Blitz Families: The Children who Stayed Behind

by Penny Starns

The mass evacuation of children and new and expectant mothers during World War II is well documented. But more than 50 per cent of children were not evacuated during the war, and it is these young people who offer an unrivaled view of what life was like during the bombing raids in Britain’s cities. Penny Starns takes a new look at the children whose parents refused to bow to official pressure and kept their beloved children with them throughout the War. As she documents family after family which made this difficult decision, she uncovers tales of the deprivation, criminality, and disease of life in the city and, conversely, the surprising relative emotional and physical wellbeing of those who lived through the Blitz compared to their evacuee counterparts. Because of their unique position at the heart of the action, these forgotten children offer a priceless insight into the true grit and reality of the Blitz.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War, British Literature

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 4, 2012

Reviews

[❀⊱RoryReads⊰❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters are mostly official government information concerning children in Britain during World War II and it's a bit dry. But once the author turns to personal accounts of people who were children at this time, it's much better. It's amazing how resilient children are, even under the most difficult circumstances, as long as they know they're loved and can be with people they love most.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating portrait of the children who remained in the capital (and other major cities) during the Blitz. I learned so much from this read - I was completely unaware that young people had played such a huge part in the war effort in London with Guides and Scouts relaying messages for the MI5, teaching bombed out families survival skills, and so much more. It was also wonderful to read about the stunning advances in child psychiatry and development afforded by studying the effects of evacuation and war on them. Something that comes through nicely in the book is the almost inhuman level of positivity and community spirit by the British people living in cities and areas flattened by the relentless German bombing campaigns.