Courage, Loss & Human Spirit in 6 Wartime Novels

This gritty and powerful story set at the height of the troubles in Northern Ireland has been adapted for television. It tells the story of a young catholic school-teacher and an older Protestant barrister, two people from different sides of the troubles in Belfast that should not fall in love. But that is exactly what happens.  

It is a love that must be kept secret; filled with clandestine dates and snatched moments—can it last or will they be caught in the crossfire of the war that wages around them? 

A story of friendship, love, self-discovery and war, The Women follows Frankie, a twenty-year-old nurse from California who joins the Army Nurse Corps and goes to serve in war-torn Vietnam. At first, Frankie is overwhelmed by the horrific realities of conflict, but with the help of new friends she adjusts and becomes an excellent combat nurse. But when she returns to the US after her service, Frankie no longer recognizes herself or her country. Now she faces a new battle that she will need the help of those around her to win.

Exquisitely written and rich in historic detail, Ms. Hannah doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of war and PTSD, instead she balances them with happier moments to remind us we can find light even in the darkest of times.

This is a timely story that shines a light on the struggle of those who are forced to flee their homes because of war.  When war tears his home apart, Nuri is forced to flee Syria with his wife, Afra, and make the perilous journey to the UK. The story shows how they and their marriage are impacted as they adjust to life in a new country and battle to claim asylum, while in flashbacks we see glimpses of their life before the war, the devastating loss of their only child, and their dangerous journey to England.

A poignant and beautiful exploration of war, trauma, grief and survival, this is a book not to be missed.

Set during World War II, this book is based on the true story of the building of the Italian Chapel in the Orkney Islands by five hundred Italian prisoners of war. It follows orphaned sisters, Dorothy and Constance, who have volunteered to help nurse the wounded, and Cesare, one of the Italian prisoners of war. Constance is wary of the men but Dorothy finds herself falling in love with Cesare. But when Constance’s past returns to haunt them, Dorothy is forced to choose between protecting her sister or saving the man she loves.

A magnificent tale of love, sacrifice, fear and survival set against a backdrop of war, this is a book I still recommend regularly years after reading.

London, 1944, a community of people are now living in the disused tube stations, creating makeshift shelters after being forced from their homes by Nazi bombs. It is also home to the country’s only underground library, which was created by Librarian Clara after the one above ground was destroyed. Assisted by her best friend Ruby, Clara offers people an escape from the harsh realities of war through books, creating a thriving place of friendship and sanctuary for the residents. But there are some who object and Clara, Ruby and their patrons are forced to come together to battle enemies close to home.

Full of heartbreak and joy in equal measure, this is a moving and unforgettable tale of friendship, resilience, community and hope. 

This is the story of the Wars of the Roses through the eyes of the women who fought from the shadows. It was a brutal time. A time where power is won by blood and playing the game well is the difference between life and death. A cutthroat and ruthless time when your best friend today could be your enemy tomorrow and women were often forgotten and discounted and had to use the voices of men to be heard.

Feisty and intelligent, Cecily is a force to be reckoned with and I loved seeing the Wars of the Roses from her perspective. A must-read for anyone who enjoys retellings.