Overview
They left everything behind to follow their hearts. . . . True stories that illuminate the experiences of British war brides in America after World War IIAmerican soldiers stationed in the UK came away winning more than just a war, they also won the hearts of young women across Britain. At the end of World War II, more than 70,000 GI brides followed the men they'd married—men they barely knew—to begin a new life in the United States. Meet four of these women:
Sylvia Bradley, a loyal, bright-eyed optimist
Rae Brewer, a resourceful, quick-witted tomboy
Margaret Boyle, an English beauty who faced down every challenge
Gwendolyn Rowe, a brave woman ahead of her time
Though all made the bold choice to leave family and the world they knew, the journey each experienced was unique—ranging from romantic to heartbreaking.
Fascinating and unforgettable, GI Brides pays homage to these brave women, propelled by love and hope, who embarked on an adventure that would change their lives.
Editorial Reviews
Daily Mail (London)
“Beautifully rounded portraits … delightful and touching.”
The Londonist
“This is a treasure box of testimonies from a very different world, and
one that will soon slip from living memory. Kudos to the authors for
capturing these memories for posterity, and in such a readable, touching
way.”
Jacqueline Winspear
Much has been written about the British “G.I. Brides” of World War II,
but perhaps never before with such honesty, compassion, emotional
insight and intimacy. I loved this book, and once picked up, it was
really hard to put down.
Erika Robuck
“GI BRIDES includes two authors, four women, and the countless trials
and triumphs of wartime romance. Nuala Calvi and Duncan Barrett deftly
portray love and heartbreak in riveting narratives that consume the
reader from the opening paragraph to the last perfect sentence.”
Marjorie Hart
Heartbreaking yet tender, these British wartime brides face the high
cost of marrying GIs they scarcely know and courageously reclaim their
lives a thousand miles from home and family. Rich in historical detail
and masterfully researched
Hazel Gaynor
Truly fascinating insight into the experiences of the war brides;
remarkable women whose lives were transformed by war and the American
GIs who stole their hearts.
Kirkus Reviews
2014-08-10The love stories of four British women who married American soldiers.When American soldiers flooded the streets of London and the surrounding English countryside during World War II, British girls were swept off their feet. Barrett and Calvi (The Sugar Girls, 2012, etc.) bring together the stories of four war brides—Sylvia, Gwendolyn, Rae and Margaret—who fell in love with these men in uniform. Little did they know how much their lives would change once the war was over or that they were expected to live in America with their new husbands, far from the land and culture with which they were familiar. The authors' prose is saturated with details of life during and after the war, which brings readers into that era, when the chance to live in America meant a house of one's own, modern conveniences and affluence. For each of these four women, the American dream didn't necessarily turn out to be glamorous. One struggled to raise her children on mere pennies while her husband spent all his wages on alcohol, and another faced skepticism from her husband's family as to whether she was a suitable bride. When surrounded by a group of strangers, another longed for home, where she felt understood—not like in America, where "these people had no idea who she was or what she had been through." Another battled against her husband's gambling addiction. But despite their hardships, these women soldiered on and tried to make the best of their situations. Alternating among the women, the authors bring to light the joys and sorrows of each woman, but readers may find it easier to read each story in its entirety before switching to another one. Entertaining stories about four women who embraced life with American soldiers after the end of World War II.
Library Journal
09/15/2014After the end of World War II, an estimated 70,000 British women migrated to the United States to marry soldiers they met during the conflict. Although their experiences varied, all the women shared the task of adapting to a new country without the benefit of family and friends. Nearly 70 years after the initial arrival of the women, coauthors Barrett and Calvi (Sugar Girls) reunited to compile the accounts of 60 brides throughout the States. The result of their efforts is an archive that provides access to some of the oral histories collected (available online at gibrides.com), as well as contemporary stories of four GI brides. Their narratives illuminate the challenges faced by these women along with the ups and downs of their experiences during and after the war. VERDICT While serious scholars might prefer Jenel Virden's well-documented and more analytical Good-Bye, Piccadilly: British War Brides in America, most readers will find this chronicle an entertaining vehicle for learning about the British GI brides' experiences.—Theresa McDevitt, Indiana Univ. Lib., PA
Post a Comment