Nella Last's War: The Second World War Diaries of Housewife, 49

by Nella Last, Richard Broad, Suzie Fleming

Overview

In September 1939, housewife and mother Nella Last began a diary whose entries, in their regularity, length and quality, have created a record of the Second World War which is powerful, fascinating and unique. When war broke out, Nella's younger son joined the army while the rest of the family tried to adapt to civilian life. Writing each day for the "Mass Observation" project, Nella, a middle-aged housewife from the bombed town of Barrow, shows what people really felt during this time. This was the period in which she turned 50, saw her children leave home, and reviewed her life and her marriage - which she eventually compares to slavery. Her growing confidence as a result of her war work makes this a moving (though often comic) testimony, which, covering sex, death and fear of invasion, provides a new, unglamorised, female perspective on the war years.'Next to being a mother, I'd have loved to write books.' Oct 8, 1939

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846680007
Publisher:	IPS - Profile Books
Publication date:	01/01/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.80(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Nella Last kept a diary throughout WWII, under the auspices of the Mass Observation Archive. Her record of events offers a unique insight into one woman's war - on the Home Front. She died in 1968. Richard Broad is a filmmaker; he lives in Ireland. Suzie Fleming is a feminist writer and speaker; she lives in Cornwall.

Editorial Reviews

"I adored [it]. An extraordinary glimpse into the heart of an 'ordinary' woman, Nella Last's day-to-day account of her war is spirited, poignant and utterly compelling."—Lucy Moore

"A fantastic story…This is not the war of the newsreels—it's about tiny domestic difficulties, lumpy custard…"—Victoria Wood

"I relished it…her personality is so powerful…There are so many things to admire about her."—Margaret ForsterSunday Times UK

"Anyone who has the least curiosity about what it was like to live through the Second World War should read this" -New Statesman

"The whole post-war women's movement anticipated and rehearsed by a solitary pioneer on the most unlikely of stages"—Guardian UK

From the Publisher