Della Dolan (by Sheila Jansen)

(Amazon UK link)

'Della Dolan' is a Liverpool saga by Sheila Jansen, set in the war years.

Della, from a big, happy (although poor) family, starts work, then grows up and falls in love. Her first marriage has unexpected difficulties, and ends in tragedy. Then she learns to find love again.

The book is set before and during World War II. It gives a good picture of life for ordinary people during raids, with a little of what it felt like to have sons killed in war. There's a fast-moving plot, and I thought it was well-written, although the characters are a little flat, and there is not much emotion. I found it rather too explicit in places.

I doubt if I'll read this one again, though it's not a bad book if you like this style.