From: VanMeter, Mariana <MVANMETER>
Date: Mon, 6 Oct 1997 15:10:42 -0700

I have not yet finished the book but I have found the historical details to be very helpful in creating mood and developing the plot. Details such as sneaking into the balcony of the local theater to be thrown out by the movie "matron" who apparently roamed the aisles further enhanced the portrayal of childhood in the '40's for Lily and Margaret. The signs she sees in the bakery "Someone talked..." and "Loose lips--sink ships" are haunting examples of the war period. The fact that the signs changed makes me wonder if they were sent out by the government regularly? Eating food from a neighbor's Victory garden was another detail that popped into the action regularly.

I especially noticed the tight community life evidenced by the spontaneous (?) mass at the church (I guess there was only one and Catholic.) Everyone knew everyone (the mailman knew Lily's dad by name) and were concerned for the welfare of all those with war-torn families.

Mariana Van Meter, Librarian Scottsdale Public Library Scottsdale, AZ mvanmeter at ci.scottsdale.az.us

Mariana
Received on Mon 06 Oct 1997 05:10:42 PM CDT