Waitin' For The Train To Come In: A Novel Of World War II

by David Garnes

World War II, perhaps the defining event of the 20th century, didn't happen only on the battlefield. WAITIN' FOR THE TRAIN TO COME IN is an historical novel about a New England family on the home front during the tumultuous years that changed the world--and the lives of all Americans. The novel follows the Stewarts of Springfield, Massachusetts as they cope with the sacrifices, adventures, and drama of "the war to end all wars." Live the years 1943-1946 through the eyes of Laura and Alan Stewart, their son Billy, and his Aunt Belle as each experiences life in an urban neighborhood and, for one, on a Navy ship in the Pacific. Through the eyes of Laura, Billy, Belle, Alan and many other characters, WAITIN' FOR THE TRAIN TO COME IN also explores larger outcomes of the the changing role of women; adjustments of returning veterans; life in wartime factories; and the struggles of being a child and adolescent during these turbulent years. Re-live air raid drills; rationing; holiday and end-of-war celebrations. Experience life in the Navy, from basic training to kamikaze attacks, typhoons, and the pleasures of wartime Honolulu. David Garnes' extensive research also adds to the vivid re-creation of popular culture of the on the radio, in the movies, and in newspapers and popular books and magazines. WAITIN' FOR THE TRAIN TO COME IN will appeal to readers who lived through this period, as well as those who did not experience the war but enjoy a well-plotted novel set against the backdrop of a crucial and exciting time in our history.

510 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2013

Reviews

[Bonnie K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading a second time!

I forgot I had read this book before I got about halfway through but it's okay because I throughly enjoyed it, the characters are so written that you feel like you're a part of that family and I love world war 2 historical fiction books so please enjoy this book.

[Jo Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, especially if you live in the area of Hartford, Ct. or Springfield, Ma. The book is well written with lots of dialogue. The author takes you back to the period of time that is WWII by describing the culture of the times--music, theater, discrimination, etc. I recommend this book, especially if you're interested in immersing yourself in the 1940's.

[Annette Myrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very good book

At first I THOUGHT THIS BOOK was taking too long to get into the story and seemed pLotless However, the more I read, the more I realized that it showed how life was like for families during WW II and how wonderful it was to live in a neighborhood where each family knew and cared about each other.

[Herman Morgan III · Rating 5 out of 5]

History on a Personal level.

As a lifelong admirer of The Greatest Generation, I truly enjoyed this Family History of World War II. Though it was set in Springfield Massachusetts, it was easily transferable to my Midwestern roots here in Indiana. I enjoyed it so much, that I'm going to see if the follow-up novel is on my Kindle Unlimited shelf.

[Krysten Gorrivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting WWII historical fiction, from the point of view of the family left at home along with the sailor's life at war. Interesting story line around gender differences at the time. I'm not sure I would have done well as a wife in the 1940's.

[Douglas Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I didn't grow up in the 40's, I did in the 50's. A very evocative book that brought back memories of my time as a child.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good depiction of the everyday life of a family and neighbors during WWII.

[B.J. McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest portrait of life

A realist look inside a family as they cope on the home front and at war. Could hardly put down! Great read!