This historical fiction is set during the Second World War, amid the London Blitz, told through the eyes of children and teenagers. The teenage budding love, the romance between a soldier and a war officer, and the friendships formed around the music club were all heartwarming to read. Some parts felt a little too good to be true for my taste, but then I thought, what is the purpose of a book if not to let us imagine beyond reality? So, why not let people dream a little dream, especially when they were living in such difficult times?
Adam, Lisette, Connie, Jack, Elsie, Ned, Ben, and Susan were all orphans of war who became a found family. They hold on to each other, they hurt each other, they forgive each other. This, to me, is both beautiful and essential to every family.
They were called the Blitz Kids because they helped others, searching for survivors when buildings collapsed, assisting the elderly through crumbled streets, and warning people of hidden bombs. Each had unique strengths: Adam was strategic, Lisette spoke French, Connie sang beautifully, Jack cracked Morse code, Ned lifted everyone’s spirits and knew London inside out, Elsie and her dog were wonderful entertainers, Ben told the best jokes, and Susan made clothes. From the War Office to charity shows, each contributed their talents generously.
After a tragic event, some of them had to travel to the USA. That part marks the climax of the story, and I will not spoil it in case you would like to read the book yourself.
I especially enjoyed the musical thread throughout the story, particularly through Connie, the singer. Connie has a scar on her face, and when a dream agent, someone every artist would love to have, approaches her promising to make her famous and a star on the condition that she hides her scar, thus, her face, it really made me think.
This applies to everyone and every kind of job. It can be an agent or job offer or anything, promising something I desire at the cost of not being my true self and pulling me away from the possibility to build meaningful, deep-rooted relationships that actually are the key for me to thrive. Do I know how to choose?
This book is freshly published on 12 November 2025, very timely for November, the month of Remembrance.
Many thanks @catherinecurzon, @helen_barrell, @bookouture for providing this eARC via @netgalley.
Ellie Curzon is the pen name of the writing duo Catherine Curzon and Helen Barrell.