These Days: Book Review
If you're drawn to World War II fiction that captures the human side of history, These Days by Lucy Caldwell is a novel you don’t want to miss. Set against the backdrop of the Belfast Blitz, Caldwell brings wartime Northern Ireland vividly to life through the intimate story of two sisters coming-of-age. With lyrical prose and a haunting sense of place, These Days offers a fresh, deeply moving perspective on a moment in history that is often overlooked. It's a powerful, beautifully written novel that historical fiction fans will find both gripping and unforgettable.
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Quick Look
-WWII-era historical fiction
-reads like stream-of-consciousness literary fiction
-sister story
-set in Belfast
Pub Date: April 8, 2025
Thanks, @sjplit , for the advanced access!
Publisher's Synopsis
April 1941: Belfast has escaped the worst of the Second World War—so far. Over the next two months, it will be so destroyed from above that people will say, in horror, “My God, Belfast is finished.” Many won’t make it through, and those who do will be forever changed.
Living amid the rubble are sisters Emma and Audrey. One is engaged to be married; the other is in a secret relationship with another woman. As the bombs fall, and tomorrow feels further and further away, these young women must grapple with the cultural expectations standing firm around them, and try to seize control of their destinies. After all, Emma thinks, if one is to survive, one must survive for something.
Featuring the voices of the community—from their mother to the wee girl down the road—These Days is a timeless and poignant tale of interrupted girlhood, life under duress, and the struggle to stay true to ourselves. Winner of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction, Lucy Caldwell’s portrait of the Belfast Blitz is to be cherished.
My Review
Wow. I was not expecting this quiet stunner.
When I reach for WWII fiction, I usually gravitate toward stories of resistance fighters or high-stakes homefront efforts. So a novel rooted in the quieter, more intimate rhythms of day-to-day life in Belfast wasn't what I was expecting when I opened These Days.
This book beautifully captures the hardships of wartime life, from the relentless air raids to the tight ties of community. There's a focus on the impact to the daily lives of Belfast residents that makes it feel really intimate and lived-in.
At its heart, this is a portrait of one upper-middle-class family navigating life as bombs fall. Futures are just out of focus and carefully constructed plans are quietly crumbling. The writing makes moments of self-discovery and realization feel tender, reminding you of your own lost youth.
Told through multiple perspectives of family members and adjacent characters, it's a tapestry full of raw emotion. It’s a slower burn than the typical WWII novel. Much less action-driven, These Days is more about the quiet moments and inner lives of its characters. If you love emotional, introspective stories, you’ll find something truly special here. And honestly? It’s yet another reminder that Irish fiction might just be the best fiction.
My Rating
These Days is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope persists. This beautifully detailed story brings a lesser-known chapter of World War II vividly to light, making this novel a must-read for historical fiction lovers. Whether you’re fascinated by WWII settings or simply appreciate character-driven stories, These Days is a book you’ll be glad you discovered.
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