When Elaine answered my questions on the blog at the end of April she shared how personal the story of The Woolworths Girls was to her. About her inspiration she said:
My stories are set in Kent and the outskirts of SE London where I grew up. I wanted to show what the early war years were like in Erith, a town on the banks of the River Thames. It was part of ‘bomb alley’ and being close to the docks and important factories, like Vickers, took a lot of flack from the enemy. I know the people from that time. I lived in the street where Ruby, Sarah’s grandmother, lived.
Having now read The Woolworths Girls it is clear how emotionally invested Elaine was in her story. She drew me in and everything felt authentic from the settings and the characters to the experiences all three girls go through.
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Pan; Main Market Ed. edition (5 May 2016)
ISBN-10: 144729548X
ISBN-13: 978-1447295488
Can romance blossom in times of trouble?
It’s 1938 and as the threat of war hangs over the country, Sarah Caselton is preparing for her new job at Woolworths. Before long, she forms a tight bond with two of her colleagues: the glamorous Maisie and shy Freda. The trio couldn’t be more different, but they immediately form a close-knit friendship, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future.
Sarah soon falls into the rhythm of her new position, enjoying the social events hosted by Woolies and her blossoming romance with young assistant manager, Alan. But with the threat of war clouding the horizon, the young men and women of Woolworths realize that there are bigger battles ahead. It’s a dangerous time for the nation, and an even more perilous time to fall in love . . .
I enjoyed getting to know Sarah, Freda and Maisie. Intrigue from their pasts had me trying to work out what they were running from and why they were drawn to Erith. Their growing friendship which begins at the Woolies interview is interesting because they are such different people. Their strengths and weaknesses compliment each other and they learn when to push those friendship boundaries without fear of reprisals.
There are some fabulous characters we get to meet too. Sarah’s grandmother Ruby is the salt of the earth, nurturing the girls, providing home comforts and protecting them when it’s needed. Ruby’s friendship with neighbour Vera provides some spark and even though we only meet Maisie’s mother-in-law a couple of times she left a lasting impression (and not in a good way). I must admit I wondered how Sarah’s parents had ever stayed together for all those years … Miss Billington’s story was sad and I enjoyed the added depth her friendship with Sarah brings to the story.
The war obviously plays a part in the story and not just because of the romance between Sarah and Alan. There are a few tense scenes and I could picture what was happening so vividly. When I interviewed Elaine, she shared the hardest scene to write and it was obvious she wrote from the heart.
The scenes in Woolies with the girls on their counters and the party for the old soldiers felt very real. It was like stepping back to a time of innocence. Very refreshing to read a story without mobile phones and the internet. Not being able to text someone or Google something gave a heightened sense of tension when crises arose but it wasn’t just communication. The romance is also innocent and naive compared to today. There was a different pace to life and a strong sense of community both before, during and after the war.
The Woolworths Girls was a ‘comfort’ read for me. What I mean by that is it is a story that my mum and I would have shared between us (so a comfort in a good way!). One to add to your reading lists.
I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am sure some of my blog readers will remember the Woolies stores. I found this tweet from 80s Kidz which brought back memories of standing in queues to buy the latest vinyl singles/12″ or LPs!
Who remembers going to the Woolworths record bar to get their LPs/cassettes?… pic.twitter.com/AVTCehNi0X
— 80s Kidz (@80s_Kidz) March 28, 2016
Do you have any memories of Woolies?
You’re welcome to share in the comments.
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