In A London Diary, Quentin Reynolds pays tribute to the English people and their resolve during the Nazi bombing blitz of London.
High Point: Reynolds’ fascinating portrayal of life in London during the Blitz.
Low Point: The realization that we seem to have learned little about the evils of war.
Author: Quentin Reynolds
Publication Date: 1941
Genre: History
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In A London Diary, Quentin Reynolds pays tribute to the English people and their resolve during the Nazi bombing blitz of London and surrounding cities beginning in 1940. Reynolds was an American journalist living in London during the blitz, enabling him to experience the bombing firsthand while observing the common residents’ responses. They endeared themselves to him through their shows of unity and their commitment to maintain some sense of normalcy while enduring the deadly attacks every single night.
One of his observations: “The British are so sensible about this war. They like German wines, like German music and see no reason to deprive themselves of either, just because they hate Germany.”
Reynolds’ writing style is conversational, easy and personal. And during this period, Reynolds also wrote the commentary and provided the voiceover for a short documentary, London Can Take It. It is available on YouTube, so make it a point to watch about halfway through your read of A London Diary. The visuals will bring home Reynolds’ descriptions of British tenacity and pure doggedness as their lives were upended by Nazi aggression.
Quotes
| “Virtually no place in England has been immune from the bombers. One bomb fell on the school ground just in front of the main building. The students are rather proud of their bomb crater. They hope that the headmaster won’t have it filled in.” |
| “The British are so sensible about this war. They like German wines, like German music and see no reason to deprive themselves of either, just because they hate Germany.” |
