Book Review
Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce

London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the formidable Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman's Friend magazine.

Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not those from the lovelorn, grief-stricken or morally conflicted. But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer at this most desperate of times becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back - after all, what harm could that possibly do?

A joyous read. Absolutely uplifting, with one of those lovely sorts of characters that grows from frustrating to beautiful. There are many charming and funny moments,

Pearce gives genuine insight and emotional gravity to the London Blitz, capturing the spirit of the times, as well as the emotional gravitas. A good comfort read.

Reviewed by Kelsey Ward. 26 Mar, 2019

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