Hunter paints a vivid picture of various women’s roles during the war, and it is an informative read. The boys and men go off to war, but the women must wait at home for news. She’s indignant about the fact that time and time again, as a woman, she is left behind. Natalie, the main character of this story, does not disappoint as she matures into an adult during the tumultuous time of World War II by stepping up and taking factory jobs.

I love Hunter’s writing because it is heartfelt and character-driven. The books of Hunter’s I grew up reading were all juvenile fiction, so I was thrilled when I realised The Girls They Left Behind fit my reading criteria. Review: I couldn’t have my Marathon of Books list without having a Bernice Thurman Hunter book on my list. When the war ends, Natalie must figure out what a post-war world holds for her and those she loves. Though her job helps her gain self-confidence and some financial independence, Natalie is reminded of the reality of war when Carmen goes missing in action, presumed dead. Determined to play her own part in supporting the war effort, she takes jobs at factories working diligently in munitions and then building mosquito airplanes. When her beloved cousin Carmen enlists Natalie is left behind once more to her dismay. Then one day, she decides to enter the local newspaper’s essay writing contest and what happens after that nearly turns Booky’s life upside down.Summary: With most of her childhood male friends going off to fight in World War II, Natalie feels left behind as she waits for the war to end. She starts the Deanna Durbin fan club with her best friends Ruthie and Gladys, rebuffs the advances of her brother’s trouble-making friend Georgie, celebrates her 16th birthday with disastrous results, and falls for Gloria’s ex-boyfriend Lorne. Jackson inspires her to become a writer, Booky pursues her career with gusto - until she lets some well-meaning advice from a great Canadian author shatter her dreams.įollowing a short stay at Aunt Aggie’s Muskoka farm to quell a bout of bronchitis, Booky returns home to resume the usual joys and trials of growing up. But irrepressible Booky, with her big imagination and even bigger plans, seems able to tackle anything. Parents Thomas and Francy are barely able to eke out a living for themselves and their children Willa, Arthur and Booky.

Life in Toronto during the 1930s are hard ones for Booky’s family. Beatrice “Booky” Thomson, is a spunky 15-year-old who dreams of becoming a great writer despite the odds.

Bernice thurman hunter books