Voices of World War II: New Zealanders Share Their Stories

Description

'We are only a small and young nation, but we are one and all a band of brothers and we march forward with a union of hearts and wills to a common destiny.' - Michael Joseph Savage, Prime Minister of New Zealand, upon the outbreak of WWII in 1939 Voices of World War II shows the human side of war through dozens of first-hand memories, stories, and reflections on life during wartime in New Zealand and overseas. A visually captivating compendium of photographs and written accounts, it provides a snapshot of what life was like during WWII, from the point of view of those who lived through it. Descriptions are given by a solider lying in his tent, hearing bombs land close by; young school children explain what it was like to have bomb shelter practices at school; a Land Girl meets the farmer she would work with for the first time. Stories are shared about leaving New Zealand and heading into the unknown, as well as WWI-veteran fathers refusing to send their sons to war. Women share what life was like as a WAAF, Wren or nurse overseas. In this collection of memories sent in by families across New Zealand, you will find a rare insight into wartime life across generations and vocations. Fascinating and genuine, it is both a tribute to the resilience and bravery of those who served in WWII, and a historical account which will teach younger generations about the lives of their ancestors.

Renee Hollis is an author, photographer and organizer of collaborative projects for creative artists. She was previously a primary school teacher in New Zealand, the Cook Islands and Botswana. Renee's other books include Keepers of History: New Zealand centenarians tell their stories.

A handsome hardback with photographs, cartoons, posters, press clippings and first-hand accounts, Voices of World War II provides an invaluable and illuminating snapshot of how life was lived during this extraordinary time. The book covers from just before the war until 1946 and after the war. In the introduction, the publisher says, 'Much as been written about World War II, but this book has been largely written by New Zealanders at home and overseas who lived through it, and this volume gives them a voice.' It more than gives them a voice; it allows younger generations to step back in time and experience life as it was then. Voices of World War II is a compelling account of real-life people at various stages during the conflict. The book's design makes it easy to dip in and out of, and the selected images add considerably to the well-written text and selection of quotes. This is well put together volume, and I'm sure it will be of interest to people from many generations, both the young and the old. * NZ Booklovers * Whether you choose to just dip into it or start a continuous read, it will captivate you. This remarkable publication details an era in New Zealand's modern history that needs to be read and understood by those who were part of it through to baby-boomers and the digital device captives in the current generation. Indeed, there is much for the modern generation to appreciate. Voices may be considered as an important document of young Aotearoa New Zealand's 20th century history and coming of age but boring history it is not. * Kete Books * It is interesting to gain insights into the experiences of New Zealanders during times of war. The narrative includes information on various aspects of life during the war through quotations, descriptions of wartime sport, newspaper reports, accounts from prisoners of war, memories of entertainment offered by the Kiwi Concert Party, and accounts of the lives of women at home. This book makes it easy to dip into different aspects of the war by offering a wide choice of material while leaving you to your own reflections. * New Zealand Heritage magazine, autumn issue * "The book is a treasure and I compliment you on the extent of the coverage relating to the WWII years. A remarkable book. " -- Wendy Rhodes * The Editor of NZ Memories * "I have read many books in WWII, but this one is so very different. It covers the war from so many aspects, not just focusing on the front-line action, but looking at the affects of war from many angles. I congratulate you for producing such a wonderful and thought-provoking record of WWII and I am sure all who read it will hear the voices that you have recorded. " -- BJ Clarke QSM JP * New Zealand President of the RSA * "Voices of WWII is both a tribute to resilience and bravery of those who served and a historic account that will teach younger generations about the lives of their ancestors. Renee, thank you and congratulations on this wonderful book; Voices of WWII" -- Hon Meka Whaitiri * Minister for Veterans *