Educated And Entertained

Land That I Love by Gail Kittleson is a marvellous historical novel that will both educate and entertain you.

The story is set in America during World War II and is seen through the eyes of an Englishman from Nottingham. It is written in the first person enabling the reader to become intimately acquainted with the main character and his young son.

Friendship and loyalty loom large as a manservant, William, accompanies the lead character from England to America. He has loyally served the family for years. In America, the land of the free, we witness the transition from servant to friend, where both are on an equal footing.

Mental illness takes a toll on lives and a marriage. The opening of the novel is reminiscent of Mr Rochester and his wife. It is a night that will forever haunt the lead character.

The reader hears the plight of the enemy aliens living within America. It is particularly focused on those of German descent. Despite being born in America, German immigrants were treated with prejudice, hostility and racial intolerance. Many were interned in camps.