Gorgeous novel of WWII in New York

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑  For some reason the covid-19 lockdown has me turning to WWII novels and books. I find the spirit of that time heartening during our current struggles and this led me to City of Girls. Though most of the books have been from the British perspective ('The Splendid and the Vile' by Erik Larson as well as 'Love in the Blitz' by Eileen Alexander - both exceptional, by the way) City of Girls shows us the war through the rose coloured glasses of New York showgirls and the theater life. Amazing good fun for young, naive Vivian Morris moved to New York to live in the theater run by gloriously independent aunt Peg. She has a lot to learn and grows up quickly in this cracking read.

Everything is fun and games until events turn again our girl Viv and she must deal with the consequences. This seemed such a lighthearted and jolly novel but there is a real vein of bittersweet tenderness running through it as the war pulls America in. I didn't expect this book to be as touching as it was but love the turn it took as elderly Vivian recalls her life in New York and shows how the war impacted many globally even if not directly involved in the fighting.

I loved this novel for all the sarcasm and quick wit but more for the gentle love that stitched it all together. Not just a feel good book, here, but something that will warm your heart and make you feel satisfaction in your soul.