3 out of 4 stars
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Many books have been written about the Second World War; ranging from autobiographies to fictional stories. Nonetheless, Gunner and Land Girl by Steve Orwin is an outstanding first-person narrative that provides the personal accounts of the author’s parents (Bob and Connie) during the war.
In the introduction, we learn that Bob and Connie meet at work (in a shipyard). They get to know each other well in the eighteen months before the war starts. They then get engaged but eventually separated by the war. Bob becomes a gunner while Connie becomes a land girl.
The book itself is divided into two parts. Part one tells Connie’s story. Her account is a series of observations and comments about life in and around a Dale farm. The Dale farm helps to support the food requirements during the war. Her work is male-dominated, however, she resolves to earn their respect both as a woman and as a worker. She has to endure harsh working conditions, nevertheless, she is a country lover. After Bob is demobbed, she quits to start a life with him.
Part two tells Bob’s story. His story is a more historical account of his career during the war. Shortly after getting engaged to Connie, he is mobilized by the army. The war affords him the opportunity of joining the D.E.M.S. (Defense Equipment Merchant Ships) to serve on trawlers, tankers and general cargo ships. He gets to move around the world a lot while being drafted to different ships. After six years of active service, he is demobbed and settles down for a peaceful life with Connie.
The book seems like a collection of memoirs that tell two separate tales with short stories. I appreciate how the book provides insight into private lives during the war. Furthermore, some quotes from the book are spot on, such as, “For a short while, we could forget the past, ignore the future, and enjoy the luxury of comparative peace and idleness.” Above all, I appreciate the message of the book: a sense of duty and service to country and commitment to one another.
The book is professionally edited, and there are just a few grammatical errors. What I least appreciate about the book is that Connie is scarcely mentioned in Bob’s account. In fact, she is not referred to until the last chapter. In addition, some of the chapters are rather short. It would have been more constructive if they were merged into bordering chapters.
I give the book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I think this book will appeal to anybody who loves biographies and non-fiction stories.
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Gunner and Land Girl
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