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Eve's War: The diaries of a military wife during the second world war
THE DIARIES OF A MILITARY WIFE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR
In 1935 , Evelyn Shillington started a diary, little knowing the years of turmoil it would cover, and how insightful her experiences as an army wife would be to the following generations.
Eve joined her beloved husband, Captain Rex Shillington, on his postings, giving her a unique view into army life. Through the abdication crisis, to the turbulent years of the WWII and ending in war-ravaged Italy, Eve documented it all with an inimitable spirit and brave humour.
The diaries lay forgotten in an attic for years until an enterprising antiques dealer discovered them by chance. Published seventy years after Eve wrote in her diary for the last time, they offer a fascinating first-hand account into life on the home front.
Readers love EVE'S
' Enlightening and well written'
'What a brilliant read'
'Such an interesting account and in great detail too'
'It's a book you just want to carry on reading '
In 1935 , Evelyn Shillington started a diary, little knowing the years of turmoil it would cover, and how insightful her experiences as an army wife would be to the following generations.
Eve joined her beloved husband, Captain Rex Shillington, on his postings, giving her a unique view into army life. Through the abdication crisis, to the turbulent years of the WWII and ending in war-ravaged Italy, Eve documented it all with an inimitable spirit and brave humour.
The diaries lay forgotten in an attic for years until an enterprising antiques dealer discovered them by chance. Published seventy years after Eve wrote in her diary for the last time, they offer a fascinating first-hand account into life on the home front.
Readers love EVE'S
' Enlightening and well written'
'What a brilliant read'
'Such an interesting account and in great detail too'
'It's a book you just want to carry on reading '
336 pages, Paperback
Published December 25, 2018
12 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 1, 2020
I picked this up as research really only looking for information on a specific week in the early days of the second world war. But Eve is a magical writer and I ended up devouring the whole thing. By turns she's witty and thoughtful, and every so often a bit naughty. Utterly charming. I simply couldn't stop reading as the war unfolded through her eyes, as she travelled from place to place and her account of Italy and Austria in the aftermath. I wonder what happened to the rest of her writing.
May 17, 2020
Diaries of real people have a certain appeal, and when those people live in interesting times they are fascinating. They have an immediacy that is valuable in many ways, an honesty without the benefit of hindsight and self editing. When they are well written as this volume they reveal a lot about the experience of the author and those they have contact with, people relevant to the overall story. This volume has been edited really well by the talented Barbara Fox, who has an excellent record of using people’s memories to construct a narrative. This book is the record of Evelyn, who is married to an army officer, from 1935 to 1946. She actually moves around a lot, in Britain until July 1946 when she arrives in Italy. It is the story of a woman who is deeply in love with her husband, and determined to follow him wherever he is stationed. She has the happy talent for making friends wherever she goes, despite frequent moves when her housing becomes unavailable or unsuitable. She is a meticulous diarist, writing about her feelings, the setting, her clothes and what else is going on. Not that she is self centred; she is a keen recorder of what is going on for herself and others in the context of what is happening with the war as well as locally.
When the diary begins Evelyn is in her early forties, and is happily married to Rex, a popular and effective army officer. She is returning to Britain from Hong Kong where he has been stationed as the diary starts. Barbara has supplied a list of Evelyn’s most significant relatives, friends and acquaintances, which is useful as the friends in particular can only be mentioned briefly, or be a constant reference point. As the book begins Evelyn is grieving for her mother, a successful playwright, who has died while Evelyn has been abroad. Evelyn makes frequent reference to attending productions of the shows which have a popular appeal.
The diaries are valuable as a record of what happens as the peace breaks down in Europe and elsewhere. There are moments of hope as war seems to have been averted for a while, but then it becomes a reality. Evelyn is not ever in direct danger, which is fortunate as she evidently hates going into shelters. Rex has to work long and difficult hours ensuring supplies are being dispatched to the army units which need them, especially as the Normandy landings are in preparation. Evelyn is sometimes involved in the duties of being a senior officer’s wife, presenting prizes at games and other events. Not that it is always straightforward, as early in the diaries petty jealousies among the army wives make her life miserable. She also volunteers for the war effort in many ways, not limiting to herself to gentle tasks but such heavy tasks as cleaning guns for the Home Guard and sorting out vast amounts of clothes for those who have lost everything in bombed areas. She also sets up an advice centre, and is naturally irked when someone else takes the credit. She records holidays and dog walking, setting out the progress of the seasons in the plants, trees and gardens where she is living. Some places are better than others, where she has to eat the meals provided or cook whatever she can obtain in difficult conditions. When confronted with a personal maid in Italy she worries about underclothes that have been made to last. In the end of the book she is able to observe a war trial, and writes very movingly about the experience.
This is a lively and excellent read. Never dragging but always moving on, as it is well paced and interesting. These are deeply personal records, yet this book does not feel like prying or invasive notes of a sad woman, but instead the positive writings of love, involvement and interest. This is a really good read, fascinating to anyone with an interest in the Second World War Home Front, and the role of women who did not serve in the forces. I recommend it to the specialist and general reader as a well constructed book that deserves a wide audience.
When the diary begins Evelyn is in her early forties, and is happily married to Rex, a popular and effective army officer. She is returning to Britain from Hong Kong where he has been stationed as the diary starts. Barbara has supplied a list of Evelyn’s most significant relatives, friends and acquaintances, which is useful as the friends in particular can only be mentioned briefly, or be a constant reference point. As the book begins Evelyn is grieving for her mother, a successful playwright, who has died while Evelyn has been abroad. Evelyn makes frequent reference to attending productions of the shows which have a popular appeal.
The diaries are valuable as a record of what happens as the peace breaks down in Europe and elsewhere. There are moments of hope as war seems to have been averted for a while, but then it becomes a reality. Evelyn is not ever in direct danger, which is fortunate as she evidently hates going into shelters. Rex has to work long and difficult hours ensuring supplies are being dispatched to the army units which need them, especially as the Normandy landings are in preparation. Evelyn is sometimes involved in the duties of being a senior officer’s wife, presenting prizes at games and other events. Not that it is always straightforward, as early in the diaries petty jealousies among the army wives make her life miserable. She also volunteers for the war effort in many ways, not limiting to herself to gentle tasks but such heavy tasks as cleaning guns for the Home Guard and sorting out vast amounts of clothes for those who have lost everything in bombed areas. She also sets up an advice centre, and is naturally irked when someone else takes the credit. She records holidays and dog walking, setting out the progress of the seasons in the plants, trees and gardens where she is living. Some places are better than others, where she has to eat the meals provided or cook whatever she can obtain in difficult conditions. When confronted with a personal maid in Italy she worries about underclothes that have been made to last. In the end of the book she is able to observe a war trial, and writes very movingly about the experience.
This is a lively and excellent read. Never dragging but always moving on, as it is well paced and interesting. These are deeply personal records, yet this book does not feel like prying or invasive notes of a sad woman, but instead the positive writings of love, involvement and interest. This is a really good read, fascinating to anyone with an interest in the Second World War Home Front, and the role of women who did not serve in the forces. I recommend it to the specialist and general reader as a well constructed book that deserves a wide audience.
June 23, 2022
It took me a while to get into this -- the opening chapters are a bit dull, filled with names that don't mean anything to the reader -- but gradually I was drawn into Evelyn's world. She's an accomplished writer, making astute observations about other people (sometimes gentle, sometimes quite pointed -- I couldn't help but smile at her wry depiction of the heads of the WVS depot who turned up and "although they had never set foot in the place, proceeded to drape themselves outside the office" in order to claim credit for her hard work when Lady Reading visited).
Evelyn's life was very much one of privilege, as her wartime experience was filled with dances, dinner parties, and countryside walks with her dog. But she was never workshy, mucking in to Do Her Bit whether that was cleaning greasy rifles or sorting clothing for bombed-out civilians. In one diary entry from July 1941 she talks about a note she found tucked inside the pocket of a child's dress after noticing "with what loving care the little girls' frocks had been made. In gay ginghams, they were beautifully smocked and trimmed with dainty lace or rickrack, with dear little pockets and belts." The note was from the American woman who had made the dresses, expressing solidarity, and Evelyn wrote back to thank her: "[Your message] was like the warm handshake of a friend from over the seas." I found it very moving how the smallest of gestures can often mean so much, especially during dark times.
Evelyn's life was very much one of privilege, as her wartime experience was filled with dances, dinner parties, and countryside walks with her dog. But she was never workshy, mucking in to Do Her Bit whether that was cleaning greasy rifles or sorting clothing for bombed-out civilians. In one diary entry from July 1941 she talks about a note she found tucked inside the pocket of a child's dress after noticing "with what loving care the little girls' frocks had been made. In gay ginghams, they were beautifully smocked and trimmed with dainty lace or rickrack, with dear little pockets and belts." The note was from the American woman who had made the dresses, expressing solidarity, and Evelyn wrote back to thank her: "[Your message] was like the warm handshake of a friend from over the seas." I found it very moving how the smallest of gestures can often mean so much, especially during dark times.
May 17, 2019
This was May's book from the library.
I picked this up as it looked interesting and I was, to be honest, in a bit of a rush to get home. It was an interesting read and eye-opening how the other half lived during the war years. I have read about the working class experience of the war, and my own grandmother used to tell me tales of being in and around the Wirral and Liverpool area during the Blitz (including one lively story about being on the ferry as the sirens sounded!!). It didn't surprise me to read about the lack of interest from some of the upper classes in the war, and the subsequent lack of knowledge of how it was affecting the poorer communities in the country. At least through these diaries Evelyn has shown that not everyone was ignorant, and many did want to help both the country and the forces.
Reading about the war trial at the end was quite moving as one only hears the bad things. I am aware many Germans both civilian and uniformed were forced into the Nazi ways, and death was hanging over them if they failed to be 'patriotic' in this matter. It was good to read that Evelyn had compassion in this regard and this compassion that comes through the book makes her more likeable.
It doesn't get more than 3 stars for me as i could put it down - it was interesting not gripping, and more of a dip in read than a whole devourment in one!
I picked this up as it looked interesting and I was, to be honest, in a bit of a rush to get home. It was an interesting read and eye-opening how the other half lived during the war years. I have read about the working class experience of the war, and my own grandmother used to tell me tales of being in and around the Wirral and Liverpool area during the Blitz (including one lively story about being on the ferry as the sirens sounded!!). It didn't surprise me to read about the lack of interest from some of the upper classes in the war, and the subsequent lack of knowledge of how it was affecting the poorer communities in the country. At least through these diaries Evelyn has shown that not everyone was ignorant, and many did want to help both the country and the forces.
Reading about the war trial at the end was quite moving as one only hears the bad things. I am aware many Germans both civilian and uniformed were forced into the Nazi ways, and death was hanging over them if they failed to be 'patriotic' in this matter. It was good to read that Evelyn had compassion in this regard and this compassion that comes through the book makes her more likeable.
It doesn't get more than 3 stars for me as i could put it down - it was interesting not gripping, and more of a dip in read than a whole devourment in one!
August 15, 2017
Quite probably the best book I have read in a very long time. I eagerly read from the beginning to the end of the war in a day, far to gripping to stop turning the pages. I then savoured the post war entries the following day. What an incredible gift the editors and family have given us in sharing this marvellous insight to Eve's world of WWII.
Beautifully written, does not feel to be over edited, allowing the reader to gain true attachment to Eve. Many entries short, and poignant regards war efforts and disaster. Other entries detailing Eve's appreciations, emotions and personal battles, the scenarios she encounters and places she visits perfectly. However, each entry flowing beautifully to the next, creating story-like text.
Truly incredible, to gain such a perspective on these years, from such a whole-hearted character. A gem of a book !
Beautifully written, does not feel to be over edited, allowing the reader to gain true attachment to Eve. Many entries short, and poignant regards war efforts and disaster. Other entries detailing Eve's appreciations, emotions and personal battles, the scenarios she encounters and places she visits perfectly. However, each entry flowing beautifully to the next, creating story-like text.
Truly incredible, to gain such a perspective on these years, from such a whole-hearted character. A gem of a book !
August 26, 2018
Fans of The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society will love this diary of a British military wife in the 1930s and 40s. A fascinating look at a time (and class) that’s very different from my own. I wish I knew more about Eve’s life beyond this period. All writers of memoirs should study this book as an example of how to be real and likeable and interesting all at the same time.
PS I also loved that it prompted a conversation with my mother and my kids about life during WW2. Mum was a young child in country South Australia but remembers ration books, air raid kids, blackouts and air raid drills. Hard to imagine now!
PS I also loved that it prompted a conversation with my mother and my kids about life during WW2. Mum was a young child in country South Australia but remembers ration books, air raid kids, blackouts and air raid drills. Hard to imagine now!
March 6, 2018
Wow, that was a quick read. Interesting to find out about the war years from the point of view of someone closely linked to the military without actually seeing active service - although I think her position as wife of such a senior officer isn't representative. I can still spot signs of privilege - constant travel, lunches out, trips to the theatre - which I don't think many people did. That said, it's a lovely, entertaining, strangely comforting read. I think this is one my mum would like.
March 19, 2019
Unputdownable
Probably one of the finest diaries of WWII. The narrative flowed so well even with the ‘gaps’ in the timeline, that it turned into a real page turner. Excellent read.
Probably one of the finest diaries of WWII. The narrative flowed so well even with the ‘gaps’ in the timeline, that it turned into a real page turner. Excellent read.
April 15, 2019
Personal experience of war
A fascinating look at real-life experience of war. The only flaw for me was that Eve led a privileged life but it did show that the war affected everyone.
A fascinating look at real-life experience of war. The only flaw for me was that Eve led a privileged life but it did show that the war affected everyone.
July 5, 2019
Evelyn’s war
A fascinating account of army life during ww2, this wife was able to travel often with her husband although the moving around must have been a nightmare - me thinks!
A fascinating account of army life during ww2, this wife was able to travel often with her husband although the moving around must have been a nightmare - me thinks!
August 13, 2020
Enjoyable light-hearted read giving a unique view into the life of an army wife during WW2. A delightful account of her experiences interspersed with some humour.
July 30, 2018
This was a fantastic book to listen to, and as it was a diary, it really felt like you were a part of Eve's life during the second world war. The narrator had the right voice and accent to complete the book.
I always find it intriguing to hear about the "home front" stories - how those men and women and children managed and survived those terrible times and the changes that they had to live through and endure. Listening to Eve talk about her life before the war, and then throughout the war, gives an insight into a military wife following her husband around and the things that were important to them in times of peace and in times of war.
I always find it intriguing to hear about the "home front" stories - how those men and women and children managed and survived those terrible times and the changes that they had to live through and endure. Listening to Eve talk about her life before the war, and then throughout the war, gives an insight into a military wife following her husband around and the things that were important to them in times of peace and in times of war.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews