Dear Mrs Bird: Book review

Book review

Title: Dear Mrs Bird
Author: AJ Pearce
Genre: Fiction


Set in London during the World War II, Dear Mrs Bird is a story of a young aspiring journalist who ends up working for a columnist.

Emmeline Lake harbors dreams of becoming a war corespondent. She jumps at the opportunity when she comes across a job advertisement in the newspaper. However due to a slight misunderstanding about the job profile, she lands up typing letters for Henrietta Bird who is the surly columnist for a women’s magazine.

Mrs Bird has strict rules- Letters containing any sort of unpleasantness must be discarded. When Emmy reads some of the problems faced by women with regards to the men or children in their lives, she feels disheartened. Secretly she begins to write to them under the name of Mrs Bird. Meanwhile other incidents involving Emmy’s best friend Bunty, Bunty’s fiancée Willam and her own love life take a complicated turn in the war infested zone.

Dear Mrs Bird offers a refreshing take on kindness during troubled times. The writing is witty and hilarious in parts. At the same time, it explores the gravity of the war situation, showcasing dangers and bombings lurking around the corner.

The author manages to highlight the problems of loneliness faced by women during such times. The plot also explores the theme of friendship largely. Despite being predictable, the lively characters and heartwarming instances makes this one a charming read.

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