Somewhere Over England almost had me just with the back cover. I love books about World War II, female protagonists and history. Somewhere Over England has all in abundance and a whole lot more besides.
Set in 1930s England, 18-year-old Helen falls in love with Heine, a young German photographer. She bravely puts aside the prejudice of her friends and family to marry him. He fled Germany because of the growing powers of the Nazis, but there power is growing and the worst is yet to come as storm clouds gather over Europe and World War II looms. What happens next is an unputdownable story of love, war, compassion and struggle.
Heine is interned and Helen has to face the horrors of London during the blitz alone as their young son is evacuated. Heine is political, he sees Hitler for what he really is and knows that a war is coming, they help refugees before anyone knows their will definitely be a war, but his weakness is that he is too much of a political fighter and cannot always see his family. Helen is sweet and fresh at the beginning of the book. She longs for love and the proper family she never had. Helen becomes stronger and stronger, even feeding the family and selling her own pictures. She becomes a strong, bolshy, independent women and makes Heine find his way home to them. The book perfectly captures early love and marriage.
As World War breaks out the family is divided and times are tough for everyone. The historical facts in the book are excellent. This really is a riveting book with a lot of depth. It is interesting and you learn a lot. The prejudice that people go through is horrendous. Chris, Heine’s and Helen’s son, hates being half-German and even hates his own father sometimes. He is horribly bullied sometimes and finds his identity hard. Will he ever see the difference between being a German and being a Nazis, and be proud of his heritage?
This is a wonderful, layered book. One that you never forget after you have read it. Essential reading.
For more on Margaret Graham: www.margaret-graham.com
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