Domestic Soldiers: Six Women's Lives In The Second World War

by Jennifer Purcell

Over 8 million women stayed at home during the Second World War and their story has never been told. Using brand new research from the Mass Observation Archive, Jennifer Purcell brings to life - in all its tragedy, pathos, joy and fear - the lives of six ordinary women made extraordinary by the demands of war.

Genres: World War II, War, Nonfiction, History

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2010

Reviews

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of social history book I really enjoy and appreciate. This is based on the Mass Observation diary entries and questionnaires completed by 6 women during World War II and cover how they lived their lives and coped with the privations of the war. It is also interesting in that the book doesn't shy away from the more inimate details and aspects of their lives such as relationships with their husbands and children. It is interesting that it is in the diaries that the women expose their real feelings and fears.
They had to be tough to survive although it wasn't necessarily unscathed and really wonder how women would survive such circumstances today!!
It was also fascinating to learn about changes in legislation that affected women's lives, how Beveridge's ideas for 'cradle to grave' care for the individual Briton came about and were opposed by Churchill and then adopted by the Labour government.
Churchill's opposition to Beveridge's report which provided a decent widow's pension for women, healthcare for them and their children and equal pay for women teachers were a real opener!

[Darla Ebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War 2 comes alive in a series of aspects of the war from the viewpoint(s) of six "average housewives" who endured that war while trying to survive in Great Britain, London specifically. The MO or Mass Observation experiment (of sorts) entailed asking for average citizens to keep records of their lives and impressions during the years of deprivation between 1939 and 1945. I was captivated and sincerely moved by the experiences and thoughts of these women. Truly a must-read for anyone interested in true stories from this time period.

[Meaghan Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into English homefront during WW2. A little slow and boggy in places but overall a good read about ordinary people and how they coped with the realities of air raids, rations and society through the war.

[Patricia Murdoch]

Not as good as other books about wartime for women.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, plenty of facts (for me to forget!). Well written.