Mrs Porter Calling, by AJ Pearce - Nicola
This is a lovely historical fiction novel, with lots of twists and turns.
Right from the start, you are transported back to 1940’s Britain and understanding how the country are getting to grips with the new ‘normal’ way of doing things. Women taking on jobs that they never had before, and even something as simple as going to the cinema is a risky thing to do. Emmy Lake is working at a small but successful women’s magazine, taking pride in answering letters from her readers in an Agony Aunt-style feature, supporting them with their problems and worries. It’s a job she loves and she really feels like she is making a difference to these women in war-torn Britain. But the magazine is then turned upside down when they into new ownership.
Mrs Porter Calling takes us through the challenges that Emmy and her colleagues face when tragedy hits. It is a lovely, simple novel with great characters. We get to watch this chosen family discover what is important to them and unite to keep this small women’s magazine going, despite being given every opportunity to give up.
The parts that make you laugh are met equally with bits that will make you sob. It gives you faith in how special friendships can be, and also remind you how much joy and hope, and a pet chicken or two can give a grieving family.
A great summer read – showing how uniting together for something that you believe in can really touch and change so many people lives, even people who you don’t know!
Nicola
