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The 1940s House
In this title, a Yorkshire family experience World War II by living in a semi-detached house in Kent and having a committee of historical experts, a nutritionist and veterans of the Home Front, controlling how they live.
They can withdraw foods, requisition their car, and even limit how much bath water they use. The accompanying book is a diary of the family's experience, and also a comprehensive account of the Blitz years in Britain.
It includes many firsthand accounts from people around the country.
It is a fascinating account of a time in British history when the whole country was involved in the war effort, and people's lives were transformed by the Home Front.
They can withdraw foods, requisition their car, and even limit how much bath water they use. The accompanying book is a diary of the family's experience, and also a comprehensive account of the Blitz years in Britain.
It includes many firsthand accounts from people around the country.
It is a fascinating account of a time in British history when the whole country was involved in the war effort, and people's lives were transformed by the Home Front.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 17, 2020
Saw the ITV series first -- I love how these "back in time" series recreate each time period.
May 26, 2022
Wonderful book.
August 25, 2023
I loved the BBC programme and the book is beautiful.
February 4, 2015
A very good book of the very watchable Channel 4 TV series: of which I remember missing the first couple of episodes. The programme makers were honest and upfront in admitting that such a re-enactment could never replicate the original stress of living through a World War whose end outcome was, of course, unknown at the time.
Rediscovering a different, simpler, satisfying family dynamic was a major plus point; set against the significant downsides of rationing and less technology to help with the housework – no washing machine! There, I think, lies our peculiar fascination with history. We invariably look back yearning for the designs of the period; ignoring (for example) the limited choice of where we could shop.
There again, this book may very well find a new audience amongst those who for reasons of economy or concern for the environment, will be holidaying at home rather than flying to some far flung destination. Tucked amongst the pages which recap history on the Home Front during WW2w, there is much to make the reader stop and think about the unsustainable profligacy and family breakup which we think nothing of today.
Rediscovering a different, simpler, satisfying family dynamic was a major plus point; set against the significant downsides of rationing and less technology to help with the housework – no washing machine! There, I think, lies our peculiar fascination with history. We invariably look back yearning for the designs of the period; ignoring (for example) the limited choice of where we could shop.
There again, this book may very well find a new audience amongst those who for reasons of economy or concern for the environment, will be holidaying at home rather than flying to some far flung destination. Tucked amongst the pages which recap history on the Home Front during WW2w, there is much to make the reader stop and think about the unsustainable profligacy and family breakup which we think nothing of today.
January 3, 2016
I watched most of the TV series that this book accompanies and received the book as a gift, and at first just flicked through it. However, it has been useful for giving a more personal approach to helping with children's homework, and I have since read it from cover to cover. There was a mix of viewpoints from current day time travellers as well as local people who lived through the years for real which made the book easily accessible.
October 30, 2015
Nicely researched. A very interesting insight into the lives of families on the homefront in WW2 England. I enjoyed the TV show that also arose from this project, so it was worth seeking out the book as well.
May 18, 2012
This really gave me an understanding of living through WWII in Great Britain. It was very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews