War Diaries

 I've just finished this library book - such an interesting read

 Margaret Kennedy was already a well known novelist before she wrote this during the 6 months in 1940 between the evacuation of Dunkirk and the start of the Blitz.

This book was never published in this country although she added a few amendments  in 1941 and sent it off to the US for safe keeping and for publishing there. It has just been reprinted by Handheld Press with additional notes on the text, biographical notes and a good list of further reading.

It's a journal of her thoughts and experiences as she moves her children from Surrey to the relative safety of Cornwall. At the time things were very tense as an invasion was expected at any time so she writes about what the government and the people are saying . Because she writes so well and right in the moment, the fear and uncertainty really come through.

 

In Greek tragedy there is a character called Talthybius whose role it is to break bad news to the Protagonists.................he makes a fine art of it.........................keeping everybody in suspense.............he is deliberately cryptic.............

Our modern Talthybius, the BBC announcer, has something of the same technique.................significant items of news are often artfully concealed. 

This is the BBC Home Service. Here is the news. The butter ration is to be increased. The Prime Minister has spoken on War Savings. Amiens and Arras have been occupied by the enemy. There is good news for pig farmers. Fifteen French Generals have been relieved of their commands. At the end of the news MrX will speak about the prospects of homegrown sugar beet.

...............................Among millions the first reaction to such a bulletin would be "Good! More butter".

I still cannot sleep so I went to Dr Middleton to ask for a bromide ...........

He asked "Are ye worrying about anything?"  .

 I said I was worrying about Hitler coming....................................................

he said "I suppose you've been reading the newspapers?"

 I pleaded guilty. 

"What d'ye want to do that for?"  

"I like to know what's happening"

 "Aw! The newspapers don't know."....................................................................................................

 He asked how often I listened to the wireless. "Four times a day".

"And that's three times too often....................Ye aren't responsible.................Ye can't stop it, Why think about it? Go home and fly kites with your children"

"How many other patients have you said all this to?"

"You're only the twenty-seventh this week"

 

I really enjoyed this book and emailed the publishers to say so - cheekily asking for a copy if they had a spare! - They replied saying "Glad you enjoyed it" but no mention of a freebie. 

 

That's a pity.............I would have added it to my collection of other WWII Diaries! And I have more than I thought............

Back Tomorrow

Sue