Under a Sky on Fire: A gripping and utterly heartbreaking WW2 historical novel Paperback – 13 October 2020

#bookreviewUnder a Sky on Fire by Suzanne KelmanI read Suzanne Kelman’s ‘A View Across the Rooftops’ last year and liked it for its strong story & the strength of its characters. That is true of this book as well, which is set during the period of the Second World War (but in UK).Lizzie has had a troubled life in her teens after having a child at the age of 14, giving her child up for adoption and then moving to live with her uncle & aunt on a farm. She works to get her life back in their considerate care, and as war breaks out decides that she must contribute to the effort. She meets Diana who has also volunteered to join the armed forces, and they become good friends. The war also brings anxiety and stress for Julia (a London resident since many years) whose husband John is called on to fight in the war. As she is assigned to work on critical documentation for the Prime Minister’s office, she has to send her children away to stay with their aunt. The relationship between Lizzie, Diana & Julia grows to be strong, and they are pillars of support for each other. The war inevitably brings tragedy & grief, and yet there is hope as the three of them stick together.The characters are strong, and the writing gives you a view of their souls. A beautiful book which I certainly recommend, if historical fiction interests you.My rating: 4.5 / 5.