Evacuees of the Second World War

Brief Summary

Evacuees of the Second World War by Mike Brown delves into the experiences of nearly two million people, primarily children, who were evacuated from British cities, towns, and ports during the onset of World War II. It explores the logistical and emotional challenges faced during this massive relocation to the countryside or even across the Atlantic to the USA and Canada. With a significant focus on how this upheaval affected the lives of the evacuees, the book offers a comprehensive look at their journeys up to their homecomings in 1945 and the repercussions that followed.

Main Themes and Topics

The book sheds light on the themes of displacement, adaptation, and resilience. It highlights the stark contrast between city life and rural environments and examines how children, in particular, adapted to their new surroundings. The narrative also touches upon community efforts, the role of host families, and the psychological impact of separation from families. The book is richly illustrated, adding depth to its exploration of these themes by providing a visual understanding of the evacuees' experiences.

Writing Style and Tone

Mike Brown's writing style in Evacuees of the Second World War is descriptive and engaging, effectively interweaving historical facts with personal anecdotes. The tone is empathetic, capturing the emotional nuances of the evacuees' experiences while maintaining a factual narrative. The inclusion of illustrations complements the text, making the historical recounting more vivid and accessible to readers.