Fur Coat, No Knickers

I thought this would be a typical tale set in World War Two but I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. The main character is likeable and believable and there are enough twists to make it just that little bit out of the ordinary. A good read!

As we all know, I love a bit of World War II historical fiction so this was right up my alley.  The novel is based around the Donnelly family and their friends as they find themselves in London for the duration of World War II.  They face tragedy, love and loss as they find themselves in a new world that involves bombings, blackouts and rationing.  The story centres on Grace, Violet and Polly, three sisters who are each trying to find their way in the world at a time of great uncertainty.

I really do love novels based during this time period.  In the face of adversity, the characters are brought together in a way that hasn't happened since.  There isn't anyone that hasn't suffered the loss of a loved one as the men of the population are shipped off to war.  However the women left behind pull together to keep the country running, and to keep each other going despite their personal battles and grief.  Grace, Violet and Polly are three very different women, which is very apparent in the novel.  Grace fights to be strong and keep her family together; Violet is fiercely independent and in the new world finds herself conflicted between gaining more independence and the draw of her family. Polly is the frightened youngest Donnelly who is struggling to hold it together when faced with terrifying evenings in bomb shelters, as the Germans rain down on London with truly horrific results.

The fear and solidarity of those times in the late 1930s and early 1940s really comes across in this novel.  These women fight for themselves and for their family as they struggle to survive.  This is a story of tragedy, heroism, love, loss and family.  Go and grab yourself a copy of this novel!

Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for providing me a copy of this lovely novel!  My review is all mine, voluntarily given.

This is a great book,I couldn't put it down,three generations of women in 1930s,a must read.

This is a story about the Donnelly family who lived in the East End in 'Paddy's Castle' which is a three story house at the end of the street and was won in a card game and re-built by her Grandfather. The background to their story is the blitz and how it affects their lives and that of their neighbours.
Graces fiancé Stanley joins up but in the background is Nobby Clark who helps the family in their darkest moments and there are several in this story. They are a big boisterous east end family that suffer horrendous losses and try to pick themselves up time and time again. Then there are others who look to take advantage of the family especially their good-willed and innocent uncle.
This was a great story. Anna has captured the hardship and stoic resonance of the east end and the people that lived in it. I really enjoyed this story. There were a few surprises which only helped my enjoyment of it. Looking forward to Anna's next book.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I love World War II historical fiction and this book was exactly that. I loved the Donnelly family, the neighbourhood and really enjoyed this book

I really enjoyed this book. Excellent storyline and great main characters. I would recommend this book.