Vorab-RezensentenChris Nicholls

The book opens in 2014, the 70th anniversary of D-Day when the teacher of twins Nick and Emily Doyle presents them with their summer holiday project. Photographs and conversations with older family members regarding war memories were required.

This would be a verbal portrait of the part they had played in saving the country from possible invasion. Due to parental work commitments, the twins were entrusted with the company of their grandparents as baby-sitters and an opportunity for in-depth talks arose.

Billy Doyle, now a Grandad affectionately known as ‘Pops,’ reminisces about his home life, adventures, friendships and self-doubts during the first few years of WW2.

Billy Doyle – Accidental Hero shows another side of life during WW2. Through Billy’s hilarious adventures and frequent mishaps, we see what real life was like for some young people in a country at war.

Billy Doyle was almost thirteen when World War Two commenced. He was an innocent lad, with a vivid imagination, who came to terms with growing up during the first two years of war torn Britain. His zest for life produced some challenging situations when the disciplines of home life were put to the test. Self-doubt and the questioning of adult values, formed their own set of problems. The book contains many evocative descriptions of life during the Second World War. Billy's experiences and adventures in the contrasting environments of country and town are both interesting and amusing as well as giving a realistic view of Britain in the war. Historically accurate, overflowing with facts and bulging with nostalgia, this would make an ideal book for junior schools working on Second World War topics as well as providing a fascinating, if not endearing, read for adults.