It’s fall already. FALL. Time for boots, pumpkin patches, and being cold waiting for the bus. This year is flying by, as it usually does. Maybe it’s all the stuff going on, or maybe it’s because I’ve read book #44 already and can (hopefully) see the end in sight.
Book Read: Dear Mrs. Bird
Author: AJ Pearce
Number of Books Read: 44
It’s London in the middle of World War II. Bombs have become a daily occurrence, and Emmy Lake is trying to do her part in the war effort. She dreams of being a journalist, particularly a war correspondent. When a position is posted in the local paper, Emmy applies and gets the job.
But Emmy didn’t really ask what the job was. Turns out she is now working for Women’s World, sifting through the letters sent to Henrietta Bird for advice. There are the acceptable items that warrant a response - thing like ironing tips and your basic household functions. Then there are the Unacceptables. Things like falling in love with a soldier, divorce, sex, anything raunchy basically are no-no’s. Trust me, there are quite a few.
Emmy feels compelled to listen to the women writing in and to write back. So begins the correspondence to these women, despite her best friend Bunty telling her it’s a bad idea.
Then tragedy strikes a little too close to home, and Emmy is forced to reevaluate what she is doing, who she is doing it for, and what is it’s worth.
Add in a handsome soldier on leave, a job at the fire brigade, a secret elopment, a Lord, and you’ve got Dear Mrs. Bird.
I read this book in only a few days. It moved quickly, and once you got to a certain point, you keep reading because you can feel something is about to happen. This one did have some depth, and was mostly about friendship. It was an easy, somewhat light-hearted (it did take place in WWII so I can’t deem it completely lighthearted).
Pearce tells you in the acknowledgements that this book was inspired from finding a women’s advice column. In her first novel, Pearce writes with wit and charm, and shows she did her research. If you are looking for a quirky read, this is for you. It honestly reminded me of JoJo Moyes (which is good because I love all of her books).
Go to your local library, borrow Dear Mrs. Bird, and enjoy an author’s debut. They sure aren’t always as good as this one - see my previous read for proof.
Next Read: Halsey Street by Naima Coster
