World War II Database

GI Brides was yet another diversion I picked up to fill up my long daily commute. As most of my diversions, this book by Duncan Barrett and Nuala Calvi had a remote connection with WW2, but the connection was limtied to the background of the story. What the authors focused on was the young English women's (four women, to be precise, one of whom was Calvi's grandmother) fascination with young American servicemen, their courtship in war time, their leaving families and friends behind for the United States, and their cultural shock upon arrival. The book took them through all the ups and downs of their lives, ranging from comedic encounters with rambunctious Italian-American in-laws to tragic discovery of a unfaithful husband. The stories were told in a gripping manner that I would not be surprised if it was to be considered for television adaptation. While the love stories might not be most WW2DB visitors' cup of tea, the book did make mention of war time rationing (and the stunning contrast with the wide availability of various goods for American civilians), the devastation brought on by the Blitz, and racial problems within the US military while stationed in Britain. Off topic to be sure, I nevertheless found GI Brides to be an entertaining diversion.

I had reviewed GI Brides in an audio book format, and found the performance of reader Tania Rodrigues to be an enjoyable one.