What do you think?
Rate this book
American Bombshell
Inspired by a true story, American Bombshell is a tale of love, risk and coming of age during the final convulsions of World War Two.
Incarcerated in an abusive orphanage by an unstable and vengeful mother, seventeen-year-old Rosie Haskell is released in February 1944 to survive in an adult world.
She finds a job at a wartime radio factory. At a dance she meets Eugene, a glamorous Irish-American pilot, a dash of Hollywood in a drab English town. Despite appearances, Eugene is falling apart from the constant stress of flying his B17 bomber over Germany and the huge burden of keeping his crew alive.
As Rosie tiptoes around physical intimacy with Eugene, Hazel, a tough attractive Yorkshire woman, enters the picture. Rosie, caught at a vulnerable moment, is seduced by her in what is her first sexual experience.
In the summer of 1944, as D-Day and the invasion of Europe draw closer, Rosie tries to make sense of her feelings and steer her own course.
While Eugene and his crew struggle to survive their missions over Germany, Rosie must grow up fast, dodging Hitler’s flying bombs and mustering all her wits to find the true love and stability she needs.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2023
15 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
David King
1 book52 followersBorn in England but living on the wild west Atlantic coast of Ireland since 2016.
Classics graduate from University of Warwick
Classics graduate from University of Warwick
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 11, 2023
American Bombshell by David King was published with Poolbeg Press March 1st. Inspired by a true story, it is described as ‘a tale of love, risk and coming of age during the final convulsions of World War Two’.
Over on LinkedIn David King has posted some incredible snippets and insights regarding American Bombshell and about his mother, Beryl, whose life-story inspired his words.“American Bombshell is an attempt to tell the story of one ‘GI Bride’ and her experiences during that extraordinary wartime year… of 1944. It is a fictionalised account of her life. Getting it published seems like a dream and I can’t quite believe it’s really happening…..!"
David King is clear to point out that Rosie Haskell, his main character in American Bombshell, is not Beryl but her circumstances were inspired by his mother’s story. Beryl was a GI bride who did follow her husband to the USA on the Queen Mary, only to find on arrival that he had a wife. While there she lived a tumultuous existence that greatly impacted David and how he lived and still lives his life. Writing American Bombshell helped David King to ‘reclaim control of a story in which his mother was lost and he was left untethered’.
Rosie Haskell arrived back home in 1944 after a lonely and hard time spent in an orphanage. Following the death of her father, Rosie’s mother, unstable at the best of times, was incapable of looking after Rosie. She was spiteful and hateful toward her own flesh and blood, sending her daughter away where she wouldn’t have to look at her. Now, at seventeen and with a war raging, Rosie moves back in with her mother. She gets work in a local factory and starts to see the world a little differently. Rosie is naïve, living quite a sheltered existence but her eyes are quickly opened while working alongside a very strong crew of women in the factory.
Rosie attracts the eye of Hazel, one of the women working in the factory. Rosie is thrilled to have a female friend, someone she can confide in, but Rosie’s inexperience means that she is initially unaware that Hazel is looking for more than friendship. With an American GI base nearby, many of the women hope to turn the eye of one of the pilots and perhaps get an opportunity to live a different life in America. Rosie has no such expectations and no experience but she does catch the attention of Eugene, a handsome and brave pilot, who brings a touch of Hollywood into her life. Rosie is careful in his presence, aware of the possible dangers of being seduced and left behind, but she can’t help herself having feelings for Eugene.
Eugene has an aura of confidence about him that instils courage in others around him but Eugene is hiding a secret. Underneath all his bravado, Eugene is struggling to stay afloat. He has witnessed so much death and destruction and it’s finally taking its toll. He likes Rosie but there is a shadow that seems to follow him around and Rosie senses that something is up.
As Hazel reveals a little more of herself, Rosie is caught up in an unexpected love triangle, unsure of her own feelings. With the world in turmoil, relationships are vulnerable. Rosie’s childhood and teenage years were tough and left her with a yearning for a safe future and a home of her own. With Eugene’s safety threatened daily, as he takes to the skies for more and more daring missions, her own safety and that of everyone she loves, including Hazel, comes under a darkened cloud. The war rages on and the invasion of Britain begins putting fear and dread into the thoughts and minds of everyone.
Rosie has to make decisions, conscious that her future lies in the balance. She is young, with a world of possibilities in front of her, yet also too all aware of the perilous times that they are living in. Will she go with her heart or her mind? Can she make this most difficult of choices? What will the future hold for Rosie Haskell?
American Bombshell was not quite what I had expected and I mean that as a compliment. David King takes the reader on a very credible journey, creating a fascinating story combining fact and fiction. There are many scenes in American Bombshell that are heart-wrenching, in particular the descriptions about the missions that Eugene and his fellow pilots found themselves on. In a recent excellent piece in The Irish Mail on Sunday David King wrote “while containing a few episodes of bloody violence, from exploding V1 cruise missiles to death-filled American bombing raids over Germany, it’s chiefly a story of survival and the search for love against the odds: an upbeat tale of strength of character and luck beating ill-fortune, prejudice and perhaps fate itself.”
American Bombshell is a compelling and engaging novel, a very immersive experience. It is also a testament to the bravery of David King, putting his story out there for the world to see. The attention to detail, the description, the unbearable pain and grief are all depicted with such authenticity, creating a very vivid and affecting image of this period of history. David King deliberately chose not to gloss over the violence of war but he also decided not to dwell too much on it. He gets the balance right I think and in doing so creates an evocative coming-of-age tale.
“The book is not just a story based on my mother’s life. It’s also an attempt, some years after her death, to achieve at least in my own mind an understanding, perhaps even a reconciliation with her adventurous early life and later descent into something perilously close to madness. It may even be a semi-conscious attempt to bring something positive out of the wreckage of broken marriages, lost friends and wounded minds. It definitely is an attempt to find personal peace”
– David King, The Irish Mail on Sunday
Over on LinkedIn David King has posted some incredible snippets and insights regarding American Bombshell and about his mother, Beryl, whose life-story inspired his words.“American Bombshell is an attempt to tell the story of one ‘GI Bride’ and her experiences during that extraordinary wartime year… of 1944. It is a fictionalised account of her life. Getting it published seems like a dream and I can’t quite believe it’s really happening…..!"
David King is clear to point out that Rosie Haskell, his main character in American Bombshell, is not Beryl but her circumstances were inspired by his mother’s story. Beryl was a GI bride who did follow her husband to the USA on the Queen Mary, only to find on arrival that he had a wife. While there she lived a tumultuous existence that greatly impacted David and how he lived and still lives his life. Writing American Bombshell helped David King to ‘reclaim control of a story in which his mother was lost and he was left untethered’.
Rosie Haskell arrived back home in 1944 after a lonely and hard time spent in an orphanage. Following the death of her father, Rosie’s mother, unstable at the best of times, was incapable of looking after Rosie. She was spiteful and hateful toward her own flesh and blood, sending her daughter away where she wouldn’t have to look at her. Now, at seventeen and with a war raging, Rosie moves back in with her mother. She gets work in a local factory and starts to see the world a little differently. Rosie is naïve, living quite a sheltered existence but her eyes are quickly opened while working alongside a very strong crew of women in the factory.
Rosie attracts the eye of Hazel, one of the women working in the factory. Rosie is thrilled to have a female friend, someone she can confide in, but Rosie’s inexperience means that she is initially unaware that Hazel is looking for more than friendship. With an American GI base nearby, many of the women hope to turn the eye of one of the pilots and perhaps get an opportunity to live a different life in America. Rosie has no such expectations and no experience but she does catch the attention of Eugene, a handsome and brave pilot, who brings a touch of Hollywood into her life. Rosie is careful in his presence, aware of the possible dangers of being seduced and left behind, but she can’t help herself having feelings for Eugene.
Eugene has an aura of confidence about him that instils courage in others around him but Eugene is hiding a secret. Underneath all his bravado, Eugene is struggling to stay afloat. He has witnessed so much death and destruction and it’s finally taking its toll. He likes Rosie but there is a shadow that seems to follow him around and Rosie senses that something is up.
As Hazel reveals a little more of herself, Rosie is caught up in an unexpected love triangle, unsure of her own feelings. With the world in turmoil, relationships are vulnerable. Rosie’s childhood and teenage years were tough and left her with a yearning for a safe future and a home of her own. With Eugene’s safety threatened daily, as he takes to the skies for more and more daring missions, her own safety and that of everyone she loves, including Hazel, comes under a darkened cloud. The war rages on and the invasion of Britain begins putting fear and dread into the thoughts and minds of everyone.
Rosie has to make decisions, conscious that her future lies in the balance. She is young, with a world of possibilities in front of her, yet also too all aware of the perilous times that they are living in. Will she go with her heart or her mind? Can she make this most difficult of choices? What will the future hold for Rosie Haskell?
American Bombshell was not quite what I had expected and I mean that as a compliment. David King takes the reader on a very credible journey, creating a fascinating story combining fact and fiction. There are many scenes in American Bombshell that are heart-wrenching, in particular the descriptions about the missions that Eugene and his fellow pilots found themselves on. In a recent excellent piece in The Irish Mail on Sunday David King wrote “while containing a few episodes of bloody violence, from exploding V1 cruise missiles to death-filled American bombing raids over Germany, it’s chiefly a story of survival and the search for love against the odds: an upbeat tale of strength of character and luck beating ill-fortune, prejudice and perhaps fate itself.”
American Bombshell is a compelling and engaging novel, a very immersive experience. It is also a testament to the bravery of David King, putting his story out there for the world to see. The attention to detail, the description, the unbearable pain and grief are all depicted with such authenticity, creating a very vivid and affecting image of this period of history. David King deliberately chose not to gloss over the violence of war but he also decided not to dwell too much on it. He gets the balance right I think and in doing so creates an evocative coming-of-age tale.
“The book is not just a story based on my mother’s life. It’s also an attempt, some years after her death, to achieve at least in my own mind an understanding, perhaps even a reconciliation with her adventurous early life and later descent into something perilously close to madness. It may even be a semi-conscious attempt to bring something positive out of the wreckage of broken marriages, lost friends and wounded minds. It definitely is an attempt to find personal peace”
– David King, The Irish Mail on Sunday
May 2, 2023
“American bombshell“ was a well balanced and enjoyable book. Set in the timeframe of WWII, it brought back a strong remembrance of the war.
Characterization was outstanding, especially Hazel and Rosie, who are my two favorite characters. They were characters who I could understand, and that I could truly relate to.
The book was a very fast read for me, because I frankly could not put it down. From beginning to end, the author captured my attention as well as my imagination.
Very well written book and one that I recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Characterization was outstanding, especially Hazel and Rosie, who are my two favorite characters. They were characters who I could understand, and that I could truly relate to.
The book was a very fast read for me, because I frankly could not put it down. From beginning to end, the author captured my attention as well as my imagination.
Very well written book and one that I recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2023
Thank you to Booksirens for an ARC of American Bombshell by David King. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the story of Rosie very much. A young woman just at the cusp of adulthood in the middle of World War II was appealing.
However, many parts of the book just didn't work for me. There was a little too much on the technical side with the American pilots. While interesting, it made the story drag a bit. And about 3/4 of the way through it felt like everything was rushed and glossed over.
I give this 3 stars because the plot is good and I like the characters.
I enjoyed the story of Rosie very much. A young woman just at the cusp of adulthood in the middle of World War II was appealing.
However, many parts of the book just didn't work for me. There was a little too much on the technical side with the American pilots. While interesting, it made the story drag a bit. And about 3/4 of the way through it felt like everything was rushed and glossed over.
I give this 3 stars because the plot is good and I like the characters.
December 8, 2023
This brilliant debut novel by Irishman David King is a coming of age story set in 1940s rural southeastern England. Mr. King used his mother’s story during this period as inspiration so much of it is based on fact. There is an excellent interview with him in the Irish Examiner. The portrayal of the period and the impact of the war on the Brits and the Americans is highly accurate.
The book begins with a goodbye letter written by Rosie Haskell aboard the RMS Queen Mary carrying war brides sailing to the US in 1947. I knew immediately Rosie had a gripping story to tell which I wanted to hear.
Much of the story takes place in 1944. Rosie, age 17, is just out of the orphanage where her mother dumped her several years before, after Rosie’s father’s death. MShe tries to build an independent life despite being very emotionally disadvantaged and naive. She gets a job in a factory making radios for military aircraft, develops a close friendship with another worker named Hazel, and starts a relationship with an American B17 pilot, Eugene Flynn. Eugene has also suffered deep traumas before coming to be stationed in England and the bombing runs have left him with severe PTSD, which he keeps under control with alcohol, drugs and female companionship. He not only tries to hide his physical and mental condition, but also secrets about his past personal life. Tragically Eugene and his crew are probably highly representative of what airmen experienced fighting WWII.
There is absolutely no feeling or emotion which is not touched on in the pages of this book. It is raw and real. The descriptions are intense and mcinematic. Reading it totally immersed me in the time and place. The writing is superb, far exceeding my expectation for a first novel and whatever I hoped for when I selected the book. It has my highest recommendation not only for its historical value but also for its relevance to our present world situations.
Thank you to the author, the publisher Poolbeg Press and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review a published copy.
The book begins with a goodbye letter written by Rosie Haskell aboard the RMS Queen Mary carrying war brides sailing to the US in 1947. I knew immediately Rosie had a gripping story to tell which I wanted to hear.
Much of the story takes place in 1944. Rosie, age 17, is just out of the orphanage where her mother dumped her several years before, after Rosie’s father’s death. MShe tries to build an independent life despite being very emotionally disadvantaged and naive. She gets a job in a factory making radios for military aircraft, develops a close friendship with another worker named Hazel, and starts a relationship with an American B17 pilot, Eugene Flynn. Eugene has also suffered deep traumas before coming to be stationed in England and the bombing runs have left him with severe PTSD, which he keeps under control with alcohol, drugs and female companionship. He not only tries to hide his physical and mental condition, but also secrets about his past personal life. Tragically Eugene and his crew are probably highly representative of what airmen experienced fighting WWII.
There is absolutely no feeling or emotion which is not touched on in the pages of this book. It is raw and real. The descriptions are intense and mcinematic. Reading it totally immersed me in the time and place. The writing is superb, far exceeding my expectation for a first novel and whatever I hoped for when I selected the book. It has my highest recommendation not only for its historical value but also for its relevance to our present world situations.
Thank you to the author, the publisher Poolbeg Press and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review a published copy.
July 14, 2023
I enjoyed this coming-of-age story set in WWII England. Rose works in a factory with her friend Hazel. She has a rocky relationship with her mom and just returned from being in an orphanage after her father passed away. She meets an American pilot Eugene at a dance, who's dealing with his own demons. Their relationship causes problems with her friend Hazel. As a fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed this story, with some unexpected twists. I definitely recommend it!
March 2, 2023
Thank you to booksirens for the arc in an exchange of an honest review. I enjoyed this book set in WW2 in England, featuring a young adult woman, Rosie Haskell. She has had a tougher life than most and not the greatest relationship with her mother. Rosie meets an American pilot, Eugene and they have an relationship.
While Rosie also has a relationship with a girl friend, Hazel. I found it interesting how Hazel describes how lesbians are treated in England and they can’t be public with their feelings for each other.
I don’t want to ruin the book but it was a great read with a different setting than most other historical fiction set during World War Two. I would recommend reading it if this is your genre!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
While Rosie also has a relationship with a girl friend, Hazel. I found it interesting how Hazel describes how lesbians are treated in England and they can’t be public with their feelings for each other.
I don’t want to ruin the book but it was a great read with a different setting than most other historical fiction set during World War Two. I would recommend reading it if this is your genre!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 24, 2023
I was very excited for this book, but I found that I had trouble really getting into it. One of the things that I struggled most with was some of the dialogue. I know that the author was trying to show the different accents of the characters, but some of it was just really tough to understand (even with some explanation). I also found that the book didn't flow for me. It seemed almost too slow, and there were points in the the book that seemed odd to need to share as they had no use to the overall plot. Some of the most exciting parts were just thrown around, and it seemed to take a while to get from one part to another. I did find the author's knowledge of the time period to be really great, and I think the author did a great job researching the Air Force and military of the time. I did notice between 5 and 10 grammatical/spelling errors throughout the story. I think in order for this to be a 5-star book for me, it would need to be pared down a bit to make the story flow more. I do think it has great potential though, and wouldn't stop anyone from reading it for sure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2023
Growing up Rosie
The time is 1944, the place is Yorkshire, England. Rosie is seventeen and has just spent most of her life in an orphanage. She gets a job in an arms factory and works with her best friend Hazel.
While attending a dance she meets an American pilot named Eugene. This causes problems with her and her friend Hazel. Now Rosie must choose between the two.
It is a story of a young girl growing up in a troubled time struggling with her sexuality, a pilot struggling with his missions, and young Hazel with her odd manner and her socialistic ideas.
I wasn't sure if I liked this book or not...it was evidently based on a true story and life what it is but the content was a bit unexpected.
Thanks to David King for writing the story, to Poolbeg Press for publishing it and to Book Sirens for providing me with a copy to read and review.
The time is 1944, the place is Yorkshire, England. Rosie is seventeen and has just spent most of her life in an orphanage. She gets a job in an arms factory and works with her best friend Hazel.
While attending a dance she meets an American pilot named Eugene. This causes problems with her and her friend Hazel. Now Rosie must choose between the two.
It is a story of a young girl growing up in a troubled time struggling with her sexuality, a pilot struggling with his missions, and young Hazel with her odd manner and her socialistic ideas.
I wasn't sure if I liked this book or not...it was evidently based on a true story and life what it is but the content was a bit unexpected.
Thanks to David King for writing the story, to Poolbeg Press for publishing it and to Book Sirens for providing me with a copy to read and review.
September 1, 2023
I love reading WWII stories, however American Bombshell was interminably long - there were at least four different stories strung together. I liked the characters of Rosie and Eugene and his flight crew. Rosie’s multiple romances were each too lengthy and the surprise ending came out of “the blue”. The entire book needs serious editing.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSirens for my voluntary honest review. This book is just too long and meandering.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSirens for my voluntary honest review. This book is just too long and meandering.
March 5, 2023
Beautifully written and highly evocative of the period. I loved the well drawn characters and network of relationships between them. Some great steamy love scenes added to the excitement of this coming of age drama. The fact that this story is inspired by real events made it all the more enjoyable.
October 15, 2023
I was deeply involved in the story until the graphic sexual scenes. Why do authors have to ruin a good storyline? So sad.
I received this book free from Book Sirens. My only obligation is to provide a fair & honest review
I received this book free from Book Sirens. My only obligation is to provide a fair & honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
Overall not a bad story but some of it was quite predictable. Rosie was hard to identify with. At times she was very naive and other times she was surprisingly bold, especially for the time period. I feel like this writer will be better with more experience.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews