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War Babies
Rachel Booker has a difficult start in life. When her father dies, deep in gambling debt, her mother must harden herself to make ends meet, but becomes so hard she has little room left for affection or warmth. Mother and daughter work at the open market in Birmingham, selling second-hand clothes or whatever they can find just to put a little food on the table.But the market has a silver it's there that Rachel makes her first childhood friend, Danny. As they grow older, the friendship grows into something more and their innocent romance gives Rachel the care and comfort she's always craved. But at just sixteen, as World War II breaks out, Rachel falls pregnant. They marry in haste but it isn't long before Danny is called up. Left on the home front with a new baby and little else, Rachel must scrape by with the other residents of Sparkbrook. But if Danny ever makes it home, will he be the same boy she loved so fiercely? And if Rachel can sustain the family until then, will she end up as hard-hearted as her own mother? Annie Murray's War Babies is a moving and insightful novel about hardships on the home front and how the war changed everybody it touched . . .
481 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2015
31 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Annie Murray
51 books167 followersAnnie Murray was a ‘childhood writer.’ Her career was helped a great deal by belonging to Tindal Street Fiction Group in Birmingham and by winning the SHE/Granada TV Short Story Competition in 1991. She has published short stories in a number of anthologies as well as SHE magazine. Her first regional saga, Birmingham Rose appeared in 1995 and reached the Times bestseller list. She has since published more than a dozen others, including the ‘Cadbury books,’ Chocolate Girls and The Bells of Bournville Green, Family of Women and her latest, A Hopscotch Summer. Annie has four children and lives near Reading.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 28, 2015
Rachel's mother doesn't really care much about her. She's never kind and Rachel doesn't feel loved at all. Her father has passed away and left them penniless. Rachel's mother has to work hard and while they're selling things at the rag market Rachel meets Danny. She likes him straight away and slowly they're becoming friends. Until he disappears all of a sudden. Not long afterwards Rachel's mother manages to find a new man to marry. They're no longer poor, but Rachel doesn't like her new home, not at all. She escapes it as much as she can. One of her favorite places to go to is the rag market. Danny's aunt Gladys is still working there and she's always kind to Rachel.
When Danny's finally back at the market Rachel is very happy. Soon they're more than just friends and even though they're really young they know it's true love. Not long afterwards Rachel's pregnant. She's happy living with Danny and Gladys, but it can't last long as there's a war going on. When Danny's eighteen he has to do his duty, which means he has to leave home. Rachel is now alone with one baby and another one on the way. The Second World War has separated Danny and Rachel and she misses him fiercely, but Rachel must keep going as two little children depend on her. With the help of Gladys she can manage. Will she and Danny both survive the war and if so will their relationship still be the same?
War Babies is a beautiful story about a girl who doesn't come from a loving home. She wants to do better than her mother and she tries to give her children as much love as she can. She often cries, but life is going on and Rachel has to be strong. Her mother is no support, so she and Gladys have to get by. It was wonderful to see her grow. Rachel vows to love her children and to show them that she cares. Gladys seems to know how to help very well, but she doesn't have a family of her own. I wanted to know what she was hiding.
It was interesting to read about life in general and what happened to families, at the time of the Second World War. If you like stories set in this time I can definitely recommend this book. I liked the story about true love and was fascinated by it from the start. War Babies is captivating and I absolutely loved it.
When Danny's finally back at the market Rachel is very happy. Soon they're more than just friends and even though they're really young they know it's true love. Not long afterwards Rachel's pregnant. She's happy living with Danny and Gladys, but it can't last long as there's a war going on. When Danny's eighteen he has to do his duty, which means he has to leave home. Rachel is now alone with one baby and another one on the way. The Second World War has separated Danny and Rachel and she misses him fiercely, but Rachel must keep going as two little children depend on her. With the help of Gladys she can manage. Will she and Danny both survive the war and if so will their relationship still be the same?
War Babies is a beautiful story about a girl who doesn't come from a loving home. She wants to do better than her mother and she tries to give her children as much love as she can. She often cries, but life is going on and Rachel has to be strong. Her mother is no support, so she and Gladys have to get by. It was wonderful to see her grow. Rachel vows to love her children and to show them that she cares. Gladys seems to know how to help very well, but she doesn't have a family of her own. I wanted to know what she was hiding.
It was interesting to read about life in general and what happened to families, at the time of the Second World War. If you like stories set in this time I can definitely recommend this book. I liked the story about true love and was fascinated by it from the start. War Babies is captivating and I absolutely loved it.
December 30, 2017
Loved reading this book. Recommended.
September 6, 2017
Good book,really enjoyed this book good family story.
April 26, 2015
A fabulous page turner set in Birmingham just before and during the second world war. The story centres around Rachel who her father had been found dead, and her uncaring mother and her had to resort to working at the rag market in order to be able to survive.
Rachel at such a young age falls in love with Danny at the market, and at the age of 16 finds herself pregnant, and has to marry him and moves in with his aunt Gladys. Her mother was so selfish, and uncaring that you couldn't help feeling for Rachel.
I found the story so unpredictable and had lots of twists and turns. I loved all the characters especially Gladys. For some reason I was so frustrated with Danny's character, I did sympathise with what he went through during the war, but I felt for Rachel who was left bringing up her daughter and disabled baby, and didn't like Danny's attitude once he returned from the war.
I loved the descriptions of what life was like in the 40's, and the characters of all the neighbours. The author took me back to life and places in Birmingham, I found myself back in all the places she described, and how life has changed now.
I can't wait to read Annie's next novel.
Rachel at such a young age falls in love with Danny at the market, and at the age of 16 finds herself pregnant, and has to marry him and moves in with his aunt Gladys. Her mother was so selfish, and uncaring that you couldn't help feeling for Rachel.
I found the story so unpredictable and had lots of twists and turns. I loved all the characters especially Gladys. For some reason I was so frustrated with Danny's character, I did sympathise with what he went through during the war, but I felt for Rachel who was left bringing up her daughter and disabled baby, and didn't like Danny's attitude once he returned from the war.
I loved the descriptions of what life was like in the 40's, and the characters of all the neighbours. The author took me back to life and places in Birmingham, I found myself back in all the places she described, and how life has changed now.
I can't wait to read Annie's next novel.
July 6, 2015
Another good read
July 11, 2015
An easy to read, family saga set in WW2 based on the women & kids back home during the war years.
November 10, 2017
Beautiful
A beautiful story starts with Rachel meeting and falling in love with Danny . They marry so young then war breaks out and Danny is sent away leaving Rachel to bring up her two children with the help of auntie. I loved this book such a heartwarming story like all the authors book they never disappointed me.
A beautiful story starts with Rachel meeting and falling in love with Danny . They marry so young then war breaks out and Danny is sent away leaving Rachel to bring up her two children with the help of auntie. I loved this book such a heartwarming story like all the authors book they never disappointed me.
September 17, 2018
War Babies by Annie Murray is a marvelous epic novel set in Birmingham during the 1930's and the war years. It is a novel of a community - people "did not have much money, but they knew how to make a home." A home is not about money, a home is about love. At times there can be more love found in a slum than a mansion.
There is a surprising amount of snobbery to found among some of the poor. It is character and the state of the heart that is the measure of a person not the size of their bank account.
Women and children are the main focus of the novel. The women had it tough. World War I had robbed some of them of husbands and fathers. A flu epidemic then stole their loved ones. World War II pinched the able bodied for war. The women bandied together, supported each other and survived.
Children were a community responsibility. If a child was seen to be in need, the neighbours met that need. It may only have been a slice of bread and marg but it was given lovingly.
The plight of the handicapped is shown. It was an awful time of shunning the different and locking them away in institutions. The love, care and commitment of a mother to stand up for her child is beautiful and unbreakable. In contrast there are some harsh, cruel and uncaring mothers.
War changes people. Soldiers saw unthinkable horrors. They could not talk about it for years, if ever. Husbands returned changed and broken. Wives were not the same in 1945 as in 1939, they had become tougher and more capable, having struggled alone through the war years. Children saw fathers for the first time in years. Post World War II certainly bought a new set of challenges.
War Babies was a fabulous book. As a historian it was fascinating to read about the social change. As a native of Birmingham I loved the familiar locations. I really cannot get enough of Annie Murray's books. She is the latest of my favourite authors.
There is a surprising amount of snobbery to found among some of the poor. It is character and the state of the heart that is the measure of a person not the size of their bank account.
Women and children are the main focus of the novel. The women had it tough. World War I had robbed some of them of husbands and fathers. A flu epidemic then stole their loved ones. World War II pinched the able bodied for war. The women bandied together, supported each other and survived.
Children were a community responsibility. If a child was seen to be in need, the neighbours met that need. It may only have been a slice of bread and marg but it was given lovingly.
The plight of the handicapped is shown. It was an awful time of shunning the different and locking them away in institutions. The love, care and commitment of a mother to stand up for her child is beautiful and unbreakable. In contrast there are some harsh, cruel and uncaring mothers.
War changes people. Soldiers saw unthinkable horrors. They could not talk about it for years, if ever. Husbands returned changed and broken. Wives were not the same in 1945 as in 1939, they had become tougher and more capable, having struggled alone through the war years. Children saw fathers for the first time in years. Post World War II certainly bought a new set of challenges.
War Babies was a fabulous book. As a historian it was fascinating to read about the social change. As a native of Birmingham I loved the familiar locations. I really cannot get enough of Annie Murray's books. She is the latest of my favourite authors.
December 21, 2020
Ann Murray's forte is writing historical fiction. War Babies is another great piece of historical fiction I enjoyed. The tone is straight away set as it about a daughter Rachael and mother Peggy living in the streets of Birmingham. Set in the backdrop of World War 2, the novel tells the story of Rachael, raised single handely by the mother Peggy. Life proved to be an uphill struggle, as you are about to find out. Plenty of hardships endured. The background of Rachael's character is interesting and intriguing. It tells us about the relationship with the mother. Romance blossom as Racheal meets a lad Danny. How does Racheal life transform since meeting thr lad? The novel deeply looks at how the war transformed lives. It is unfolded in a drama. It vividly captures the events of what life was like during the war for ordinary folks at Birmingham. The characters are well developed and engaging. The story is very well written and easy to follow. It is filled with emotions. The author knows how to draw us info the characters. Murray deliever another great piece of historical fiction. I have developed a strong liking for the author. She writes stories that stay in your mind, which is a strong quality I look for in an author.
One person found this helpful
One person found this helpful
May 5, 2018
I love the story, sometimes I hate Rachel but it's fine, I may learn a few things from this book and I also observed that British really love to drink tea. They always talk about "cuppa tea", in every chapter. I'm not trying to be offensive but it makes me smile most of the time.
January 17, 2022
Great book! Really showed the struggles of the women left at home during the war.
January 28, 2024
A brilliant book by Annie, well worth a read, I couldn't put it down
March 6, 2017
A great read from Annie Murray
An historical tale set in the 1930s to post second world war tells of the experiences and hardships of the main characters Rachel and Danny. From childhood relationships and difficulties that forge their personalities, and difficulties they encounter as they mature into adulthood in a world at war. A refreshing read that deals with human hardships not just on wartime experiences but on the real personal emotions that those circumstances orchestrate.
An historical tale set in the 1930s to post second world war tells of the experiences and hardships of the main characters Rachel and Danny. From childhood relationships and difficulties that forge their personalities, and difficulties they encounter as they mature into adulthood in a world at war. A refreshing read that deals with human hardships not just on wartime experiences but on the real personal emotions that those circumstances orchestrate.
May 3, 2021
War Babies, Another brilliant read from Annie Murrau
Great read keeping you wanting to read more and more.
Well done really enjoyed.. going on to read Now the war is over.
Great read keeping you wanting to read more and more.
Well done really enjoyed.. going on to read Now the war is over.
June 29, 2016
Originally posted on: http://www.albainbookland.com/2016/06...
War Babies tells the story of Rachel Booker. When the novel starts, she is only a little girl who has just lost her father. Because of that, her mother has now to take care of them both, something that she finds hard and unfair and soon Rachel becomes more of a burden than a loved daughter. Rachel's childhood is not an easy one so when she meets Danny on the market they both work, he becomes her ray of sunshine.
As the story progresses, Rachel grows older and as Danny reenters her life, their relationship becomes more serious and stronger too. But soon, war breaks out and Rachel finds herself with a baby and no husband to help her. Reading about Rachel's life during those long war years, it was easy to forget she was still a teenager. We watched her grow "old" way too fast, with too many responsibilities and too little help. Luckily, Danny's aunt and their neighbours were a great support for them, especially for Rachel who was faced with one problem after another.
I think that I enjoyed the first part of the story (seeing Rachel grow and the start of her relationship with Danny) more than the second part (all the war years) as I felt that this second part dragged a bit too much and the whole situation made me really sad, plus there were some new characters that I didn't like at all. Something I did enjoy in this part was the camaraderie that you could feel between neighbours and also how Rachel never gave up and became such a strong character.
But all in all, I found this story interesting and entertaining, especially if you are curious about women's life during the war. Plus, I've just found out there's a sequel for this story, one I would really like to read to see how Rachel and her clan's lives continue after war.
(review copy)
War Babies tells the story of Rachel Booker. When the novel starts, she is only a little girl who has just lost her father. Because of that, her mother has now to take care of them both, something that she finds hard and unfair and soon Rachel becomes more of a burden than a loved daughter. Rachel's childhood is not an easy one so when she meets Danny on the market they both work, he becomes her ray of sunshine.
As the story progresses, Rachel grows older and as Danny reenters her life, their relationship becomes more serious and stronger too. But soon, war breaks out and Rachel finds herself with a baby and no husband to help her. Reading about Rachel's life during those long war years, it was easy to forget she was still a teenager. We watched her grow "old" way too fast, with too many responsibilities and too little help. Luckily, Danny's aunt and their neighbours were a great support for them, especially for Rachel who was faced with one problem after another.
I think that I enjoyed the first part of the story (seeing Rachel grow and the start of her relationship with Danny) more than the second part (all the war years) as I felt that this second part dragged a bit too much and the whole situation made me really sad, plus there were some new characters that I didn't like at all. Something I did enjoy in this part was the camaraderie that you could feel between neighbours and also how Rachel never gave up and became such a strong character.
But all in all, I found this story interesting and entertaining, especially if you are curious about women's life during the war. Plus, I've just found out there's a sequel for this story, one I would really like to read to see how Rachel and her clan's lives continue after war.
(review copy)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews