World War II Letters: A Glimpse Into the Heart of the Second World War Through the Eyes of Those Who Were Fighting It

by Tracy Quinn McLennan

Book Overview

Writers from twenty Allied and Axis countries are gathered in this unique collection of letters from servicemen and -women to their friends, families, and sweethearts. World War II Letters gives an unbiased look into the lives of those who served throughout the world-in Europe, the Pacific, Northern Africa, and Asia-and gives an intimate and honest portrayal of their experiences. Wide ranging in scope, World War II Letters includes writings by officers...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312304323
• ISBN13: 9780312304324
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Loved it

What a way to live (or relive) World War II -- through the letters of those who were there. We got to know Mom, brother Phil, cousins, best friends, sisters, all of the loved ones who received these letters through the words of the letter-writers. Especially poignant were the summaries following each letter, telling us of the fate of its writer. You can fall in love and then have your heart broken within a matter of pages, such is the beauty/anguish of this book. I'd recommend it to any WWII buffs and anyone else who wants to know how every-day life was back then, as well as what it was like to be an 18-year-old holding a machine gun.

An insight into minds and lives of WW2 soldiers.

Fans of World War Two history will enjoy this book. Instead of a top-down, view from a leader's position, this book gives the reader insights into the thoughts of those who served on the front lines, on both sides of the war. If you liked Band of Brothers (either the book or the miniseries) you will enjoy this book.

Our parents' generation will never be matched

It seems only yesterday, that I found those letters, airmail and v-mail in mom's desk. Then I saw the call for letters and submitted one, with photo. As I read my dad's letter and those of his peers and "enemies" I wonder how they did it and came home and became more normal than we seem to be. Bless them all. Read and enjoy all the love and caring these men and women had for family and country

Inspiration 101

Words have a tendency to become devalued in our society, but when some authors and anthologists have called the military of WWII "The Greatest Generation" those words are used authentically. Sophisticated, well informed people aren't easily inspired, but I believe that this book, reflecting the experiences and emotions of the men and women, the Allies and the Axis of World War II would inspire and invigorate any reader. There are reflections and thoughts from soldiers and sailors who had outstanding education and from simple men and women who could barely write a sentence, but there is no mistaking their meaning and their intent. These were people with a tremendous depth of patriotism, and love of country and a profound committment to protect their country even at the expense of their own lives.Every American family should own this book and display it proudly on their bookshelf or coffee table.