There is an entry in my Mother’s 1941 diary that reads; 

Sep 22 Mon, 1941,  They brought us word yesterday that Glen has volunteered for overseas service & expects to leave anytime without leave.  Poor Mrs. Milne. 

She is referring to her mother-in-law who would have two of her three sons sign up for overseas service. Those uncles and others are who I remember on Remembrance Day. We are a fortunate family; both sons and my Mother’s older brother all returned home.

Every year around this time, my own personal way to honour Remembrance Day is to read a book about either of the world wars. Below is a list of some that have stood out in my memory; an eclectic collection of stories, some lighter than others, and in no particular order;

The Book Thief, Makus Zusak

All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr

Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl

The Diary of Anne Frank

Maus: A Survivor’s Tale, Art Spiegelman (a graphic novel)

Three Day Road, Joseph Boyden

Five Quarters of the Orange, Joanne Harris

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

I would love to hear from others what books about war have been informative, or inspiring. This is not my usual literary genre of choice, but I read them to aid in my understanding of what our previous generations lived through.

This year, I have not been able to find a book to read. I have been searching for one that focusses on the British Bomber Command in which one of ‘poor Mrs. Milne’s’ sons served as a pilot. If anyone knows of a good book on that subject, please make the suggestion.

Or, just in general, let us know what books on war (any war) you have read and appreciated.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.  Your comments, questions, ideas and suggestions are always welcome.  You can comment here, or choose between Facebook, Twitter, or the contact button.  

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  I keep it short and to the point.  Topics are as wide ranging as a straight but not narrow path.