War Brides: The Stories of the Women Who Left Everything Behind to Follow the Men They Loved.

The Second World War is probably one of the most storied wars in history. There are uncounted fiction and nonfiction tales that cover almost every aspect, from the camaraderie of the soldiers to the horrors of the Nazi death camps. One set of stories, however, receives shorter shift—that of the British, and other European, War Brides who came back to Canada following the end of the war. Melynda Jarratt attempts to remedy this discrepancy in War Brides: The Stories of the Women Who Left Everything Behind to Follow the Men They Loved.

Drawing from archival documents, personal correspondence, and first-hand accounts, Jarratt relates over 40 different stories. The book is divided geographically, starting with the War Brides who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia and remained in the Maritimes, and then moves west towards British Columbia. Also included are the tales of the War Widows, women who lost their husbands during the war but were extended the opportunity to come to Canada; war Fiancés, whose solider fiancés were repatriated before they could marry; women who had the opportunity to meet their Canadian husbands as conscripted members of the armed services (a first for women in British history); and even a few stories of War Brides from the First World War.

Jarratt provides a wonderful glimpse into the minds of these strong women, who not only left their friends and family but also their country, for love. Much to the author’s credit, she does not shy away from telling the stories without happy endings. Although many War Brides came to Canada and thrived, some struggled with culture and language differences, and husbands so scarred by the war they were no longer recognizable. Included are many photographs of the unions described in the book. They add a delightful touch to the stories and allow the reader to become even more immersed in these compelling tales. Jarratt’s prose ensures that the voices of the War Brides are clearly heard throughout the narrative. It is those voices that will have readers coming back for more.