“Elegant . . . illuminates the impact of war on ordinary people . . . an elegy and a celebration.”—Ann Hood, author of The Knitting CircleOn the evening of November 14, 1940, Harriet Marsh stands on the roof of the historic Coventry cathedral and marvels at the frost glittering beneath a full moon. But it is a bomber’s moon, and the Luftwaffe is coming to unleash destruction on the city. For … destruction on the city. For Harriet; for the young fire watcher, Jeremy, standing beside her; and for his artist mother, Maeve, hiding in a cellar, this single night of horror will resonate for the rest of their lives. Coventry is a testament to the power of the human spirit, an honest and ultimately uplifting account of heartache transformed into compassion and love.more
On the night of November 14, 1940, the Luftwaffe dropped over 500 tons of high explosives on Coventry, England, leveling the city center and destroying historic Coventry Cathedral. Protagonists Maeve and Harriet tap into their artistic sensibilities as artist and poet, respectively, as they separately guide us through the raid’s devastation. We step with each of Maeve and Harriet through the apocalyptic ruins of Coventry, encountering the dead and dying on a slow trudge to their own loss as their paths converge and they learn the fate of Maeve’s son, Jeremy. I wondered if the stakes for Maeve and Harriet reconnecting paled in comparison to the magnitude of the horror inflicted by the raid, but perhaps that is the point. Untold thousands had their unremarkable existences shattered by a military action designed to break the spirits of ordinary citizens. With a smaller number of pages than most on this list, Ms. Humphreys has a talent for packing poignant descriptions of a horrific night that shouldn’t be forgotten into an approachable read.
Was this review helpful? I am an avid world war based fiction reader and author. You can read more of my takes at https://brodiecurtis.com/curtis-takes/.
I wanted to read it because I’ve been to Coventry and have sung in the cathedaral that has been rebuilt. It was a fabulous experience. I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction and those based around the world wars.
I have stood inside the ruins of St. Michael’s, was reduced to tears by the “Father Forgive” charred cross. Since then, I have read a lot of background history on Coventry at that time, and how St. Michael’s fate resulted in all York Minster’s medieval windiws being removed for the duration of the war. But I never really thought about the actual involvement of the people of Coventry until I read this book. It was an eye opener….
Short but very well-written book about the bombing of Coventry, England during the Blitz. THe best thing about this book is the writing, which is exceptional. Characters are not as well drawn as they might be, but the writing sings.
Not just another WWII story, this is mainly focused on the two night bombing of Coventry, England and the intermingled events surrounding two women whose lives are irrevocably changed. The indomitable spirit of nirmal British people emerges and the result is a heartbreaking and fascinating book. Equally sad and uplifting with an unexpected twist.
Loved this beautifully written account of WWII night in Coventry. So much more than historical fiction. Lovely characters. As much about relationships as tragedy of war
Leaves the reader feeling that reader had experienced the bombing of Coventry first hand. A truly remarkable read that conveys the horror of the effect of war on the innocent civilian population.
Good historical fiction.
Boring. No plot.
Kept my interest throughout
Thankful that some one is writing how it was and giving voice to the citizens of Coventry and their sacrifice because Churchill knew it was going to happen but was unable to warn them because that would reveal England had broken Germany’s code. The writing was brilliant when it came to giving you the feeling you were actually there. I lived further south but I did have some experience of being bombed and she captured it.
Good little read