Life in 1940s London

by Mike Hutton

The most momentous decade in London’s colorful history was one of huge contrasts. The war provided a heady brew of fear, bravery, stoicism, cowardice and crime, set to a background of popular music from Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn. To some, London was vibrant and exciting, but even during the war years it was still divided by class and wealth. While the privileged few enjoyed the relative comfort of the capital’s swankiest hotels, thousands of Londoners sheltered each night on the platforms of the underground. London witnessed the effects of internment, shrugged off the Blitz and was overwhelmed by an invasion of GIs. And even when victory was in sight, the terrifying Buzz Bombs arrived. After the war servicemen returned home as strangers, often to resentful wives and some to unexpected additions to the family. A royal wedding and the 1948 Olympics brought some cheer, but continued grinding austerity caused resentment, and the Labour government introduced radical social legislation. The first influx of West Indian immigrants was welcomed by graffiti demanding "Keep Britain White". With the help of people who lived through these traumatic times, Mike Hutton vividly recreates through stories and memories the atmosphere of a London that is so far removed from the London of today, but that points the way forward to a more prosperous future.

Genres: Nonfiction, London, History

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2013

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly respectable book with a steady good flow of very interesting information about London (and England) in the 1940s.

I especially valued the insight into the complex psyche of the British person, or better say the reasons that explain the portrait of the British person, with their stiff-upper-lip, superficially polite and enigmatic as to its depth attitude.

There is a thoroughly satisfying multitude of facts about WW2 too, for anyone interested in that part of world history.

The author is very articulate and I really enjoyed the rich, proper and pleasant, so British itself, language.

Definitely recommended.

[John Dolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book for research purposes, and while I found some parts of it useful – mainly the ‘anecdotal’ sections – on the whole I found it a bit of a bland read and would have liked to have seen more detail.

[Melinda Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it gave a very thorough view of anyones life in London in the 1940's. As you would expect, a majority of the book focuses on war time rationing, entertainment, blitzes, and life under war conditions. This isn't necessarily a bad thing and I found the wartime chapters to be very interesting, providing in depth information about how Londoners took shelter, where, and what they did with their time whilst the war was raging. It's written in a way that is simple, with a personal touch from the author as he provides information about his own life and his families and friends experience through 1940's London.

It gives a good overview of all sorts of things, sport, entertainment, employment, scandals, crime etc, and in this way you move from chapter to chapter gaining information about different aspects as you go.

It's nice and concise, and not dry at all, as so many of these types of books can often be. If you're interested in the time period, you'll enjoy this brief overview of all the important bits.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed most of the book, the information on every topic seemed enough (not too little, not too much). I kind of felt transported to the 1940s, and as I have an interest in WWII this was a delight. The only parts I didn't enjoy was when the author went into details about people, songs or just generally the descriptions of artists (and their lives and work), as I'm not that familiar with British culture these parts kind of bored me.
Easy to read, not boring at all.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable, a fascinating insight into various aspects of London and the people who lived there during the 40’s.
Packed with lots of facts and heart-warming stories.

[Ipek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given it 4 stars if it weren't for some parts that just kept going on and on. Good informative book about everyday life in London during war.