Why read The Words of War?

Book cover of The Words of War: British Forces' Personal Letters and Diaries During the Second World War

Book description

Using the Imperial War Museum's vast archive of personal diaries, this remarkable anthology examines the stories of ordinary men and women who fought, and in some cases died, on the front line and home front during the Second World War. "The Words of War" features diverse first-hand accounts from individuals…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Words of War as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Clément Horvath

Author

Although it has no illustrations (and seeing the face of the soldier writing the letters is very important to feel connected), reading these archives from the Imperial War Museum, focusing on British Forces’ Personal Letters and Diaries during the Second World War, was a fantastic read. The soldiers’ names and personal stories are disclosed and there’s a historical context for the neophytes. It also deals with battles that we seldom hear about (looking at you, books about D-Day on Omaha Beach!!).

From Clément's list on World War II letters.