Tuesday, 8 May 1945: Victory in Europe Day. A day of joyous celebration,
as the end of a conflict which had engulfed the world came within
touching distance. Millions of people celebrated in the streets
throughout Britain. Yet not all was right in the world. Struggles
remained ahead - war still raged on between the Allies and Japan.
Agreements and treaties were yet to be forged. Lives continued to be
lost around the world. Meanwhile in Britain, although the pressure of
supporting active military campaigns was reduced, lives were irrevocably
changed in other ways. Bonds forged by the momentum of struggle, by
hardship, unity and common purpose would begin to fade, and give way to
the wounds of sorrow, upheaval and trauma that six years of conflict had
riven. What was it really like to be living in Britain as the war drew
to a close, giving way to a new era of hope, but also of deep
uncertainty? In The Day the War Ended, bestselling author Jacky Hyams
delivers a sweeping story, weaving together illuminating untold stories
with contemporary records and photographs. The result is a moving,
personal insight into hearts and minds across the home front.
