“What are we fighting for, if not for things of beauty like music and art” (79)?

This is a story of small, sweet moments between long descriptions of blitzes and bombings. It’s the story of the kindness of strangers, of finding a home and a family and a purpose, and of a tragedy bringing people together. ( )

I is 1940 and Ruby Sutton is a journalist in the US for The American during WWII. Walter Kaczmarek, the publisher of Picture Weekly in London sent a letter asking if Mike Mitchell could send a woman journalist to London to work on Picture Weekly's human interest stories. They would split her salary. Ruby was chosen because she had no family and WWII was waging in England and throughout Europe at this time. She arrives safely in London, is met by Bennett, a friend of the publisher, and takes up residence in The Manchester near the Picture Weekly's office. Bennett was very helpful, getting her established in The Manchester, explaining the ration books, and the IDs needed as well as taking her out to dinner the first night to a small Italian cafe. Just as she was settling in the bombs start falling in what comes to be known as the Blitz. One night her hotel is burned to the ground. Bennett again comes to the rescue and installs her in the home of his Godmother where she is welcomed. The rest of the story revolves around Ruby's setting in with this family, getting and writing stories, and wondering what Bennett actually does for the government as he comes and goes. As the occupation of France comes to an end, she is able to travel to there and report on the war for 30 days. ( )

When she dated something September 31, I got too cranky ( )

This is one of my favorite historical novels. I have just reread this (for a prompt in a book club: "just a girl and her cat") with a friend, and we both utterly enjoyed it. The author has given insight into The Blitz, life in London during WW2, the American expatriate experience in England during the war, and the daily life of a journalist — especially a young, single woman — in the 1940's. This is not just another WW2 novel. Ruby is a favorite character for me; she's warm, bright, determined, curious, sensitive, and humble. I admire Ruby's approach to her career, not just from a place of ambition (and survival, as a single woman with no family or support system), but more from the sheer joy of storytelling, and a sense that the people she interviews deserve to have their experiences illuminated and shared.

And there's so much more in this book: Kaz. Simon. Vanessa and Ruby's found family. The city of London as a beleaguered yet charming and brave character. I just loved this book! I listened to the audio, with on-point narration by Saskia Maarleveld, and I also read the e-book as I listened. I enjoyed the bonus passages from Ruby's war correspondence, as well as selections of poetry. The author's note suggests numerous titles for additional interest, and I plan to look into these. Highly recommend, especially as a buddy read. I would love a second book ~ for Kaz! ❤️

Truly one of my favorite historical fictions of the year. Great character development and historical accuracy. I highly recommend this book for fans of historical fiction and war genre. A great book and one I did not want to put down. ( )