Review: Dear Mrs. Bird by A J Pearce

What I Thought:

It’s 1940 and Emmeline Lake’s dream is to become a Lady War Correspondent. After going for an interview with a newspaper, being offered the job, telling everyone she knows, Emmeline arrives for her first day only to realise that there has been a huge mistake. Instead of pounding the rubble of Blitz-ridden London she has actually been employed to work with their Agony Aunt, the formidable Mrs. Bird,  and will spend her days sifting through letters for her column “Henrietta Helps”. She soon learns, however, that not all (in fact, most) letters don’t ever make it to the paper as they are  (deemed “unpleasant” (any containing intimacy, unhappiness or divorce among other topics are a definite no-no). Emmy, bored and frustrated by all the poor people she can’t help, decides to secretly answer some of the letters, and not realsing the impending chaos that will ensue.

Dear Mrs. Bird is a quirky, fun read. It’s filled with likable (and some not so likable) characters who manage to navigate their way through the war and still find things to be cheerful about. Yes, it’s a light and breezy book but there are some difficult to read parts that I thought the author managed incredibly well and with great tenderness.

Verdict:

A charming book that should appeal to many. A lovely read with a lightness of touch which I thoroughly enjoyed.

NB/ I received a copy of this book from Picador to read in return for my honest review. Dear Mrs. Bird will be available to purchase in the UK on 05/04/18. 

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