Cissy's War

Cissy's War is a gripping, captivating story that centers around Cissy, a ten-year-old girl living in the East End in 1939. At first, her life is relatively ordinary and comfortable, although she observes the hardships her mother endures as she has one child after another and decides that motherhood isn't for her. Then, World War II begins, and her father, Harry, enlists to go to war in France. She and her big family are deeply affected by his departure, but things slowly settle into a new normal when he returns. However, as the war progresses, Cissy experiences profound loss, which dramatically alters the course of her life. The book follows her journey as she evolves into a young woman, faced with new responsibilities and challenges.

The book does an excellent job of demonstrating the immense tragedies of war and its devastating effects on ordinary people and families. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the way Cissy remains resilient without ever seeming  untouched by tragedy—her weary grief, determination, vulnerability, and growing independence make her feel genuinely human and give the story tremendous emotional heart. Cissy’s emerging love life adds another layer to her coming-of-age journey, as moments of romance and heartbreak allow her to experience the excitement and vulnerability of young love even amid the uncertainty of wartime. This is an exceptional tale of strength in the face of hardship and a historically vivid look at life during World War II. 

Emotionally resonant and deeply moving, Cissy’s War is a powerful story that stays with the reader long after the final page.