Book review: Characters bring cheerful attitude to war

'Dear Miss Lake' is a touching reminder of how powerful friendship and community can be in the darkest of times — and it’s an absolute must-read this year

Author AJ Pearce doesn’t shy away from the  devastation of teh Second World Wat in her latest novel. Picture: Jenny Smith

• Dear Miss Lake 
• AJ Pearce 
• Picador, £16.99

When one thinks of the Second World War, “uplifting” and “charming” are not words that typically come to mind. They are, however, perfect descriptors for AJ Pearce’s newest historical fiction novel.

After nearly five years of living in constant dread, London and its weary population continue to struggle. 

Even in 1944, with the end of the war in sight, the city still endures relentless attacks, and fleeing to bomb shelters remains a grim part of daily life.

But none of that stops Emmy Lake — a talented journalist for Woman’s Friend magazine — from writing her beloved advice column, “Yours Cheerfully”. 

The women of England need her help now more than ever, sending in hundreds of letters that ask for guidance on everything from romantic entanglements to financial hardships faced by war widows.

With a stellar and charismatic publishing team supporting her — a group that effortlessly forms the heart of the novel — and her caring husband Charles, it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with these delightful, gentle characters.

“Our job at Woman’s Friend was to help keep up morale, to share information, offer advice, and perhaps as much as anything, show women that they had our friendship and respect.”

We receive hundreds of letters, week in and week out, asking for help. The flow of problems never, ever lets up. 

“They may be from strangers, but we do everything in our power to respond. You could put us on the moon, and the team would continue to work their socks off.”

Emmy’s skilful, sympathetic writing eventually catches the attention of government officials, and she is offered the opportunity to become an official war correspondent — a dream of hers.

She soon finds herself boarding her first-ever flight to Brussels, where she interviews the women working at a base hospital.

These women tend to injured soldiers and prove that victory isn’t won by men alone, but also by the tireless efforts of those behind the scenes.

Despite the demands of her hectic life, Emmy never loses sight of why she does this work: To bring comfort and hope to those enduring the war. 

If picking up the magazine can bring a smile to just one reader’s face, or spark even a flicker of hope that gets them through another day, then it’s worth it.

“Working for a women’s magazine might not be the same as being in uniform or doing night shifts in the factories, but we know we have the ability to make a difference, and we take that very seriously indeed.”

But in war, peace is fragile, and when Emmy finds herself facing the unimaginable, it becomes her turn to lean on and take advice from trusted loved ones.

While many historical fiction novels focus on the battlefield, Dear Miss Lake uses the war as a backdrop for a more lighthearted, compassionate story — not about soldiers on the front line, but about the civilians holding everything together at home.

Pearce doesn’t shy away from the war’s devastation, but she tells it through the eyes of those worn down by years of uncertainty, who are waiting for word from the people they love.

But even when all seems lost and giving up feels like the best thing to do, there is always a glimmer of hope if you know where to look.

Pearce’s latest novel is a touching reminder of how powerful friendship and community can be in the darkest of times — and it’s an absolute must-read this year.