I wondered the same thing when I got it from the library, because it’s so huge! I thought I probably wouldn’t read the whole thing. But once you start reading, you’ll find it’s quite fascinating. She makes everything really vivid.

It’s one of my favorites too! Have you read her other Shoes books?

I always feel grungy when I’m in my pajamas, and it’s hard for me to get anything done. Once I’ve brushed my hair, I always feel like the Day Has Started.

I hope you like the Juliet Gardiner! You could hardly fail to – it’s so full of interesting tidbits, and it makes the war so vivid.

I know, I heard about her a while ago and haven’t been able to get any of her books in America. I’m going to have to read all of them this summer while I still have access to this fancy university library. Maybe PaperBackSwap would have some of her books?

No, no, I’m sure she has other good books for adults. Maybe.

I know! The Thirties! I cannot wait to read it!

Hahaha, it lasts a lot bit longer for me. I’m reading three almost-equally fascinating books: Wartime, Sea of Poppies, and Fagles’s Odyssey. Every night before I go to bed, and every morning after I make my coffee, I spend several minutes staring at all three of them trying to decide which one I want to read. Not much headway on any of them at this rate.

I love her too, but her books are very hard to get here. The university library has a bunch of them (including The Thirties!), but the bookshops do not. If I eventually do want to order them (I’m trying to be restrained while I’m in an impermanent living situation), I’ll probably have to order from the UK.

I’m reading The Thirties next & will definitely tell you how it is! 🙂

The earlier two volumes, particularly the first, are well worth reading. Streatfeild’s always at her best when she’s writing about children, and she writes very well about her little self, and her relationship with her parents.