Edith’s War focuses on Edith’s adventures in England during WWII. She married Joe McGuire more out of patriotism and because she liked her mother in law. She also got caught up with the romantic notion of keeping the home fires burning while Joe was off fighting in the war.
Edith Leaves Liverpool
Edith fled Liverpool to live with her mother in law Mrs. McGuire because the smaller village wasn’t as likely to be bombed. There she bonded with a family of Italians who lived next door and developed a deep friendship with the eldest son Carlo. Edith seemed to enjoy her freedom and as a consequence, she had mixed feelings and dreaded her husband’s return.
Edith’s War Has Alternating Time Periods
There are two time periods and perspectives, so half of Edith’s War takes place in 2002 and focuses on her grown sons vacationing in Venice. Will and Shamus are much more passive as they’re mostly reminiscing, while Edith is actively experiencing hardships during the war. Eventually, the three meet in Venice where they unravel shocking family secrets. By this time, Edith is in her 80s and her husband is dead.
The Internment of British Italians During World War II
After Mussolini declared war on England in 1940, all Italians were considered enemy aliens even if they were born in Britain. The resulting internment (imprisonment) of males born of Italian descent illustrates how senseless war is and how paranoid and prejudiced people become because of it. Many of these peaceful law-abiding British Italians lost their homes, businesses, and even their lives.
As an example, over 700 people died after the Arandora Star sank while transporting British Italians to an internment camp in Canada. Andrew Smith works this true tragedy into Edith’s War, but first gets readers emotionally attached to the Italian characters affected.
Forgiveness After the War
What people do during the war is often excused if not forgotten and forgiveness is a big part of what kept Edith’s family together after the war. It's a miracle that so many families were able to work out their problems after being separated for years. Edith can't help but wonder how different things would've been had she not bargained and sacrificed for her family.
Edith’s War (Axiom Publishing, 2010, ISBN: 978-0-9864962-0-2) contains hope because even though change is hard, it shows how people are capable of it. It is important not to repeat the same mistakes, because the cost in the next war could be the complete destruction of humankind.
Andrew Smith also published two non-fiction books: Highlights, an illustrated history of cannabis and Strangers in the Garden, the secret lives of our favorite flowers.
Sandra Williams - Sandra's a book addict and writer from Ontario, Canada. Her interests include cooking, health and personal development, so many of her ...
