Saturday, 18 January 2020

Nella Last's Peace

Last year I read Nella Last's War, a segment of housewife Nella Last's diaries through the years covering the Second World War. Nella wrote this diary for the Mass Observation project, a UK social research organisation, and her diaries spanned the years from 1939 to 1966. I enjoyed this first book so much that I put Nella Last's Peace on my Christmas list.


'Nella Last's War established a housewife and mother from Barrow-in-Furness as one of the most powerful and moving voices of the Second World War, and inspired the award-winning television drama Housewife, 49. In this next instalment of her unique diaries, Nella Last describes how ordinary people re-built their lives after the war was over.

While the Allies' victory was a cause for hope and celebration, much privation and anxiety remained. 'The only peace is that there are no active hostilities', Nella wrote, 'but the corrosion of the war years is eating deeper into civilisation.' In her sensitive and playful account of daily life in the austerity years, written like her war diaries for the Mass Observation project, Nella Last captures the thoughts and feelings of post-war Britain.'

I enjoyed this book just as much as I enjoyed the first one. It's like a peek back in time observed through the eyes of an ordinary housewife around the same age as I am now and it's fascinating to compare what life was like then to how it is now.

There's a further book in the series, Nella Last in the 1950s, which I'm looking forward to reading too.

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19 comments:

  1. JaneSaturday, January 18, 2020

    I watched the drama and Victoria Wood always played some wonderful roles. I haven't read the books though. I do sometimes find that TV versions of peoples lives, or books, tend to be over exaggerated for the ratings and never feel sure what's actual reality and what isn't. Best, Jane x

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  2. PoppypatchworkSaturday, January 18, 2020

    I am struggling with my book, it was recommended by a friend, I'm not sure I will get to finish it.

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  3. Bag End GardenerSaturday, January 18, 2020

    Oh frabjous day, I can comment again :)

    I am glad you enjoyed this. I found her writing and description of life in south Cumbria very moving.

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  4. crafty cat cornerSaturday, January 18, 2020

    Thanks for that, I've ordered it from the Library. I love books about the second world war, don't know why, lol
    Briony
    x

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  5. FlightySaturday, January 18, 2020

    Good to see you enjoyed it. All these are on my, very long, to read list. Happy reading. xx

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  6. wisps of wordsSaturday, January 18, 2020

    So glad that such memories, are "down on paper." Thus, not to be forgotten. At least, by those, who search them out.

    Of course, my memories of WWII are _nothing_, compared to people in the U.K. But I do still have memories.

    How brave your people were. And how little we have, to moan about, today. Compared to them. But we do forget. So reading such, is a good reminder, I'm sure.

    Wonderful to have reads, you really enjoy! I'm still trying to find some. Going though piles of library books, in the quest!!!!!! -smile-

    ♫♪•*¨*•.¸ðŸ”¥ðŸ’›ðŸ”¥¸.•*¨*•♪♫

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  7. kathy bSaturday, January 18, 2020

    A good series is a great thing!!! Always able to let the one book end because you know another is beginning

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  8. handmade by amaliaSunday, January 19, 2020

    This sounds like my kind of book, I love reading about the daily lives of ordinary people, the most interesting part of history for me. Thanks for the recommendation.
    Amalia
    xo

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  9. galantSunday, January 19, 2020

    I also love Nella Lasts's books, but don't you wish she could stand up to her husband a teeny weeny bit more? No doubt he suffered from depression or some sort of illness but my goodness he was hard work!
    Margaret P

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  10. crafty cat cornerSunday, January 19, 2020

    Thanks for your comment on the crochet amigurumi, I have taken a look at 'Edwards Menagerie' I love it.
    Mind you, this is killing my fingers, lol
    Briony
    x

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  11. Two Cables and a FrappSunday, January 19, 2020

    Sounds Interesting. How tough it must have been for them to rebuild after the war.

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  12. sustainablemumSunday, January 19, 2020

    I am waiting for my turn to read these books - they are on request from the library- and am really looking forward to them. It is great to hear that the second book is every bit as good as the first.

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  13. Nikki - Notes of LifeSunday, January 19, 2020

    I'll have to let Mum know about these as she's really into these kind of books.

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  14. Tanya.Sunday, January 19, 2020

    Hi Jo, I've been out of touch such a long time but determined to get back to it this year so good to see some familiars still posting. Not really my sort of book but glad you enjoyed it. Hope the family are well.

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  15. JulieSunday, January 19, 2020

    I watched this on the TV with Victoria Wood playing such a good part.

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  16. JeanSunday, January 19, 2020

    I love her books but haven't seen the last one

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  17. MaggieMonday, January 20, 2020

    I too have see the TV Drama but not read the book. The next one in the series sounds interesting too.

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  18. Pam's English GardenWednesday, January 22, 2020

    I read Nella Last's War on your recommendation, Jo, and enjoyed it, so now I look forward to reading this one. I wish we had the tv drama here in America. P.x

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  19. Lowcarb team memberWednesday, January 29, 2020

    Not read this book … will look out for it.

    All the best Jan

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