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Some Sunny Day
The remarkable autobiography of the last great wartime icon.
Born Vera Welch on 20 March, 1917 in the East End of London, Dame Vera Lynn’s career was set from an early age - along with her father, who also did a ‘turn’, she sang in Working Men’s Clubs from just seven years old. She had a successful radio career with Joe Loss and Charlie Kunz in the 1920s and ‘30s, but it was with World War II that she became the iconic figure that captured the imagination of the national public.
Her spirit and verve, along with her ability to connect with the men fighting for their country and those left behind praying for their loved ones, made her the ‘Forces’ sweetheart’. Performing the songs that she will always be associated with, such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Yours’, Vera toured Egypt, India and Burma to entertain the troops and bring them a sense of ‘back home’.
Her career after the war flourished, with hits in the US and the UK, but Vera was never able to leave behind her wartime role and was deeply affected by what she had seen. Still heavily involved with veteran and other charities, this is Dame Vera’s vivid story of her life and her war - from bombs and rations to dance halls and the searing heat of her appearances abroad. Epitomising British fortitude and hope, Dame Vera gives a vivid portrait of Britain at war, and a unique story of one woman who came to symbolize a nation.
Born Vera Welch on 20 March, 1917 in the East End of London, Dame Vera Lynn’s career was set from an early age - along with her father, who also did a ‘turn’, she sang in Working Men’s Clubs from just seven years old. She had a successful radio career with Joe Loss and Charlie Kunz in the 1920s and ‘30s, but it was with World War II that she became the iconic figure that captured the imagination of the national public.
Her spirit and verve, along with her ability to connect with the men fighting for their country and those left behind praying for their loved ones, made her the ‘Forces’ sweetheart’. Performing the songs that she will always be associated with, such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Yours’, Vera toured Egypt, India and Burma to entertain the troops and bring them a sense of ‘back home’.
Her career after the war flourished, with hits in the US and the UK, but Vera was never able to leave behind her wartime role and was deeply affected by what she had seen. Still heavily involved with veteran and other charities, this is Dame Vera’s vivid story of her life and her war - from bombs and rations to dance halls and the searing heat of her appearances abroad. Epitomising British fortitude and hope, Dame Vera gives a vivid portrait of Britain at war, and a unique story of one woman who came to symbolize a nation.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2009
19 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Vera Lynn
14 books4 followersDame Vera Margaret Lynn CH DBE OStJ (née Welch), widely known as "the Forces' Sweetheart", was an English singer of traditional pop, songwriter and actress, whose musical recordings and performances were enormously popular during the Second World War.
The songs most associated with her are "We'll Meet Again", "The White Cliffs of Dover", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and "There'll Always Be an England".
The songs most associated with her are "We'll Meet Again", "The White Cliffs of Dover", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and "There'll Always Be an England".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 22, 2018
I thank Captain America: The First Avenger for my love of WWII-era music, and there are very few musicians of the time that I love more than the lovely Vera Lynn.
As Vera mentions in Some Sunny Day, there was something about her voice and the changing times that made her popular, and whether it's those reasons or some sense of nostalgia for times when people truly looked out for and helped their neighbors, I found myself falling in love with Vera's music the first time I heard it. I made sure to listen to her catalog while reading this book to really set the mood.
The book itself is a lovely read. Vera's account of her life is straightforward, humble, and exciting. She had so many amazing opportunities, and she worked her hardest to do her best. She didn't set out to become an international star--she wanted to be the best singer for the best band, and that was about it--but her unique voice, her particular song choices, and her heart for helping others earned her everything she deserved.
Vera shares a lot of fun stories about her music career, and I really liked reading about her interactions with other musicians of the times. I also really liked her stories about her family and her friends and how those relationships helped her and pushed her through her moments of insecurity. Of course, her popularity with soldiers really made Vera a star, and so it was particularly touching to read about her interactions with soldiers both in the field and in hospitals as well as her interactions with the wives and families of soldiers. It takes a special person to want to do so much for others, and Vera's determination to sing for and spend time with soldiers in Burma truly shows her goodheartedness.
Overall, Vera has led an amazing life, full of music and hard work and patriotism, and her character and her selflessness make her a woman to truly admire. Reading Some Sunny Day is like sitting down with the woman herself and having a lovely afternoon's worth of conversation. It's funny, it's sweet, it's inspiring, and I don't know that anyone else deserves the fame and distinction like Vera does. If you're looking for a pick-me-up that will make you smile and push you to chase your dreams, Some Sunny Day is it.
As Vera mentions in Some Sunny Day, there was something about her voice and the changing times that made her popular, and whether it's those reasons or some sense of nostalgia for times when people truly looked out for and helped their neighbors, I found myself falling in love with Vera's music the first time I heard it. I made sure to listen to her catalog while reading this book to really set the mood.
The book itself is a lovely read. Vera's account of her life is straightforward, humble, and exciting. She had so many amazing opportunities, and she worked her hardest to do her best. She didn't set out to become an international star--she wanted to be the best singer for the best band, and that was about it--but her unique voice, her particular song choices, and her heart for helping others earned her everything she deserved.
Vera shares a lot of fun stories about her music career, and I really liked reading about her interactions with other musicians of the times. I also really liked her stories about her family and her friends and how those relationships helped her and pushed her through her moments of insecurity. Of course, her popularity with soldiers really made Vera a star, and so it was particularly touching to read about her interactions with soldiers both in the field and in hospitals as well as her interactions with the wives and families of soldiers. It takes a special person to want to do so much for others, and Vera's determination to sing for and spend time with soldiers in Burma truly shows her goodheartedness.
Overall, Vera has led an amazing life, full of music and hard work and patriotism, and her character and her selflessness make her a woman to truly admire. Reading Some Sunny Day is like sitting down with the woman herself and having a lovely afternoon's worth of conversation. It's funny, it's sweet, it's inspiring, and I don't know that anyone else deserves the fame and distinction like Vera does. If you're looking for a pick-me-up that will make you smile and push you to chase your dreams, Some Sunny Day is it.
December 24, 2022
The remarkable autobiography of the last great wartime icon and great lady.
Born Vera Welch on 20 March, 1917 in the East End of London, Dame Vera Lynn’s career was set from an early age - along with her father, who also did a ‘turn’, she sang in Working Men’s Clubs from just seven years old. She had a successful radio career with Joe Loss and Charlie Kunz in the 1920s and ‘30s, but it was with World War II that she became the iconic figure that captured the imagination of the national public.
Her spirit and verve, along with her ability to connect with the men fighting for their country and those left behind praying for their loved ones, made her the ‘Forces’ sweetheart’. Performing the songs that she will always be associated with, such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Yours’, Vera toured Egypt, India and Burma to entertain the troops and bring them a sense of ‘back home’.
Her career after the war flourished, with hits in the US and the UK, but Vera was never able to leave behind her wartime role and was deeply affected by what she had seen. Still heavily involved with veteran and other charities, this is Dame Vera’s vivid story of her life and her war - from bombs and rations to dance halls and the searing heat of her appearances abroad. Epitomising British fortitude and hope, Dame Vera gives a vivid portrait of Britain at war, and a unique story of one woman who came to symbolize a nation.
A higher respect for me to this great woman, a real Dame, reading opened my eyes to her career, a travelling around the world supporting all the troops of the Second World War, enormously great support to our British troops.
Her career stayed so busy throughout the 40's ,50, especially with her television, radio and live shows, also her work in America. Reading this I release how she could have been a much bigger star in USA but turned most work abroad, due to her duties as a mother, so admirable.
The book reads exactly as I would have expected this lady story, a good life, a long marriage, a proud mother, a great career. Happily slowly slipped into retirement from singing in the late 70's, buy continued her great charity work.
A lady to admire so much, a real British lady we should be proud of.
Born Vera Welch on 20 March, 1917 in the East End of London, Dame Vera Lynn’s career was set from an early age - along with her father, who also did a ‘turn’, she sang in Working Men’s Clubs from just seven years old. She had a successful radio career with Joe Loss and Charlie Kunz in the 1920s and ‘30s, but it was with World War II that she became the iconic figure that captured the imagination of the national public.
Her spirit and verve, along with her ability to connect with the men fighting for their country and those left behind praying for their loved ones, made her the ‘Forces’ sweetheart’. Performing the songs that she will always be associated with, such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘Yours’, Vera toured Egypt, India and Burma to entertain the troops and bring them a sense of ‘back home’.
Her career after the war flourished, with hits in the US and the UK, but Vera was never able to leave behind her wartime role and was deeply affected by what she had seen. Still heavily involved with veteran and other charities, this is Dame Vera’s vivid story of her life and her war - from bombs and rations to dance halls and the searing heat of her appearances abroad. Epitomising British fortitude and hope, Dame Vera gives a vivid portrait of Britain at war, and a unique story of one woman who came to symbolize a nation.
A higher respect for me to this great woman, a real Dame, reading opened my eyes to her career, a travelling around the world supporting all the troops of the Second World War, enormously great support to our British troops.
Her career stayed so busy throughout the 40's ,50, especially with her television, radio and live shows, also her work in America. Reading this I release how she could have been a much bigger star in USA but turned most work abroad, due to her duties as a mother, so admirable.
The book reads exactly as I would have expected this lady story, a good life, a long marriage, a proud mother, a great career. Happily slowly slipped into retirement from singing in the late 70's, buy continued her great charity work.
A lady to admire so much, a real British lady we should be proud of.
February 3, 2015
Delightful. I felt as if she was telling me her life story over tea and cakes.
October 1, 2024
This was a quick book, only about 3.5 hours on audio read by Dame Vera Lynn and her daughter. I am interested in the war era and there were some interesting parts about that that I didn’t know about. There are more details in there that I am sure would be of interest to Dame Vera fans. 3.5 from me.
September 13, 2017
A quick read , that I felt skipped the most important time for Vera lynn with limited writing around the war entertainment era. This caused it to be lacking in substance to be honest.
June 28, 2023
3.75 rounded up for good measure.
"But I believe that a person's life only really begins with what they can remember for themselves."
I picked this up in a WHSmith sale and I knew that I would enjoy it because of the subject matter. Dame Vera Lynn, forces sweetheart and a world record holder who was basically a Queen of England outlived nazism and only died three years ago at 103. She was mostly known for her wartime work at home and abroad during WWII, however, this biography covers the whole of her life.
The annoying thing, however, is that parts of this biography (as stated in the introduction) were taken from one she did previously in the 1970s. This is glaringly obvious when she gets to the part mentioning disco as a current popular music genre. Despite this, it is a good book but it won't be one that I'll need to reread. If you're interested in the power of music, then give this one a go.
"But I believe that a person's life only really begins with what they can remember for themselves."
I picked this up in a WHSmith sale and I knew that I would enjoy it because of the subject matter. Dame Vera Lynn, forces sweetheart and a world record holder who was basically a Queen of England outlived nazism and only died three years ago at 103. She was mostly known for her wartime work at home and abroad during WWII, however, this biography covers the whole of her life.
The annoying thing, however, is that parts of this biography (as stated in the introduction) were taken from one she did previously in the 1970s. This is glaringly obvious when she gets to the part mentioning disco as a current popular music genre. Despite this, it is a good book but it won't be one that I'll need to reread. If you're interested in the power of music, then give this one a go.
September 25, 2018
All I knew about Vera Lynn before reading her autobiography was her most famous songs and the fact that she was known as 'the forces sweetheart' so it was nice to learn how she got to that point, what she actually did with the troops and how she continued after the war.
I enjoyed reading about her childhood and the war period where she flew overseas to entertain the troops. Vera Lynn shared the conditions in which she had to endure to stay with the troops and these weren't nice!! Hats off to her for volunteering to do this and helping bring some light to very dark times.
The post war period did drag a little.
This book felt like you were sat having a natter over a cup of tea which was a lovely feel. The lady herself is 101 now and still going strong. I hope she has more years ahead where she can continue to share her memories and stories.
I enjoyed reading about her childhood and the war period where she flew overseas to entertain the troops. Vera Lynn shared the conditions in which she had to endure to stay with the troops and these weren't nice!! Hats off to her for volunteering to do this and helping bring some light to very dark times.
The post war period did drag a little.
This book felt like you were sat having a natter over a cup of tea which was a lovely feel. The lady herself is 101 now and still going strong. I hope she has more years ahead where she can continue to share her memories and stories.
December 12, 2021
Worth a read as she was an icon and a decent person.
There are a few surprises such as she drove from before the war and was more introverted than you might imagine. There's no great revelations though as this is clearly and understandably, aimed at the mass market, so doesn't want to offend.
That said her politics and opinions on the social revolution, are hinted at and I'm glad she didn't say more as I'm pretty sure I would like her less if they were expanded.
It would however be good to hear more about her later career.
The only jarring moment is in the introduction where she claims to remember the 40s better than she did in the Fifties. Clearly she had research help and possibly a ghost writer, who would help her remember. Pretending to spontaneously remember more clearly strains credulity.
There are a few surprises such as she drove from before the war and was more introverted than you might imagine. There's no great revelations though as this is clearly and understandably, aimed at the mass market, so doesn't want to offend.
That said her politics and opinions on the social revolution, are hinted at and I'm glad she didn't say more as I'm pretty sure I would like her less if they were expanded.
It would however be good to hear more about her later career.
The only jarring moment is in the introduction where she claims to remember the 40s better than she did in the Fifties. Clearly she had research help and possibly a ghost writer, who would help her remember. Pretending to spontaneously remember more clearly strains credulity.
May 17, 2022
I always wanted to read a bio on Dame Vera Lynn (who died recently in June 2020 at the grand age of 103); there's some nice photos and lots of detail as to how she got started in the entertainment business. She wrote this autobiography in 2009 so it is somewhat reflective given how times have changed in the entertainment industry; she notes that when she started out in radio & early TV shows even the way songs are chosen & promoted & recorded is now done entirely differently, so the account is a bit of an eye-opener as to how the industry used to be. She gives some telling accounts of her war-time activities as well as her time spent in America (who knew) as well as some of her subsequent & more recent charity activities, so all in all, one felt that you definitely know a little bit more about her now.
November 1, 2023
Found this really interesting, and Vera gives an insight into her childhood and family. Her career took so many turns, and historically, she was in the right place at the right time. For me I loved the time she spent in the Far East, especially Burma.
The references to people listening to her on the radio in natzi occupied Europe and the residence made me feel she was there for all even if it meant being caught
Vera was the Forces Sweetheart, but her legacy was so much more. Thankfully, school children today are being taught about the war. I understand when my grandparents loved watching her shows on TV in the 70s as they viewed her as a friend and a link to one of the most unique times.
My lasting memory was listening to her songs in Sars Covid-19 in 2020 for the 75th Anniversary of VE day, where she gave us hope in another uncertain time.
Recommended read
The references to people listening to her on the radio in natzi occupied Europe and the residence made me feel she was there for all even if it meant being caught
Vera was the Forces Sweetheart, but her legacy was so much more. Thankfully, school children today are being taught about the war. I understand when my grandparents loved watching her shows on TV in the 70s as they viewed her as a friend and a link to one of the most unique times.
My lasting memory was listening to her songs in Sars Covid-19 in 2020 for the 75th Anniversary of VE day, where she gave us hope in another uncertain time.
Recommended read
July 4, 2024
It was a pleasure to read about Dame Vera's memories of childhood, her early performances on the variety circuit as a young girl, and her big break into show-biz and her role as Forces' Sweetheart in the wartime years that followed, when her sincere, soulful voice was needed more than ever. As a narrator, Lynn is simple and unfussy, and doesn't resort to ostentatious, frivolous, flamboyant, gaudy, or garishly diva-like adjectives, (unlike myself). I particularly enjoyed her chapter "Wild About Harry," in which she recounts meeting her husband, a saxophonist and clarinetist in the Ambrose orchestra.
The chapters about her career after the war could be skimmed, unless you're really relishing them. Many of the celebrities she mentions are unfortunately only names to us now, although I DO recommend watching a video of Jessie Matthews dancing!
The chapters about her career after the war could be skimmed, unless you're really relishing them. Many of the celebrities she mentions are unfortunately only names to us now, although I DO recommend watching a video of Jessie Matthews dancing!
January 22, 2026
I loved reading the life of Vera Lynn, most notably known for her wartime singing for the troops during WWII. She had an adventure of lifetime and was honest about the challenges she faced, though optimistic and driven through it all. I'm always interested in learning "the mood" of a particular point in history, and reading Lynn's autobiography helped me understand how arts and culture are integral to war times as a way to cope in crisis.
Lynn lived to be 103, passing in June 2020. Obviously the book does not cover this as it was published when she was 92. But I feel it's worth saying, from me to Lynn anyway, that her songs left her a legacy, and their spirit will live on for many many more years to come.
Lynn lived to be 103, passing in June 2020. Obviously the book does not cover this as it was published when she was 92. But I feel it's worth saying, from me to Lynn anyway, that her songs left her a legacy, and their spirit will live on for many many more years to come.
July 15, 2023
I found the best parts of this book highly illuminating. I don't know why I was surprised (perhaps because history links her more with WW2 than music), but Lynn was, among other things, a highly perceptive musician. Her descriptions of life as a professional musician in the 1930s, as well as her musical philosophy, are really interesting.
The book paled a little for me when zooming through her post-war career, and there were a few "the youth of today" comments, but that's only natural (I do that myself, and I'm only 39).
Overall, however, this is a wonderfully warm, and above all human memoir by one of Britain's most important 20th century entertainers.
The book paled a little for me when zooming through her post-war career, and there were a few "the youth of today" comments, but that's only natural (I do that myself, and I'm only 39).
Overall, however, this is a wonderfully warm, and above all human memoir by one of Britain's most important 20th century entertainers.
October 28, 2025
Despite her stardom, Vera Lynn had a rather boring life. She worked from a very young age, so experienced very little other than work. She lived with her parents. She did what was expected of her. The book reads like a timeline - I did this, then this, etc. No emotional depth at all. I never thought someone who was so famous, made a couple of movies, travelled in WII (but only for 4 months), could write such a dull book.
October 17, 2018
Ich empfand diese Biographie als oberflächlich. Leider hat mich diese Aneinanderreihung von Liedertiteln, Konzerttourneen, Auftritten im Hörfunk und Fernsehen sowie ganze Namenslisten von Leuten aus dem Musikgeschäft ziemlich gelangweilt. Vera hat zwar auch einige interessantere Geschichten erzählt, bleibt aber emotional eher verschlossen.
October 3, 2017
Bastante sentimentaloide, pero igualmente se disfruta, y se lee rápido.
January 17, 2018
Listened on very well-read audio. A bit self congratulatory but pleasant, interesting and enjoyable autobiography
July 7, 2019
Glad I have read the book, but got a bit bored in the middle. Too much of the same, less is more!
March 28, 2020
So boring. I’d hoped to get a sense of what living/working in the war was like for her but it was all very on the surface.
April 24, 2020
Good read. Nostalgic and informative book about Vera. Lynns life. Interesting and heartfelt book
June 27, 2020
Que história de vida fantástica , que mulher espirituosa . Obrigado Dame Vera , vc será eternamente grande
July 15, 2020
Vera Lynn was an exceptional person. I feel good just reading her story!
July 27, 2020
An autobiography. A story simply told but certainly not a simple life. Good recollections in readable style, I learned a lot about her.
August 11, 2020
While this book was interesting - I feel like I still actually don’t really know who Dame Vera Lynn was - compared to a lot of autobiographies I have read it was sadly lacking.
November 8, 2020
Disappointing. I felt it just skimmed her life, there was no real depth at all
March 21, 2021
A lighthearted quick read
June 17, 2021
An interesting read about a wartime legend. A bit flat without much colour.
January 24, 2022
Lovely autobiography! Really interesting to read.
January 3, 2023
I wanted to like this book, I really did. Her writing style is very detached from the events. Therr is lots of facts, bandleader names, but feels like a listing of events rather the her memory.
July 18, 2024
Very informative and an excellent read. Thanks, for everything Vera !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews