Well, what can I say, I’m so happy I picked this book up – it truly is a very wonderful story that tugged at my heart strings and had my face muscles working on overtime with the smiles that kept popping onto my lips!
When I’d first bought this book, a few people commented that the writing style wasn’t for them as the language used is very 1940s; whilst I definitely agree it will take you by surprise if you’ve been reading other books in the charts/top 10, I personally adore being swept up in this style and love the upbeat mottos!
I think the last time I swooned this much for a historical women’s fiction tale was when I read Darling Blue. If you liked Darling Blue, I think you’ll love this story, and vice versa.
Emmy is desperate to fulfil her dream of becoming a journalist and when she sees an advert wanting a junior to help at a prestigious newspaper, she knows the job was destined to be hers.
Except the advert wasn’t quite right and due to Emmy’s excitement, she fails to realise at the interview what she’s letting herself in for! But Emmy is one of those ‘glass half full’ kind of girls, and she makes it her mission to get the most out of the job because you never know where it might lead!
Her boss; Mrs Bird, is an agony aunt, who is extremely particular about what topics she deems appropriate to answer. With Emmy in charge of opening the post and deciding which letters will meet Mrs Bird’s strict criteria, she finds it harder and harder to throw out the unsuitable letters. Emmy wants to help these women, and she thinks she can… and so she does.
The story unfolds to reveal more about Emmy’s family and friends, providing so much for the reader to relate to, or be curious about. With the war going on, I felt so much admiration for Emmy and the other ladies that worked so very hard during it. I don’t know how they survived on such little sleep!
An incredibly moving story that has a lasting impact, I will treasure having this book on my shelf.
Dear Mrs Bird is available in hardback, paperback and eBook versions by Picador.
Until next time, Chloé x
Reviews by Chloé 