I did – it’s a World War II novel and is not without it’s share of doom and gloom. But that’s not the main point. That’s not the main plot. It’s not the driving force of Emmy’s life. Is it perfect? No. It’s a debut and the pacing and plot can be clunky and lacking. But it is a most enjoyable and delightful read and an excellent addition to the genre.
So, if you’re a WWII lover like me but are feeling a bit broken by each book trying to be the next Book Thief or Nightingale, take a look at Dear Mrs. Bird. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
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LibraryThing member brenzi
If you’re looking for a book that will tear out your heart this may be the one for you. Heartbreaking doesn’t begin to cover it.
London. The Blitz. 1941. Emmy is a young woman who thinks she lands a job at a prestigious London newspaper only to discover that it’s actually a lowly weekly
I enjoyed this rather light, but still heartbreaking short novel and the audio was very well done. Some of the events could’ve been predicted (and actually were, by moi) but it was still an enjoyable read and left me with a very hopeful feeling at the end. Highly recommended.
3.9 stars
London. The Blitz. 1941. Emmy is a young woman who thinks she lands a job at a prestigious London newspaper only to discover that it’s actually a lowly weekly
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women’s publication. She puts her dreams aside and tries to make the best of it. She’s assigned to work for the haranguing Mrs. Bird who has an advice column in the publication. Unfortunately, she will only give advice to those letters that interest her and do not touch on love, sex, loss or any of the hundreds of topics that actually interest the young women who read the magazine. Emmy seems to come up with a solution. Her best friend Bunty is engaged to a young air raid warden when Emmy and he have a bit of an argument. The book turns on these two events.I enjoyed this rather light, but still heartbreaking short novel and the audio was very well done. Some of the events could’ve been predicted (and actually were, by moi) but it was still an enjoyable read and left me with a very hopeful feeling at the end. Highly recommended.
3.9 stars
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Language
Original language
English
ISBN
9781509853939
Original publication date
2018