Goodbye Shirley: The Wartime Letters of an Oxford Schoolboy 1939 - 1947

Main Themes and Topics

Goodbye Shirley: The Wartime Letters of an Oxford Schoolboy 1939 - 1947 by Michael Hickey provides a unique glimpse into life in Oxford during and just after World War II. Through a collection of personal letters, the book explores themes such as the impact of war on daily life, childhood and adolescence, and the intersection of personal growth with historical events. The letters reveal the juxtaposition of carefree school days filled with sport, music, and cinema against the serious backdrop of wartime and the militarisation of the city.

Writing Style and Tone

Hickey's writing style is incredibly accessible, characterized by its candid and earnest tone. The letters, written in the unfettered voice of youth, are both amusing and poignant, capturing the essence of a young boy's experiences during a tumultuous time. The inclusion of local newspaper headlines offers an authentic contrast to the letters, grounding the personal narrative in historical context.

Brief Summary

The book compiles the wartime letters of Michael Hickey, an Oxford schoolboy, who documented his life from 1939 to 1947. These letters narrate his experiences from carefree childhood days through his transition into adulthood. Alongside his personal journey, Hickey unknowingly provides a vivid record of Oxford during the war years, seen through the eyes of a young chorister passing into the complexities of adult life.