A touching account of how a chance wartime encounter grew into lifelong love fueled in the war years only by censored letters, Dear Joan comprises a unique series of letters between a young airman, Tony Ross, and Joan Charles, a girl whom he met briefly in England before he was posted to the Mediterranean during the Second World War. Through these letters, the book traces the development of their relationship from friendship to long-lasting love. With the enthusiasm of youth, Tony and Joan share their dreams of an ideal life in a reconstructed, post-Second World War Britain. Joan's letters reveal the problems of daily life in wartime Britain and give an insight into her voluntary work for the Fire Guard, the land army, and the Red Cross, and the bureaucracy she encounters in her job with the Civil Service. Meanwhile, Tony describes the challenges of life in the desert, his increasing responsibilities in the RAF and his experiences in the numerous countries he visits throughout the Middle East. Dear Joan is a touching account of how Tony and Joan's love began with a chance wartime encounter and quickly blossomed through letters exchanged throughout the Second World War, across the miles that separated them.
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About the Author:
Tony Ross served in the RAF between 1940 and 1946, reaching the rank of wing commander and being awarded the DFC. After the war, he enjoyed a long career in marketing before retiring in 1990. He married Joan Charles in 1946 and they remained married until Joan's death in 2006. Tony lives in France and will celebrate his 90th birthday in 2011.
Review:
"Personal stories, especially those as compelling as Tony's and Joan's, are hugely important in putting a "human" face on the war" -- Sir Peter Squire, Chairman of Trustees, Imperial War Museum "Touching" Weekly News "Most enjoyable" -- Dame Vera Lynn "A gorgeous book" -- Anne Diamond "Wonderful ... a tribute to the strength of love" -- Vanessa Feltz
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- PublisherMainstream Publishing
- Publication date2011
- ISBN 10 1845967062
- ISBN 13 9781845967062
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages304
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Rating