Bonne: Family Letters from WWII

by Nancy J. Healy (Editor), Patricia M. Sperano (Editor)

Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, America entered World War II. The war impacted all American families with most men serving either in theatre or at home. During this period, from 1942 to 1945, the Slavin family members corresponded by mail, keeping one another abreast of developments both on the war and the home fronts. This book contains the letters that were saved by Ben Slavin and some of the family stories that surround the events.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[P.J. Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A blend of wartime history and family chatter, this book is mostly about the home front during the war, in the greater New York City area. Stateside family matters. Plus details about censorship of the mails, travel restrictions, rationing, shortages, blackouts, draft statuses, etc. Insights into the role railroads played in the war, because these were railroad people, second generation employees of the New York Central Railroad.

This is family history for the grandkids. But it may have interest beyond the family to historians, New Yorkers, old timers and nostalgiacs who want to recall the times and places. The editors discuss and clarify the letters, and add details.

Four stars if you are interested in the American home front during World War II. Five stars if you are interested in this particular extended family.