Love Stories of World War II

by Larry King

Larry King, whose previous books have sold more than one million copies, tells the moving and heartwarming stories of couples who met by chance and fell in love during World War II, based on his original interviews.

Poignant, inspiring, humorous, and unforgettable, these are the stories of men and women who, amid the chaos of a devestating war, became the loves of each other's lives. The stories in Loves Stories of World War II cover a wonderful range of experiences, from couples who met and got married within a few weeks to those who waited years after a brief first meeting to see one another again.

There are charming stories of falling in love at first sight, stories of tragedy transformed by love, and stories of the remarkable resourcefulness that can be exercised by two people determined to be together.

A treasure trove of unique reminiscences, Love Stories of World War II offers an unprecendented view into the personal side of the World War II experience and celebrates the incredible legacy of remarkable relationships forged in the midst of tragedy.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Romance, Historical, Short Stories, Memoir

480 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Larry King was an American television host, radio host, and paid spokesman, whose work was recognized with awards including two Peabodys, an Emmy award, and 10 Cable ACE Awards.

From 1985 to 2010, King hosted a nightly interview program on CNN called Larry King Live. From 2012 to 2020, he hosted Larry King Now.

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel a little unpatriotic to dare give this book only 3 stars, but there you go.

5 stars for the cover, I mean who isn't going to just fall over in love with the World War II couple giving their last hug to each other before they part for a long time.

Another 5 stars for the whole idea; love stories in letters, accounts, and photographs during World War II.

Alas, 3 stars for the execution of the project. Larry King has taken an amazing part of history and the lives of real people who loved during World War II and made a bit of a mess of it. King's writing is poor and it ruins the telling.

These lovely couples deserved better than Larry King let loose without a good editor.

Buy the book if you are willing to forgive bad writing for a good story.

[Michele Lister · Rating 2 out of 5]

My favorite part was looking at all the photos of everyone. I just felt like could have been better as far as tell the actual love stories.

[Carol J. Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and sweet love stories except for next to last one. He could have left that one out. My parents had a similar WW2 love story to many of those in the book. When the book was released my mother had said she wished her story was in it.

[Kim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am an old soul, and love stories that center around WWII. So, it is an understatement to say this book was disappointing. No disrespect to those involved in these love stories, they were beautiful. However, it was tragic to put these amazing stories into the uncapable hands of Larry King. There is a reason he is on TV - he can't write.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Multiple stories of couples who met and married during wartime, sometimes being separated for years while the war raged on. Really makes you take stock of what you have and what they went through to have happy marriages.

[Carolyn Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

More oral history of WWII, but from the perspective of love. It's like the expanded "How We Met" section from Reminisce Magazine. Lovely stories that challenge today's idea of long courtships, even longer engagements, and brief marriages.

[Alisha Ingersoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

These love stories were beautifully complied. With most of the love stories there are photos shared that were taken during the time of war, as well as current photos from the last 20 + years. I felt like I was transported back during that tumultuous time where millions of lives were lost and loved ones going off to war weren't sure they were going to make it back home. Having a small peek into their lives at the time had my emotions all over the place, from happiness and curiosity, to confusion and sadness.

[MKF · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been ranting a lot to my husband about how I hate and don't understand the majority of modern love stories. So I went searching for old fashion love stories and my library recommended this. It's just what I needed even though a few of them doesn't end with a happy ending. There is one though that doesn't have a photo which is confusing since all the other couples do.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book Of Love from the families. I Would Recommend It.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best...

[Samantha Georgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Hearing about how connected people were to each other was heart warming. You don’t find love like that these days.

The pictures made the book.

[Ann Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories were enjoyable, and they gave the reader a window into the lives of everyday people and how they coped with the restrictions and benefits of serving in the armed services. My only complaint was that there were no histories of Americans of color (except for a Japanese American). I particularly wanted to know how African-Americans dealt with the dual challenge of war restrictions as well as racism.

[Rachel Schmoyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was not great, but the real life stories were incredible! Perfect summer read since each chapter was about a different love story. It was amazing to me how many marriages lasted so long with such young, war-torn beginnings.

[Cortney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually one for personal stories but I am enjoying reading a little bit about love in the war. God bless our service men and women.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy WWII history, and I enjoy love stories, so this seemed like the perfect combination. Plus, my grandparents had a classic war-time love story themselves, and one of the pics in this book reminded me so much of a picture I have of them early in their relationship. While I liked having so many different love stories to read that were accompanied by photos and other memorabilia of the couples, I overall thought that the stories left something to be desired. They lacked in the emotion and the luster of the love itself. Each story focused on the development of the couple before or during the war, but didn't give much, if any, follow-up about how the couple came together after the war, and many didn't even provide basic details like how long were they actually married for, # of children, etc.

[Shelly Rarick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is basically a collection of short (4-5 pages) biographies on couples who met and often married in very short order during World War II. Most of the stories have happy endings telling about couples who were married 40-50+ years but there are some divorces and the occasional soldier who did not survive the war. I was often shocked by the stories of men who would propose after a second or third date but loved the stories of the couples who held long courtships through years of letters. Being written the way it is, you can sit down and read just one or two stories at a time over coffee.

[Nancy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of love stories from all aspects of WW2, those who served in the armed forces, those who served and waited at home, those in Europe who found love and new lives as war brides. Not all the stories are "happily ever after", but there were many couples who had been married for more than 50 years and were in their 80s at the time the book was published. A few stories were contributed by their children. What I especially loved were the pictures, photos from the 1940s as well as photos from the 50th wedding anniversaries or similar occasions. These people, my parents and in-laws included, truly were the Greatest Generation.

[IrishFan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this one from my dad for Christmas. It was a nice quick read, short stories (each about 3-4 pages long) from men & women who met and married before/during WWII. It was nice that there were pictures for each story. You get a slight sense of how hard it was back then, the mail could take weeks or months to catch up to the intended recipient. There were no phone calls, internet, emails. People were more resilient then, and worked hard to make a living. No taking for granted that things would be given to them or that they deserved more than they had or made. I enjoyed it.

[Dogeared Wanderer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really beautiful book that is also heartbreaking at times. The cost of war was sobering to many young men and women who took the chance at love before deployment. Shared experiences in separation often drove many couples closer to each other upon return, but for others it resulted in later heartbreak.

Thirty-three stories are highlighted here. Some couples were already married when war tore them apart. Others were engaged and war provided the urgency needed to tie the knot sooner rather than later. For others, it was a chance encounter, an elopement, or war-long engagement.

[Barbara Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! In a time where the world was turned upside down by war, to see love and commitment that lasted decades is so inspiring! Communication, whether a short telegrams or a long love letter was sometimes the only communication for months or years, but devotion, commitment and love never wavered! Seeing the photos of young love, wedding photos, but then also those photos at 50th wedding anniversaries is also lovely.

[Stephanie Pâquet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give it four stars but this is NOT a traditional book. This is a collection of stories being told by the people who lived them or their child or someone close to them... It's like when your grandparents tell you the story of how they met. Or if a friend sends you a letter to tell you an important part of their life.
It's Love from another era. Love in times of war.
I loved reading this, it transported me to another time. It was poignant and romantic.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book multiple times. I love the stories and I love the romance. I am a history major and I love anything to do with history especially when it involves true stories. This book did not disappoint. You will laugh, you will cry and you will feel the love that these couples felt during a time when the next day wasn’t guaranteed.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way this book is written is a little dull; it’s not a good writing style. However, the stories are absolutely beautiful and eye-opening, and I love that photos are included throughout, so you can see the faces of these incredible couples that lived through an unimaginable time in history. I recommend it to anyone interested in WWII and anyone who loves a good love story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very interesting and sweet stories. A few sad ones. It got to be a little repetitive. Guy mets girl and USO thing. Guy and girl fall in love fast. Guy goes to war. Guy comes back. Guy and girl live happily ever after. It was the ones that really got into their feelings that stood out and made you feel for the couple.

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each story is just a couple pages, and all are sweet and enjoyable. I started this book when I became engaged to a man in the military, and they struck an extra chord because of that. I enjoyed them, and the time period - very delightful.

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the most special books I’ve read, although it sounds cliché this book touched a part in my that I didn’t know was there. I recommend it 1000% and I will forever keep it, it’s a classic.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed these recollections of couples who met and fell in love during the war. A few are tragic, some humorous, and most heartwarming. Almost all include photos and updates on their lives after the war.

[Sasha Polishchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and romantic book. Shows you the true meaning of love during the toughest of times. Would recommend to everyone.

[Selenaalvarado · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars it was a good fun read

[Cmfremin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely meandering read.....