Review: History of 20th century England through Lillian's journal
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 22, 2012
Lillian was born in January 1900 and died in 1999. This book reads like a journal about family and friends, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, special occassions and outings, and births and deaths. The story always has the background of history in England at the time - political events, financial and employment issues, inventions, fashions, music, theater, and disasters and wars. Lillian concentrates on the positive and usually downplays the negative. Her personality brings to mind the sayings "keep a stiff upper lip" and "keep calm and carry on."The number of her relatives and extended group of friends is enormous and difficult to keep track of. They are all loving and accomplished and Lillian constantly writes how lucky she is. I am used to a little more conflict and some black sheep in families.The most absorbing section of the book is the bombing of London in World War II. Lillian was unfortunately in the worst hit section of London. The community survived in the tunnels of the subway.She develops into an opinionated outspoken ninety year old. She had compassion for a woman affected by shell shock in World War II but later has no patience for someone with depression in her family.I recommend the book. I am now reading another novel by this author.