These Days by Lucy Caldwell

FABER & FABER, £12.99 (EBOOK £10.99) REVIEW BY REBECCA WILCOCK

The Belfast Blitz is a lesser-known but no less devastating part of World War

Two. Lucy Caldwell’s comprehensive research and flowing prose paints a harrowing picture of destruction, as the city barely survives a series of heavy German bombing raids. These Days tells the story of the middle-class Bell family, through which Caldwell explores family ties, romantic relationships, and social disparity. As the city’s infrastructure is reduced to rubble, grief and dread become overwhelming, but a steely strength of character shines through. These Days is a moving piece of historical fiction that will captivate your heart.