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Home: Civilian New Zealanders Remember the Second World War by Alison Parr 

While there are many books written about those who fought in the Second World War, this book tells the stories of some who for various reasons remained civilians in New Zealand during this period. It is based on frank, in-depth interviews with eighteen New Zealanders and gives readers an idea of the social, physical, financial and emotional toll on families and communities during this time.

It is written in an accessible style with honest, often surprising, personal and heartfelt recollections that are even sometimes told with humour. It gives a real feel for the thoughts and feelings of people who spent the Second World War in this country.

Home is highly illustrated with photographs, many of which have not been previously published, and reveals the reality of civilians during wartime in New Zealand. We see how the chronic uncertainty, the fear of enemy invasion, the deprivations that came with rationing, and the intensity of wartime relationships took their toll.

Readers will find out about those who took a pacifist stand against the war, and others who tried to hide their embarrassment when they were excluded from military service. There are stories of some of the many who faced anxiety of long distance separation from loved ones and the possibility of never seeing them again. Also this book covers the toll of grief felt by those left behind when they heard a person they loved died in a far-away land.

Author, Alison Parr is Senior Oral Historian at the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. She is also a former journalist who has worked for 25 years in television and radio.

This book makes a good addition to any study of the Second World War, covering sections of society in New Zealand that are often overlooked because they were not directly involved in the conflict. Home also gives a real sense of the feelings of society during this period of turmoil.

RRP $50.00
Published and distributed by Penguin Group
 

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