Sometimes I want to read books that warm my heart. That
When I first saw the advertisement in the newspaper I thought I might actually burst. I’d had rather a cheerful day so far despite the Luftwaffe annoying everyone by making us all late for work, and then I’d managed to get hold of an onion, which was very good news for a stew. But when I saw the announcement, I could not have been more cock-a-hoop.
The novel tells the story of Emmeline Lake and her best friend Bunty. Both women live in London. Emmy wants to be a fearless Lady War Correspondent, reporting from war scenes and becoming a journalist. When she sees the job advertisement for a position at The London Evening Chronicle she cannot believe her luck. She even gets an invitation for an interview, but when she enters the building things take an unexpected turn.
The power of words
Emmy starts a job at a magazine, but it is not as a war correspondent and it is not for The London Evening Chronicle. She starts typing letters for the woman magazine Woman’s Friend and has to pre-sort letters for Mrs Bird. Mrs Bird is answering the letters in a kind of help-section for the magazine. But Mrs Bird does not reply to all letters and has a long list of topics that are taboo. Mrs Bird won’t reply to any letter concerning any type of relationship, political activities or cookery. The list is long and Emmy soon realises that the women who write are in need of answers and advice. She does not understand why Henrietta Bird refuses to reply and she soon starts to think of her own way of helping these people.
The power of friendship
Although Emmy and Bunty are best friends, Emmy is reluctant to tell her what she is about to do. We follow their friendship, join them when they go on dates and trying to find a partner for Emmy. Bunty is Emmy’s biggest fan and their friendship endures some ups and downs, which I don’t want to spoil here. Reading the book reminded me of my best friend and how close we are, even though we don’t live close and what my life would be without her. She is the rock by my side, my fan and cheerleader. I know that I can count on her, always, and that nothing can happen that would tear us apart.
The power of books
My best friend and I share one big love: books. We met during university, in our first lecture actually. Reading Dear Mrs Bird reminded me of how powerful books are. When I started reading the book, I was kind of sad and not so happy. Then I started reading and the book changed my mood in an instance: I laughed, cried and laughed again. I realized again how books do have the power to change the world, to change people. How words and letters can change lives and how we must make sure to share them with as many people as possible. How we must do our best to spread good stories, how we must make it possible for as many people as possible to be able to read. Because I don’t want to miss reading and books for anything in the world and can only imagine that others want to feel this joy too.
Which books have changed your life?