Nella Last in the 1950s (Housewife, 49)
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Review
`A must-read' -- Yours
`Fascinating ... [she has] a marvellous gift for finding pleasure in small things.' --Daily Mail
`This third compelling volume of her detailed diaries offers a fascinating narrative of daily life in Britain' --Charlotte Vowden, Daily Express
'What we get is not only a historical document, but a self-knowing portrait of a woman' --Emma Hagestadt, The Lady
`Last's self-awareness and clear prose help us understand the attitudes and experiences of real, complex members of the public.' -- Glasgow Herald
`History Books of the Year: A poignant reminder of the pleasures of micro-history... perceptive.' -- Lisa Hilton, Independent on Sunday
`Fascinating ... [she has] a marvellous gift for finding pleasure in small things.' --Daily Mail
`This third compelling volume of her detailed diaries offers a fascinating narrative of daily life in Britain' --Charlotte Vowden, Daily Express
'What we get is not only a historical document, but a self-knowing portrait of a woman' --Emma Hagestadt, The Lady
`Last's self-awareness and clear prose help us understand the attitudes and experiences of real, complex members of the public.' -- Glasgow Herald
`History Books of the Year: A poignant reminder of the pleasures of micro-history... perceptive.' -- Lisa Hilton, Independent on Sunday
Book Description
Picking up where bestseller Nella Last's Peace left off, this fascinating diary from the 1950s delves into the thoughts, feelings and daily life of housewife, mother and skilful narrator Nella Last, as well as that of her family, friends and neighbours.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have read the first two volumes of Nella Last's diaries more times than I care to remember, I also adored Victoria Wood's adaptation of the first book 'Housewife 49'. So I eagerly anticipated the release of the third volume and was most definitely not disappointed!
It really is 'more of the same' but this is no bad thing, Nella wrote in such a lovely style with flowing prose that really captivates interest. We're now in the years following World War Two - Nella and Will are dealing with advancing age and ill health (reading about Will's mental struggles and how Nella, herself troubled with anxiety and depression copes with him shows you that really nothing changes from one decade to another) There are some very poignant entries which really made me feel very emotional indeed.
It's also so interesting to read about how Nella managed the household, the meals she cooked and the things she did on a day to day basis to keep their home going.
I really do hope there are more books planned, Nella was one of the most prolific contributors to the Mass Observation programme, so I'm keeping everything crossed more volumes are on their way soon!
It really is 'more of the same' but this is no bad thing, Nella wrote in such a lovely style with flowing prose that really captivates interest. We're now in the years following World War Two - Nella and Will are dealing with advancing age and ill health (reading about Will's mental struggles and how Nella, herself troubled with anxiety and depression copes with him shows you that really nothing changes from one decade to another) There are some very poignant entries which really made me feel very emotional indeed.
It's also so interesting to read about how Nella managed the household, the meals she cooked and the things she did on a day to day basis to keep their home going.
I really do hope there are more books planned, Nella was one of the most prolific contributors to the Mass Observation programme, so I'm keeping everything crossed more volumes are on their way soon!
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The third volume of Mass Observation diaries distilled from the pen of a Barrow-in-Furness housewife, circa 1950s.
The war has become a fond memory of camaraderie and purpose for Nella Last as she begins to struggle with her own physical decline, and her husband's increasingly debilitating anxiety and depression.
I sadly sensed that Nella was begining to give way to her husband's moribund personality again, now that the stimulation and urgency of war had passed and both her sons were living away from home. This makes up the dramatic undercurrent to her usual lively entries detailing meal preparations and local gossip, economic conditions and world events.
Another vivid picture of times gone for ever, journalled by a woman who wrote almost nightly for 25 years, yet had no idea of the mass readership she would eventually claim.
The war has become a fond memory of camaraderie and purpose for Nella Last as she begins to struggle with her own physical decline, and her husband's increasingly debilitating anxiety and depression.
I sadly sensed that Nella was begining to give way to her husband's moribund personality again, now that the stimulation and urgency of war had passed and both her sons were living away from home. This makes up the dramatic undercurrent to her usual lively entries detailing meal preparations and local gossip, economic conditions and world events.
Another vivid picture of times gone for ever, journalled by a woman who wrote almost nightly for 25 years, yet had no idea of the mass readership she would eventually claim.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having read and enjoyed the first two volumes of Nella Last's edited diaries, I was keen to read the third but was slightly apprehensive that this one would not live up to the previous two. Luckily I had no cause for concern. Perhaps it helps that you feel you have come to know her, her family, and her circle of friends and acquaintances through the previous books. She now has a recently retired husband who suffers from "nerves" and depression, and two grown-up sons, one of them having moved to Australia, and the other living in Northern Ireland with his wife and children.
I find it very easy to relate to Nella and her problems; but also to her joy in the natural world, her fondness of her cats, and her dealings with friends and neighbours. We also experience through her the concerns of wider events of the time such as the development of nuclear weapons, and the devastating effects of polio.
This is social history through the eyes of someone fairly ordinary but with an eye for detail and a gift for writing. Superb.
I find it very easy to relate to Nella and her problems; but also to her joy in the natural world, her fondness of her cats, and her dealings with friends and neighbours. We also experience through her the concerns of wider events of the time such as the development of nuclear weapons, and the devastating effects of polio.
This is social history through the eyes of someone fairly ordinary but with an eye for detail and a gift for writing. Superb.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Sad this is the last one
Have read the series of Nella Last's experiences during and after the second world war. The diaries have been put into a very good readable way, not necessarilly on a day to day... Read more
Published 1 day ago by pendle
nella last in the 1950's
I loved the first two of Nella's diaries - and this third one did not disappoint. What heights this woman could have reached if she had been released to fly! Read more
Published 7 months ago by L. White
Nella Last in the 1950's
If you have seen the film Housewife 49 this is a *must read". For those around in the 50's a wonderful reminder, and those who were not, see how things have improved ! Carol
Published 8 months ago by walter
A quieter life for Nella
I found nella's first two volumns of dairies very intertested, and gained an understanding of daily life in the second World War and how the war effort give opportunities for women... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Sue Antrobus
I will miss Nella!
Nella Last has become a friend through these three books compiled from her diaries written for the Mass Observation movement. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Mrs. P. A. Mahood
Nella Last
Fascinating follow up to the previous two. The standard of observation and candid writing continues into an era to which many more will relate (the 50s).
Published 13 months ago by Ian
diary entries for mass observation
Having read and enjoyed the first two books namely Nella's War and Nella's Peace I was delighted to discover yet a further book compiled of her diary entries in the 1950's for mass... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Didi Clarke
Nella Last
Having read the first two volumes of Nella Last's diary contribution to Mass Observation I eagerly awaited this third volume. I was not disappointed. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Mrs. V. Bradley
Nella Last in the 1950's
Excellent book and completes the record of life during the war and the impact after the war. Couldn't put it down.
Published 15 months ago by Bookworm
Nella Last in the 1950's
I didn't order this book, it arrived with another. When I ckecked the papaerwork I had paid for it. No doubt in the fullness of time I shall read it or perhaps just take it over to... Read more
Published 15 months ago by maryb
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