Coronation St.: The War Years: The Complete, Enthralling Saga of Coronation Street During World War II

by Daran Little, Christine Green

It is September 1939, and sixteen-year-old Elsie Tanner walks into Coronation Street. Newly married, pregnant, and optimistic, she has little idea of the difficult times that lie ahead. But, within days, her husband has enlisted, leaving Elsie to face the neighbors alone. From the beginning to the end of World War II, this enthralling compendium takes readers back to a world of rationing, hardship, and absent sweethearts. "Coronation The War Years" embraces all that the show's 20 million fans love about Coronation Street, beautifully packaged as a hardback gift edition.

574 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Frances Macknight · Rating 5 out of 5]

How was it for everyday people during the bombings of their city and the hardships of being left alone to cope? An inside view of perseverance, compassion, resourcefulness and romance.

[Ryan Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the day that war is declared, a young Elsie Tanner moves from Back Gas street, over the t'other side of the canal, to Coronation Street, in Weatherfield. Just 16 years old, and newly married, our recognisable heroine is quickly introduced to a cacophony of quirky characters, all instantly recognisable, in this prequel book that depicts life on the nation's most famous fictional street during the second world war. This complete saga, which ends in 1945, is as gritty, warm, compelling, and just as realistic as today's current drama and is a no holds barred account of how life would have been during wartime in working-class Britain.

Part one in this compelling complete saga is 'Coronation Street at war' by former ITV Coronation Street archivist and writer; Daran Little. The second is 'The Way to Victory' by Christine Green. The difference in authors is irrelevant and largely seamless in storytelling. This wonderful saga tells the full story of life in Weatherfield from 1939-1945 and is a very enjoyable read.

I wonder if any other author could fill the gap and write a saga about post-war Coronation Street. Concluding in December of 1960, perhaps?

[Angie Rhodes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A glimpse into the war years of Coronation street, the background of characters such as Elsie Tanner , Albert Tatlock, and Annie Walker, Life on the street before it hit our screens.

[Lynn Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant